Learning ZBrush on the iPad and desktop.
Most 3D generalists will tell you that modelling isn't their strong point. Whilst I'm comfortable with modelling, I know it's an area I need to develop further. I've always wanted to create more organic creations but box modelling them can be tedious. Years ago, when I was working at a London agency, I tried Cinema 4D's sculpting tools and, although I enjoyed it, it wasn't great. ZBrush was always the ultimate goal but I was always too scared to try it.
Dipping My Toes into ZBrush (and Not Drowning).
ZBrush has always intimidated me — especially the full desktop version. That initial UI is absolutely terrifying, and for years, it honestly kept me away. But recently, I decided to try the iPad version of ZRbush, and to my surprise… it actually clicked. It honestly felt like love at first sight and I found myself playing around with it on a daily basis.
A Surprisingly Natural Start.
While some of my early sculpts looked like rejected creatures from a Roger Corman B-movie, there was something really satisfying about working in 3D space with just my fingers and a stylus. Within a few weeks, my creations started to feel more intentional. Not perfect — but definitely moving in the right direction.
What surprised me most was how intuitive and creative the experience felt. Despite the learning curve (and there’s definitely one), sculpting quickly became a relaxing, end-of-day habit. I’d throw on a TV show and just lose time shaping forms and playing with character ideas. It felt more like drawing than working in 3D.
Getting Comfortable with the Medium.
Of course, there’s still a lot to learn — especially around workflow and exporting. I know that if I want to use ZBrush in live projects (especially bringing assets into C4D for rigging), I’ll need to dive deeper into topology, retopologising, and clean geometry.
But as a creative tool, it’s already become something I look forward to using weekly. It’s tactile, it’s expressive, and it scratches a different itch from motion or design work.
What's next.
The dream? To build a set of stylised 3D characters, rig them in Cinema 4D, and maybe even animate short loops or vignettes with them. I’ve got a few rough ideas and sketches already — so I’ll keep exploring. For now, it’s just nice to be learning a new tool that doesn’t feel like work.
Get in touch.
Do you have a project you'd like to discuss?
I’d love to hear all about it.