Blarb, Southern could you do a sum of a walkthrough on this image? I see a lot of complex elements that really go beyond 3d use, how much of this model is painted?..
Thanks, I really like this work. A shaolin monk gone future tech? But keeping traditional appearances. Brilliant.
Gummie: I don’t know what BLARB means but I’ll try to answer you.
Nearly all of this images is painted rather that modeled. I sketch the basic outline onto a blank document in Z and started to block in colour much like I would do in any 2D program. When I was happy with the layout I detailed the head, orange sleeves, parts of the legs and hands. I saved it out as a PSD and did some PS filter work on the shoulder pads. I wanted to use PS layers to do the stitching area. Back to Z I added bits and bobs of 3D stuff like the back pack, ear piece, small gun etc. Flatened it onto a 2D plane and did some shading enhancer work, highlighter brush etc. Rendered it to get s bit of shadow effect then exproted it to PS. I did some touch up in ps abd moved soem of the 3D articles around a bit (like the pipes). Back in Z, added the buckles, straps etc…loads of smudging etc.
I did the background in Z on its own. Loads of messing, smudging, highlighter brush work for the fire effect. Then composited it and the Monk in PS. Post work in PS and that was it.
I note with interest that you ask a similar question in Z-Stevies thread here.
Z-Stevies latest image
Are you a 3D purist? For me, 2D work is just as valid as 3D and ZBrush combines the two for me. ZStevies hair in that image would have been created using a variation of smudging techniques (I presume). The amazing thing with ZB is that you can smudge in 3D as well as 2D.
I quickly broke down the Monk image to show you 2D vs 3D. Red is 2D Green was modeled and added to the image.
And this one was Painter not PS. Teeth and eyes modeled in 3D.
sorry glen but that tex file you uploaded doesnt seem to work correctly… can you please reload the tex.
jj. Will do. 2 minutes.
g
I put it in a ZIP. I tried it from the download link and it works now.
Cheers,
Glen
BLARB=Oh wow, what can you say to that… 
I really appreciate the prompt digression. That answers a lot of my questions about the composition, Glen. I am not a 3D purist, but I find it sometimes at odds to deduce which and where something is painted on model, or 2D painted. I know that Marcel achieves a lot of his wave bending effects using a model as a base so it really makes me scratch my head sometimes.
My background: several years of drawing comic book panels/characters note: of the atypical male hero. Result: ability to closely and sometimes even enhance the reproduction of an image. ResultB: Complete inability of such skill on my own.
So right now I’m trying to figure out what I’m getting into, I tend to be hesitant with all 3D or all 2D because I’m not a specialist in either. A good 2D image, for me outranks the 3D field because it is largely more appealing and engaging as an art flare but the possibilities of combining Michelangelo’s sculpting with his painting are “classic”.
However, my initial attempts at combining Zbrush’s unique features have not been all lackluster, so there is still hope. Until my wacom pen gets back from the factory, I’m going to try to soak up on some knowledge.
Thanks for the smudging script. Tis very daring, shows you have spent much practice in the medium. I largely think of the Undo button as my third wheel. 
All in all, I think I’ve gleaned a lot, I’m sure this tutorial will come in helpful to others as well although I can really appreciate the quality of your work. 
