One of the greates instructional books ever.

[Tom Ellis]

Hey everyone. Firstly, apologies if this has been mentioned before, but I couldn't find a thread on it and I feel it is well worthy of it's own thread.

I just picked up this:

http://www.amazon.com/ZBrush-Digital-Sculpting-Human-Anatomy/dp/0470450266/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1271357123&sr=8-3

It is absolutely incredible. I just went through the first few chapters and video sessions and I couldn't believe just how good it is.

While ZBrush is in the title, it's not really a ZBrush instructional, but I bought it for the anatomy learning and in that regard it is just awesome.

The chapters are detailed and the accompanying videos (most of which are in real time and not like 400% speed or something) have a narrative done by Scott where he explains in detail which parts he's sculpting, how they fit together etc.

What I like about it is that it is focused more on the actual anatomy than the ZBrush tools and method. So rather than saying something like 'use this brush to sculpt a line here and here' he actually explains the muscles in question and the kind of shapes you should achieve. There's also some really helpful 'ecorche' (sp) shots in the book which have been done in ZBrush to give a real clear idea of the anatomical structures.

I just can't say enough good things about it, if you're at all into sculpting/drawing characters or just want to brush up your anatomy knowledge, you have to check this book out!

[tommywomble]

Yeah , me and a few friends all bought this, it's really good :D, his other book is very good too.

[crazyfool]

Scott Spencers the man!!!! :) his books are always brilliant. I got this when it first came out and love it, the only thing is they should rename it 'Male Anatomy', I hope he tries to tackle the female form in his next book.

[Tom Ellis]

Scott Spencers the man!!!! :) his books are always brilliant. I got this when it first came out and love it, the only thing is they should rename it 'Male Anatomy', I hope he tries to tackle the female form in his next book.

Yeah good point, I might email him to tell him how good it is and suggest that. He gives his email in the book and encourages feedback so hopefully he may well get round to doing a female version.

[DarthNater]

Never saw that book but looks interesting. Another good title:

http://www.bookdepository.com/book/9783833145513/Human-Anatomy-for-Artists

I picked that up in the bargain shelves at borders for 5 dollars. It's more geared toward drawing, but it's huge and the illustrations are very detailed.

[crazyfool]

I would love selwy to make a book on anatomy
http://www.selwy.com/

got to be one of my favs :D

[MattQ86]

I always see that book advertised when I look up anything about Zbrush. Good to know it's worth the price.

As far as anatomy lessons go Zack Petroc (http://www.zackpetroc.com/)'s skeleton and muscles ztool is pricey but worth it. $40 for the most useful anatomy reference you can get without grave-robbing.

[oXYnary]

fwiw: If your on a budget. it's available online: (http://tinyurl.com/y7ml7d8)

[Tom Ellis]

Ah nice find oXYnary, should be a good way to see just how good it is too. Try before you buy so to speak.

I highly recommend getting the retail copy though, the DVD is well worth it.

[East]

I had a look at a colleague's copy earlier and was pleasantly surprised. I mean, with a quick glance at the cover (yeah, cover, judgment, etc) it doesn't look like what's inside is going to teach you much good about anatomy, but there seems to be a lot of useful stuff inside, so I might consider buying myself my own copy..