Week 06:

Textures Textures Textures

As promised in my previous post, I set out into the headache that is Designer. However to it's credit this is exactly where the program shines, it's ability to dynamically update in a well interconnected node system with an immense level of control made this dare I say an enjoyable process.

Per many tutorials and other graphs out there my wall texture was a collection of edited noises all layered upon one another to create the paint finished I wanted. With lots of small micro details and strokes. Using the tried and tested Gradient map to color pick from a similar wall produced a material that was interesting yet understated.

Once the material was in Unreal I used a couple "Add" nodes to alter the main albedo, this would become my ceiling colour as is just another painted surface.

Next was the task of texturing some more assets within my scene. I wanted to tackle the main focal point which will be the desk so I started with that. I originally was going to approach this with a trim sheet however as this is acting as the location of my Hero asset I wanted it to be a higher quality piece so unwrapped the entire mesh. Much of it is split in half, this was to ensure a consistent, higher possible texture resolution across such a large piece and make maximum use out of the single UV Set.

Overall this asset has been causing me some issues but from some guidance from William and Tom I do feel it has gotten to a much better place. Reminding me about the storytelling of a single asset can be just as important as the entire scene something I feel I had lost sight of when recreating an existing set. So using some more hand painted elements I added ware around the main magnet and other smaller touches around to help break up the procedural-ness. Whilst I feel it could still do with some extra attention, it can something I'll revisit at a later date should I have the time as most of it will be covered by props and decals anyway.

I also textured and updated the model of my chair! Whilst the interesting elements of this piece won't be overly visible due to its location in the scene and not being a well lit (under the desk) I am quite content with how it turned out and felt it deserved some of it's own attention.