How to Make Hair Cards in ZBrush

Creating hair cards in ZBrush is an essential skill for any 3D artist looking to add realism and detail to character models. This step-by-step guide outlines the process of producing realistic hair cards, from initial setup to final adjustments.

Initial Setup and Preparation

Before diving into hair card creation, prepare your character model appropriately. Ensure that your model is clean and well-detailed, as this will serve as the foundation for the hair. Start by choosing the appropriate subdivision level for your character—typically, a higher level allows for more detailed hair placement and styling.

Defining the Hair Zone

Identify and isolate the area where the hair will be placed. Using ZBrush’s polygroup functionality can be beneficial here. Assign a distinct polygroup to the scalp region; this distinction will make it easier to work with hair cards later on.

1. Select the polygroup brush: Choose the Group Masked option to create a new polygroup on the scalp.
2. Mask the hair area: Simply mask the area where you want the hair cards to be placed and then click Group Masked to create the new polygroup.

Creating Hair Strands

Now that the scalp area is defined, you can start creating individual hair strands. Using ZBrush’s FiberMesh feature is an effective way to generate these strands.

1. Activate FiberMesh: Go to the FiberMesh panel and adjust the basic settings.
2. Adjust Length and Width: Modify parameters such as the length and width according to your hair design. A good starting point is to set lengths longer than expected to give yourself extra room to work with.
3. Generate Fibers: Click on Preview to generate the strands. You can adjust various settings, such as Coverage and Density, to create the desired look.

Styling the Hair

Once you have the hair strands generated, it’s time to style them for realism.

1. Use the Move Brush: Apply the Move brush to change the direction of the hair. You can manipulate individual strands to flow naturally, mimicking how hair behaves in real life.
2. Clumping and Separating: Utilize the Clumping settings within the FiberMesh options to group hairs together and give them a more organic feel. Alternatively, separate strands where necessary for added realism.

Converting FiberMesh to Polygroups

To transform the FiberMesh into editable geometry, it’s essential to convert it through a few simple steps.

1. Select the generated FiberMesh: While in the FiberMesh settings, ensure your strands are selected.
2. Convert to Polygroups: Use the Convert option to change your FiberMesh strands into polygons. You’ll now be able to manipulate them more freely to fit your character model.

Texturing the Hair Cards

Now that the hair strands exist as polygroups, it’s important to texture them effectively to achieve a realistic look.

1. Select Hair Material: Choose a suitable material for the hair that reflects light realistically. You may create a custom material that mimics the highlights and shadows typically found in hair.
2. Add Color and Variation: Using the Polygroups panel, assign different colors to various parts of the hair. This variety can instill life in the hair with highlights, lowlights, and color variations.

Final Adjustments and Rendering

The final step involves making minor tweaks and preparing the hair cards for rendering.

1. Inspect and Adjust: Rotate around your character model to inspect the hair from different angles. Adjust any strands that appear out of place.
2. Set Up for Rendering: Ensure that your lights and shadows are optimized in ZBrush or any other rendering engine you plan on using for final output. Pay attention to the placement of lights to give depth and realism to the hair.

FAQ

What is the advantage of creating hair cards over using mesh hair?
Creating hair cards allows for greater control over the strands and their appearance, enabling more natural movements and better adaptation to lighting conditions compared to traditional mesh hair.

Can I use the same techniques for different character types?
Yes, the techniques used for creating hair cards can be adapted for various character types, whether they are humanoid or fantastical creatures, allowing for diverse styling options.

How can I ensure that my hair cards look realistic?
Focusing on the flow and density of the hair, utilizing color variations, and adjusting the lighting properly will significantly enhance the realism of your hair cards. Consistently referencing real-life hair can also provide insight into achieving a natural look.