I start with the image I want to have created as a 3D mesh.

I chose this image because it would probably take a few hours to create a model of it using conventional methods—and more time to texture it. I begin in Photoshop with the image. I isolate what I want to make into the mesh, as if I’m making a silhouette of the shape, using a selection tool. Once the dream catcher is selected, I copy it to another layer (see Figure 7.2).

Figure 7.2. Isolate the image with Photoshop.

I load that new layer as a selection (by holding the Ctrl/Cmd key on that layer in the Layer menu) and make a new layer above the copied layer. I fill the silhouette selection of the dream catcher with black and begin to rough in its shape with a soft white brush. What I am making here is a rough “height map” of the dream catcher.

This does not need to be too detailed, because my texture map will drive most of the detail on this model anyway. I just want the general shape here. I drop the opacity of this layer to about 60% so I can see the detail of the original image below. I save this out as a JPG and name it (see Figure 7.3).

Figure 7.3. Make a rough “height map” of the image.

Moving to ZBrush, I start by loading Plane 3D. I make sure I am in Edit mode and then convert the image to a polymesh by using the Make PolyMesh3d button. Next, I use the ZPlugin UV Master to give the image UV coordinates. Then I subdivide the polymeshed Plane 3D. High res is necessary here to drive the detail in the mesh I will be creating; I go to about 4 million polys (see Figure 7.4).

Figure 7.4. Move the image to ZBrush and load Plane 3D.

I load the JPG I made of the “height map” version of the dream catcher as an alpha. Now in the Masking menu, I choose Mask by Alpha. The alpha appears on the plane. I go to Deformation, turn the plane a bit so I can see the effect, and increase the Inflat setting. My dream catcher shape pokes out of the plane (see Figure 7.5).

Figure 7.5. Choose Mask by Alpha.

I clear the mask and create a new one, but first I make my UV map 4096 so I have high detail to work from. I choose Mask by Cavity and then Create Alpha (see Figure 7.6).

Figure 7.6. Choose Mask by Cavity and then Create Alpha.

I export that alpha. In Photoshop, it’s easy to select all the areas where the mesh isn’t and fill them with black, and fill the areas where the mesh is with white (see Figure 7.7).

Figure 7.7. Export the alpha and in Photoshop fill selected areas.

I save and load this image into ZBrush as a new alpha. In the Masking menu, I use Mask by Alpha, Inverse. Next, in the Visibility menu, I select HidePt. I’m left with just my dream catcher (see Figure 7.8). It’s one sided, so I’m going to fix it.

Figure 7.8. One-sided image.

I need to delete the geometry I have hidden. Under the Geometry menu, use Del Lower and then Del Hidden to get rid of the hidden mesh. In that same panel, I use Mirror and Weld set to Z only. My dream catcher now has a backside. Next, I import the original color texture, go to the Texture Map menu, and turn Texture On (see Figure 7.9).

Figure 7.9. Delete the geometry and import the original color texture.

I select my imported map, and bingo bongo I have a fully textured model in a matter of minutes. I clean up any jagged geometry using Deformation/Polish. I recommend loading the original color file in SpotLight to clean up any textures (see Figure 7.10).

Figure 7.10. Select the imported map. You now have a fully textured model!