Today I spent about 4 hours on the sculpt. I could have started with a old base mesh but I wanted to start from scratch to show the full process.
I used reference from 3D.SK as well as a two anatomy figures from 3D Total of the male figure which I bought from the Kickstarter when they were first published. I have a solid understanding of anatomy, however I refer to the anatomy figures or reference to help create my own base. In the end reference will help create more realistic work.
Here below you can see i began initially with a 3d.sk model in zbrush in the back and side view, and drew a zsphere skeleton, which I converted to polys to shape more, divided, and sculpted away more until I felt the general proportions were working.
I have used this method many times in studios when they need a fast output of characters, producing with Zspheres anything required in the concept and can test the scale and proportions before creating the smaller details. it also allows the concept artists and Leads to check the work throughout to be sure you can nail the concept quickly.
I feel there is still some areas of improvement, and I want to reduce the cavitys in areas when adding the smaller details, but for tonight im happy with the progress.