Novice Questions - High Poly Modelling

[Nuttbusta]

G'day All,

I'm quite new to 3d art and design and I have been focusing on low-poly modelling mainly in 3DS

As I grow and my modelling gets better I'm starting to add more detail to my work.

I wanted to ask some gurus about their workflow for creating highly detailed models/scenes?

What is the process? Does everything start out low-poly? Then imported into something like zbrush for adding detail?

How much transformation/changes are done on the high-detail models? Or is it all done on the low-poly, then a mesh-smooth or NURMS applied?

Any information, direction or sledging appreciated

Cheers.

[Tjakalen]

There are of course many paths to take, many prefer to create high poly in programs like Z-brush altogether and then do retopo to arrive at a model suitable for rigging, UV's etc.

Another approach is to build a high poly mesh inside your main package and use programs like mudbox or zbrush to detail it. When you build high poly you build a underlying relatively low poly mesh that you run a 2x MeshSmooth on top. When you build high poly this way you use the minimum of polygons necessary to form the curve you need.

Now days you have lots of options. What methods you end up using depends much on what you're trying to model and personal preferences in how you do things.