Painting the Interdimensional Traveler - ZBrush Creature Design: Creating Dynamic Concept Imagery for Film and Games - page 256

7. Lastly Shift-select all the backdrop layers (the adjustment layer and the backdrop itself) and press Ctrl
+ G to group them together. Name this group “Backdrop.” This will just make it easier to navigate and
manage your document by keeping the layers organized.
The final effect should be a gradual falloff to dark. You can adjust the rate and the direction of the falloff
by adjusting which direction you draw the gradient line and how far it extends. Longer gradient lines create
a more gradual falloff. Remember that this approach gives you far more control than a simple gradient back-
drop. If you prefer a more simple approach, you may use it, but be aware we will need to use and understand
Layer masks and adjustment layers for the lighting effects we paint later in this chapter.
Adjust Specular and Collapse Layers
So far we have been combining the render passes from ZBrush into a suitable base upon which to add color
and texture. When we have that image, we will hide the original working layers to keep the document as
simple as possible. In this section, we will adjust the specular and add the rim light layer before collapsing
into a simpler set of working layers.