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Dynamic Illustration Techniques Using ZBrush, Photoshop & Painter

From Concept to ZBrush to Final Illustration With Mike Thompson

Description

When it comes to creating dynamic illustrations for clients such as Nike, Marvel, and Warner Bros., Mike Thompson is an industry expert. This insightful workshop takes you on a complete journey through his creative process, from choosing an exciting concept art (kindly provided by Cameron Davis) through the steps he takes to create a 3D model before tackling a final paint-over ready for client presentation.


Follow Mike’s complete process: From selecting an existing 2D concept through creating a digital maquette in ZBrush, and discover how he generates BPR renders to then composite those together in Photoshop to create the optimal base for a painting. He handles the final paint-over process using his preferred painting software, Corel Painter.


The process taught in this workshop details the workflow that Mike uses when creating dynamic package art and poster design for his clients. He thoughtfully details everything from his reference collection process and explains his entire sculpting process during the course of the workshop. For inspiring tips and tricks to add to your sculpting and painting arsenal, this is a must-see workshop.


Duration: 3h 03m

Format: HD 1920x1080

Mike Thompson

Freelance Sculptor & Illustrator at Mike T Artworks INC & Stylus League

Michael Thompson is a Senior Character Artist at ZeniMax Online Studios and the founder of Mike T Artworks LLC, where he works as a freelance sculptor and illustrator.


With over thirty years of industry experience, Michael is an award-winning artist whose illustrations have appeared in books, video game covers, movie posters, and toy packaging. His clients include Marvel, Hasbro, Dimension Films, Cartoon Network, and Warner Bros.


His commercial work extends to major advertising campaigns for Infiniti Motors and Coca-Cola, and he has earned two Clio Awards for his contributions to Hidden Figures and Deadpool 2.


In addition to illustration, Michael is a highly sought-after digital sculptor, creating collectible and production-ready pieces for clients such as Sideshow Collectibles, Reel FX, and Nike. His combined expertise in illustration and sculpting allows him to bring characters to life across multiple media.

  • I’ve worked with Mike on various projects throughout the years, and his attention to detail still astonishes me. It’s nice to work with an illustrator that gets genuinely excited about the projects he is working on. His amazing body of work is a testament to this, and his art definitely speaks for itself. I will say, however, that what I like the most about working with Mike is his easy-going personality, professionalism, and willingness to get the job done.

    - Ricardo Komba Mireles
    Associate Creative Director at Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation

  • Mike is an incredible talent; I have hired him to work on numerous original illustrations, and each time I've worked with him, he stretches the boundaries of his creativity a little bit more. In addition to his creative talent, he is really detail-oriented, manages his time very well, and is a dream to collaborate with.

    - Davina Lennard-Alladice
    Senior Product Design Manager at Spotify

  • To say that Mike is talented is quite the understatement. Although already well known for his vivid urban illustrations, Mike is not a one-trick pony. His uncanny ability to capture the likeness of his subjects is quite the talent. But his ability to capture the very essence and soul of his subject is startling. A gift that keeps you coming back to view his paintings. It's just a matter of time before the world knows this master by name.

    - Cesar Dacol Jr.
    Creature Supervisor at WEFX