(12-15-2010) Issue #004

All artwork, images, graphics and article content courtesy of Chet Spiewak (Author/Artist)

Textures in the 3D World

Textures play an important role in the virtual world. They bring detail and add convincing realism to characters, props and their surrounding scenes.

Textures and detail..
The computer-generated graphics rendered on screen, print and in the interactive industry all use textures for a variety of reasons. The most common use of textures is for creating --real detail. Textures can provide a photographed realism to surface, a skin or an object, which can difficult to duplicate with any other medium. Below is the "Castle of Blackrock", a fortress guarding the entrance to enchanted elf world. Textures were used to give realistic rock surface to the castle walls and island rock.(see pic below)

 

 

Textures and the 3D build..

Textures can also help in the building process. Since textures project detail, the 3D models can be simplified in construction and design , saving valuable computer memory. Saving computer memory is always a top priority when working in the virtual world. 3D artists have to consider details versus computer memory when building elaborate worlds, sometimes consisting hundreds of different characters and props. Most 3D artists will spend almost as much time working on their textures as building the 3D models. In the pics,the "Castle of Blackrock" needed period props for its medieval courtyard. A 3D model of a well, oxen cart and storage shed was built. The 3D built models are simple in design and rely on detailed realistic textures to bring the objects to life...

 

Textures and design...

Textures help compliment the 3D models. The textures act as skins, which are wrapped around an object or character. (see pic below)

 

(INTERACTIVE GRAPHIC) Textures and the Robot Sentry... navigate over materials to see them applied to the robot.

 

One of the cool things when working with computer generated 3D graphics is the ability to apply textures to three-dimensional objects. With textures applied- these 3D objects can be viewed form any angle... and place in any virtual world. The possibilities are truly endless....