Hi and welcome to my very first video tutorial here at Creative-Le Studios. This is part one of a series, that will cover my entire texturing process. Part one will cover the process I take when texturing a head model inside of Autodesk Mudbox. This is an intermediate to advanced level tutorial, I am assuming you know how to unwrap a model as well as import a mesh into Mudbox.

Throughout the process, I will utilize various programs such as Photoshop, Xnormal, and 3ds Max. I will also show how to create a normal map, ambient occlusion, and how to fix and correct errors that may occur.

The importance of good reference

One thing that is essential to my process is having tons of high-res photos, the reason being I will take these photos and piece them together to create a highly realistic looking model. Now, you may say that sounds easy but where and how can I acquire these types of high-res images? My favorite source and a number of the industry’s best use the website 3dsk. 3dsk however does require a fee to use their service; I will explain why it is more than worth it.

First off it is an investment, that’s right I will say it again it is an investment. You have the potential to make the money back you spent within a week just based off freelancing and side projects. The second reason, your competition is more than likely utilizing this resource, why handicap yourself? Another excuse I tend to hear is I don’t have money. So that means you don’t have money for video games, beer, etc either than right? In order to truly reach the level of mastery you must make sacrifices.

Texturing the head

All right so end of my rant. I’m just using the projection tool in Mudbox lining my images up accordingly and filling it in. Also I like to toggle flat lighting (left click and toggle the flat lighting switch on and off) to get a good view of the texture. I will create a 2048 texture map that will later be re-sized in Photoshop (to ensure it can meet the requirements of the game engine).

One important thing to note: I always apply a white material on my model before texturing, ensuring the most accurate results.

Without further ado here is the video enjoy!

Hoped you enjoyed the video. Please give us feedback below on the comments section; we love to hear from the community here at Creative-Le Studios! Make sure to check back for part 2!

In this quick tip, Aaron Forney shows you how to import meshes into Mudbox.

Skill level: Beginner to Intermediate
Programs: Autodesk Mudbox

Step 1

I have my model sculpted and I am now ready to import the character’s outfit.

Step 2

Go to File > Import. Mudbox will give you a browsing option; find the mesh that you want to import. I use the file extension .OBJ for my meshes.

Step 3

The outfit file is now imported into Mudbox, and ready for sculpting. One very important tip is to always make sure your meshes are centered at the origin (0,0,0) before you export them from your modeling package.

When your model is at the origin it will always import into Mudbox centered, making things a lot easier to work with.

Step 4

And now on the side you will be able to see that you are now able to select the outfit mesh on your model in Mudbox.

In closing, remember that when exporting a mesh for sculpting always make sure that it is centered to the origin. Good luck and happy sculpting!

So you have decided to step into the amazing world of digital sculpting? Before you get your feet wet, here are some tips on how to prepare your models for sculpting. When preparing a model the most important thing is having good topology on your model. This means having edge loops that are consistent and spaced out as evenly as possible.

Tip – Quad Model

One thing to strive for is a fully or near fully quad (four sided polygons) model.

Now before you scream at your computer that game engines accept triangles remember that this is only considering your sculpting programs.  Programs like Zbrush and Mudbox work very well with models that are fairly quad.

Bad Topology for Sculpting

Below is an example of a model with bad topology for sculpting.

Why is it bad?

Model is way too dense, and edge loops are really tight.  Areas like the upper thigh, breast, and shoulder are prime examples. The area around the belly button is poorly built with geometry packed in there like a luggage bag.  As a result the sculpting program will multiply the existing geometry, meaning areas with geometry that is tight is likely to create areas that pinch.

Good Topology

The first thing that pops out at me is that the topology on the model is evenly spaced. Another thing is that the model is fully quadded, creating the best way to get maximum results out of your sculpting program.

In closing the best way to figure out what works for you is too simply practice. So roll up those shirt sleeves, and get to work!