Kit Bashing in Zbrush is the process of taking existing models or geometry and combining it together to create a final piece of art. This method is commonly used with 3d art as it allows you to quickly iterate and concept out ideas.
Zbrush naturally lends itself to allowing the possibility of Kit Bashing. It almost seamlessly allows you to insert meshes or geometry through the use of IMM, VDM and Alphas with ease.
In this article we will discuss exactly what Kitbashing is when it comes to Zbrush and how you can take advantage of the various functions Zbrush has to get results quick.
What is Kit Bashing in Zbrush
As I have mentioned Kit Bashing is the process of combining multiple models, geometry or alphas together to create a new finished model.
In Zbrush this is commonly achieved through the use of 3 different methods these include IMM (Insert Multi Mesh) brushes, VDMs (Vector Displacement Maps) and Alphas.
A good example of this would be for creating a face. You could have a set of IMM brushes for eyes, a set for ears, a set for mouths and a set for noses. You can pick and chooses which to use on your model to very quickly concept a face. Then after that say you want to change some of it you can go in and sculpt over to add extra detail to a nose or even change its shape.
This can greatly decrease the time to create models as you don’t have to model everything from scratch.
What are IMM Brushes.
IMM Brushes are simply a complete model you can stick onto an existing subtool in Zbrush. For instance the ear I have used below.
These don’t weld to the mesh. A good example would be a screw. You could add a screw to a mesh to give the perception it is part of the model, but in reality it’s not and will have geometry underneath the surface.
This can be an advantage and disadvantage. You can easily manipulate the screw, move it or add wear, without affecting the rest of the model. However if you want to blend the screw with the rest of the tool you will have to retopologize.
(An easy way around this is to Dynamesh the Subtool and it will merge touching geometry and remove hidden.)
What is a VDM
A VDM acts very similar to a IMM brush. It can add in geometry very similar to a IMM brush but the biggest difference is it forms part of the mesh.
For example the below was created using only a VDM and a sphere. The shape it was able to get and the seamless blending into the sphere make it a really valuable tool.
While in some cases its more convenient its not as easy to move geometry to iterate like you can with a IMM brush. Once you use a VDM the only way to remove it is to clip or smooth, where as a IMM can be moved around with ease.
What is a Alpha
A Alpha is very similar to a VDM. It is simply a pattern you can apply to a brush to affect the way it sculpts. While Alphas can create similar effects as VDM their biggest difference is they don’t allow any overhang. For example you could have an Alpha that can paint on scales or apply scratches to metal, however it couldn’t replicate the shape of a mushroom with a cap like a VDM brush could.
Advantages of Kitbashing
The biggest advantage of Kit Bashing is you can iterate very quickly to concept out a piece of work. I highly recommend you check out this video from John Mahoney on the Pixologic Youtube Channel. I think it really demonstrates its potential.
Its a great way to get ideas out quick. Sculpting each piece can vastly slow down your creative juices. Not to mention if it doesn’t work out you have not wasted precious time sculpting. Something that is important to me while juggling work and family commitments.
Best of all because of the way Zbrush works you can then go in and sculpt over existing geometry to perfect your model.
Overall from personal experience its just a much faster way to work.
Disadvantages of Kitbashing
The biggest disadvantage of Kit Bashing you will come across is you just never have enough of them to use.
Some people would argue that it makes you skip on learning the fundamentals of sculpting. From personal experience I’ve found the opposite. Kit Bashing and then sculpting over has helped improve my finer attention to detail as it helps me visualise easier.
Is Kit Bashing Cheating
No!!! I personally think this perception comes from the fact when you begin 3d modelling and sculpting you usually do everything from scratch. Its a hard habit to shake.
I relate this to using different brushes. You use the tools you can get your hands on to make the process easier. For me efficiency is everything.
Where to Get IMMs, VDMs and Alphas
Fortunately you can find VDMs, IMMs and Alphas everywhere. A lot of online model stores sell them. The brushes I used in this post came from Paul Scott on the Flipped Normals Marketplace their library is constantly growing and curated which is a bonus.
Or if your content to stick with the stock ones shipped with Zbrush I hope this article has at least encouraged you to give them a go. Or better yet its possible make them yourself to speed up your workflow.
Conclusion
Kit Bashing is an extremely useful technique one I’d highly recommend everyone use. Yes you cant claim you didn’t everything from scratch but people only care about the end results. There is no medal for not using them so why not.
Jump in today give them a chance I promise you wont regret it.