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Fine Arts · MS elective · 3 credit hours · 16 sessions

Digital Sculpture

“Digital Clay” allows for infinite revision and detail. This course utilizes software like ZBrush or Mudbox to sculpt organic characters and creatures. Unlike traditional modeling, this workflow mimics working with real clay. Students will focus on anatomy, high-frequency detailing (pores, scales), and the pipeline of converting high-poly sculpts into game-ready assets or 3D prints.

§ 01 By the end you can
  1. Master the digital sculpting interface (ZBrush/Mudbox) and tablet control
  2. Understand "DynaMesh" and "Subdivision" workflows
  3. Sculpt realistic anatomy and drapery (clothing folds)
  4. Create high-frequency details using Alphas and Noise
  5. Prepare models for output: Retopology, UVs, and 3D Printing keys
§ 02 Sixteen sessions

The whole semester.

  1. 01Introduction to Digital Clay: Brushes & Navigation
  2. 02Blocking Out: Primary Shapes & Silhouette
  3. 03Anatomy Study: The Torso & Limbs
  4. 04The Portrait: Skull Structure & Planes
  5. 05Facial Features: Eyes, Nose, Mouth
  6. 06Creature Design: Hybrid Anatomy
  7. 07Clothing & Drapery: Tension Points
  8. 08 · MidtermMidterm Examination
  9. 09Sculpting Accessories & Hard Surface
  10. 10Micro-Detailing: Skin Pores & Wrinkles
  11. 11Polypainting: Adding Color to Sculpt
  12. 12Retopology: Creating Clean Mesh Flow
  13. 13UV Mapping & Baking Normal Maps
  14. 14Posing: Transpose Master
  15. 15Preparing for 3D Print: Decimation & Keying
  16. 16Final Project: The Hero Character/Creature

Midterm around session 8. Final project briefed at session 8 or 9 and developed in stages until the juries.

§ 03 Final project

Final Project: The Hero Character/Creature

How it’s judged

Recommended reading
  1. Beginner's Guide to ZBrush by 3dtotal Publishing
  2. Anatomy for Sculptors by Uldis Zarins
  3. ZBrush Digital Sculpting Human Anatomy by Scott Spencer
  4. Digital Modeling by William Vaughan
  5. Form of the Head and Neck by Uldis Zarins
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