Learn How to Sculpt Detailed Samurai Frog in ZBrush for 3D Printing

Introduction 

Hi everyone, my name is Julio Benavides, and I am known as Benavidmark. I have more than six years of experience working in the digital industry as a 3D modeler for movies and 3D printing. My specialty is modeling characters, creatures, hard surfaces, and props. In my film experience, I had the fortune to work on the series One Piece, The Walking Dead, and The Night Agent, among others.

Samurai Frog 

For this project, I intended to create something that could have a great deal of detail since this project was created to test an XP-PPEN Artist 19 Pro (Gen2) tablet, looking to create something that would push the tablet to the maximum to test it hard. The best way to test is inside ZBrush, the best software for 3D sculptors.

I drew my inspiration from the enchanting world of fantasy characters and creatures, and that’s how this samurai frog came to life. I hope it resonates with you as much as it did with me!

This whole project was thought for 3D printing because it contains a lot of details, I was dying to see this piece in real life, the first print was by Phrozen 3D (leaders in the 3D printing industry), the second print was by Passiverex Statues, a studio that specializes in printing and painting statues, it is a very great option for collectors that want a very beauty final 3D printing for collection of your sculptures. 

The project was a great challenge at the time of cutting for printing because the statue, the cadets, and the accessories on the chest are not fixed and are hung naturally, which adds extra detail to this project and generates a great result in the final print, as it did not lose any detail of the digital version.

The whole project took me approximately 2 to 3 weeks to complete, and I modified the design as I progressed in the project. Initially, it would be a cowboy frog who ended up traveling the world to take the part of the samurai and embark on their missions around the world.

I think the best advice I can give now when AI is replacing the art with cheaper machines, is that if you love this, fight to go ahead. In the end, in this struggle that is being waged between real artists and writers of AI prompts, we are the ones who can leave a mark in this world because everything carries art, carries design, just look inside your house –every product, every toy, every commercial and television series, was created by people who are passionate about this world, in which we can transmit emotions to the people around us.

Never stop dreaming.

References

This is the most important step before starting a new artwork because realistic references and illustrations can provide great ideas and real details for inspiration.

For this reason, I always recommend researching as much as possible about the subject you want to create, convey, and model correctly, depending on your intention in 3D art.

Body

Designed specifically for 3D printing, this frog model prioritizes detail in the visible areas, while the hidden portions were simplified to streamline the printing process. Since a large part of the body would not be visible, I focused on detailing the areas that would stand out the most in the final result. By prioritizing the visible elements, the model’s hidden sections were simplified, ensuring both a stunning and efficient 3D print.

For the body, I used ZSpheres inside ZBrush, converted them into DynaMesh, and added some details to refine the base shape for this statue. Once the base shape was established, I proceeded with ZRemesher using polygroups and then returned to add more details.

Marvelous Designer

Once the 3D model was posed, I used Marvelous Designer to bring it to life with realistic clothing. Whether designing intricate historical costumes or modern streetwear, Marvelous Designer offers the flexibility and control needed to realize your creative vision.

I carefully crafted each garment, from the detailed boots to the layered clothing, using a variety of patterns and textures. By meticulously adjusting the clothing and experimenting with different styles, I achieved the perfect look for my character.

Once the clothing is created, it is exported to ZBrush and then detailed according to the desired textures for the character.

Head

To achieve detailed facial features, I began by sculpting the base form in DynaMesh within ZBrush. To optimize the mesh for further sculpting, I converted it to ZRemesher, allowing me to create specific polygroups for each facial feature. By applying ZRemesher again and increasing the subdivision levels, I was able to add fine details, refine the overall shape of the face, and prepare it for 3D printing.

Hands

The steps for creating the hands are very simple but somewhat complex if you want to generate a good mesh for sculpting. The first step is to create some blocks that simulate the fingers. Then, I apply a DynaMesh with a not-so-low resolution. Next, I apply a ZRemesher while keeping the polygroups activated, then proceed to sculpt a little. After that, I apply another ZRemesher. This method generates forms with a friendly topology, allowing me to sculpt while maintaining good topology in the object.

This is how the hand was created. Once the final base shape is achieved, I proceed to apply subdivisions to the model to add details, obtaining this result – all inside ZBrush.

Armor

Each armor piece was meticulously crafted, beginning with an extraction from the main model. ZRemesher was used to refine the mesh, preparing it for the delicate touch of the ZModeler brush.

With precise strokes, intricate details were added – transforming the armor into a masterpiece. Finally, UV maps were generated, ready to be adorned with a variety of textures, bringing the armor to life with a stunning visual impact.

3D Printing

To prepare the model for 3D printing, Boolean operations were employed inside ZBrush to isolate specific sections. These sections were cut, decimated, and then exported as individual files for printing.

Conclusion

In the end, what I can say about my experience using this new XP-PEN tablet is that it works quite well. Besides having a 4K screen, I can say that it is perfect. The downside is that they sell the tablet stand separately. Aside from that, I can say that the quality of their pens and the mini keyboard greatly help speed up the 3D modeling process. In my case, while creating this frog, I could personally feel the benefits of using this brand for my work.

You can also unleash the samurai frog power within your 3D printer! Grab my meticulously crafted Samurai Frog 3D model and bring this fearsome warrior to life. Every scale, every sword stroke, and every detail is ready to be transformed into a tangible masterpiece.

Find the full artwork on ArtStation and don't miss this opportunity to own a piece of digital artistry. Purchase your model today on Gumroad and embark on an epic 3D printing adventure.

Subscribe to my YouTube channel to stay updated on my next project – a ZBrush and Maya hard surface tutorial.

Julio Benavides, Character Modeler

Interview conducted by Gloria Levine