Material Manager v3.0.0

Since dDo has released a freeware "Legacy" version with my tool in it, I figured I should update it to make it ready for the new expanded audience.  Aside from minor bug tweaks, I believe this will be the final resting version of my plugin.  It can't get much more effective without having to add more features to it.

I know this isn't game art despite this being a game art blog, but it's still a project I've been cultivating for some time now.  I think I can finally call this one done!

dDo Material Manager v3.0.0

Searching, Deleting, and Sorting

Automatic node connection

Automatic texture and utility naming

Practical application

Watch the whole breakdown here

April 18

Introduction Post
Project 1 Complete!

Quick update.  Boulder 2 

April 17

Introduction Post
Project 1 Complete!

I took a "smoother" approach compared to the last rock I posted.  This one was much more satisfying to look at and was more convincing.  Here's a shot of it all retopologized and textured.  No spec map yet, but that can only add to the aesthetics.

April 15

Introduction Post
Project 1 Complete!

One of two or three boulders I'll be using to make the majority of the walls and ceilings.   Once I get the normal bakes out of the way I will return to texture everything and add additional details, like cracks and other marks.

Top: zbrush sculpt

Bottom: low poly + normal map

April 14

Introduction Post
Project 1 Complete!

I picked up Maya 2015 today.  It seems far less broke-dick than Maya 2014 (I completely skipped over using 2014) so I will be transitioning my projects and general pipeline to include Maya 2015.  I'm excited to utilize the new Unfold3D algorithm for UV mapping.

Stone, stone, more stone.  I'm starting to hate my stonework less and less, however this is still pretty different from naturally shaped rocks.  I will be doing some of that in the near future.  Below is a tile for a dungeon-type floor.

And some simple carpeting!  This should be familiar to those who have played Shivering Isles, but I will attach a reference photo for comparison.

Reference

April 12

Introduction Post
Project 1 Complete!

I've been trying to get better at sculpting stones.  I need more practice.

  

April 7

Introduction Post
Project 1 Complete!

I almost forgot that doing a daily hand painting study was a thing after finishing my last project.  Here's some metal plates.  I think they would have turned out better if the features were generally larger: larger scrapes, edge highlights, and panel thickness.

I'm trying to at least become not terrible at sculpting stone, since there will be a lot of it in my upcoming project.  I guess that's not so bad.  At this rate, I will have one major material studied per project.  First it was wood, now it's stone... I wonder which material will dominate project number three?

April 4

Introduction Post
Project 1 Complete!

Switching gears!  Look at my brick blocks.  They will eventually be used for my next project!  More on that later.