Texture tips
Think about how your object would age in real life. Will it be regular contact with humans? Will the contact leave traces…wearing away paint? Would there be areas that have worn more heavily than others, are there areas that would be in much less contact? Would those areas be clean from under use..or filled with grime & the detritus of everyday life?
Resolution & detail
–This will be determined by your final output..If you are making a game texture it may be very small, if you are working for film it could possibly be very large, it’s a good idea to work as large as possible. How close will your camera be to the subject?…is your subject animated?…could this texture just as easily be made with procedurals?
–Keep textures in a power of two where ever possible (512×512…1024×1024…etc.)
–A good texture is only a small part of the final picture, good geometry with correct smoothing, good UV mapping & even the shader the texture is applied to will play a role in determining the final image not to mention light & many other parts.
Photo reference
–Overcast days are ideal for collecting photo reference as there is never any obvious light direction.
–Wherever possible use a tripod & timer
–Take photos at the highest possible resolution you camera offers
–Take photos of everything..you never know when you’ll need a specific texture
–& no, people aren’t looking at you strangely wondering why your taking a photo of a rust stain 😉
–Avoid using emboss filters unless your sure of the light source in the final render.
Amazing tut, thx =)
Great tutorial, those brushes are something Ive been looking for for a long time. Would you mind sharing them?