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WHAT EXACTLY IS ZBRUSH?
To label ZBrush as `just another paint package' would be criminal. It has layers, native materials, real-time rendering, modelling features, texturing, alpha capabilities and so much more. It's all contained in an inviting interface that looks like nothing else on the market today. ZBrush has been compared to Amorphium but that is because is such an original application it is very difficult to find a comparison. Innovative graphic applications are few and far between but ZBrush brings a fresh new feel to the arena. The basic concept is simple: build a model, add a texture or colour, add a material, stamp it (`snapshot`) it into the background, add some light and render. Nothing new there then? Wrong! The new thing is PIXOL technology!
PIXOL POWER
Pixol technology gives each pixel depth, material and colour. Even after you snapshot an object into an image, the material can be modified: depth can be painted on with any number of 3D brushes (or even an alpha brush of your own making). You don't even need to build objects; you can paint directly onto the canvas as if adding virtual paint.
MODELLING
The Tool Palette contains a wide variety of primitive shapes and 3D Brush tools. In here you can begin see the power of ZBrush as a modeller. A basic 3D sphere can by selected and placed into the document window. Change the default mesh resolution up to 512x256 allowing incredibly detailed features to be added. You can switch symmetry "on" to further reduce modelling time and then push, pull, indent, scale and rotate all in real time. The Draw Panel allows you to reduce the amount of effect on the object with a simple intensity slider. Before you know it, you can fashion almost anything. Add to that the ability to import DXFs and OBJs using the PolyMesh3D tool (a little star in the tool panel) and a similar export feature and you have a modelling tool to take notice of. One handy feature is the ability to CTRL+Click the drop down panels that you use the most and have them arranged across the top of the document window. This can help the new user who can quickly become bogged down with the number of menus and submenus.
MATERIALS AND TEXTURES
		The Material Palette lets you modify the pre-made materials. You can affect specularity (shininess), bump, reflectivity and transparency using sliders with an accompanying graph
. The power is hidden in the graph windows and you need to invest time in trying combinations. You can save your creation and reload it back into another material slot, allowing you to make tiny changes to it, giving subtle transitions. Textures can be imported and combined with materials allowing endless possibilities.
MODELLING, LIGHTING, RENDERING and POST-RENDERING
		So you can model, sculpt and move your model, add material and textures? So what's different there? Unlike a more traditional 3D application, once you snapshot a model into the document window in ZBrush, it is broken down into its individual Pixols.
This allows you to further edit the image on a Pixol-by-Pixol basis using any of the 'brush' type tools. This is where the artistic freedom of Pixol-based editing tools allows you to enhance the details already put in with your modelling and texturing skills. A copy of the 3D object is retained in the tool palette and can be used for further editing or placement within the canvas area. Lights can be applied and modified at any time. The lighting panel includes sun, point, spot and glow lights. Each of these lights can be coloured and made to cast shadows of varying length and intensity. The scene can also be illuminated by a global diffuse or specular bitmap images cresting weird and wonderful effects.
ZSCRIPT
Version 1.2 brought ZScript to the software and 1.23 now builds on that. ZScript is a text-based scripting language that can be executed from within ZBrush. The initial document window gives clear guidelines about starting out using ZBrush and encourages you to take the `quick tour`. This is, in reality, a ZScript that will launch you into an interactive voyage around the interface, taking you to some of the more common buttons and drop down menus. When it wants you to look at a feature it makes it flash orange, drawing your attention to that feature. These tutorial scripts are only an introduction to the potential uses of ZScripts. If you wish to share a ZTool (ZTL is the native model format) you can `record` the session where you create the model and send that as a text file, saving on large downloads and of course, time. When the recipient opens and runs the ZScript it repeats everything that you recorded and leaves the user with the finished model in the document window.
VERDICT:

ZBrush is a unique piece of graphics software. It's fast, fun and it gives instant results in real time. The program has been designed with the creative person in mind, allowing you to concentrate on creating great art and not get sidetracked by the interface. Pixologic haven't re-invented the interface; they have simply made it effective and pleasant to work with. The first time user may be a little daunted by the amount of menu options available, however with a little experimentation these soon become very accessible. Earlier versions of ZBrush were supported with an online manual in PDF format: This is one area that needs to be improved in future versions and users would benefit form a comprehensive `paper` reference manual. The software is well supported on the web with a large community of ZBrush users contributing to ZBrush Central, Pixologics online forum ZBrush Central. ZBrush is a wonderful new addition to the digital artist's toolbox and only at version 1.2, it is very well constructed and stable. I am sure it will grow for each upgrade and become a 'must have' tool for both 2D illustrators and professional 3D artists.

ZBrush is available online at www.zbrush.com for a special introductory price of $292 (50%), Ł200 for a limited time. Purchasing now gives free upgrades up to and including version 1.5 Available from Pixologic at http://www.pixologic.com , http://www.zbrush.com Minimum spec: Windows 95/98/ME/2000/NT4, 233MHZ Pentium Processor, 64MB RAM, 1024x768 display with 16 bit colour Mac OS 8.6, PowerMac G3 or iMac, 64MB RAM, 800x600 display with 16 bit colour
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