Textures are in everything we see in real life. As 3D Artists, we want our renders to be as close to real life as possible.
The fine details in a 3D rendering is what gives the image or animation life. Subtle details that add up, let viewers experience and visualize being in the scene.
How do we achieve life-like texture and material for 3D render?
Before getting deep into production, gather data. Gather all the information you could get from your client, and gather references. 2G Studio is located in Bali, the texture of the roads in Bali might differ to the roads in New York, for example. Geographical data is important, we have to research what country, city, even the street address; then we imitate. See how to create realistic road textures here.
References are a crucial starting point as well, gather the necessary references you need, and analyze. Be it wood or concrete material it all comes back to the references we have. Analyze every little detail, the fibers of the wood material we want to imitate, the direction of the fibers, whether or not the textures are rough or not, is it bumpy or flat.
Texturing has a variety of techniques, which may or may not produce the same results. For example when texturing a mural on an uneven surface, we can do it all on photoshop, we can utilize composite on 3dsmax, or use decal. To each their own has their ups and downs.
We have a short tutorial on how to texture murals on an uneven surface right here! Check it out!
There are a few things to pay attention to when looking for textures and materials. Ensure that the textures do not tile visibly, and pay attention to the size of the textures. For instance, if the texture is intended for objects far from the camera, avoid using large textures that consume hundreds of megabytes; instead, opt for standard-sized textures. Conversely, if the object is close to the camera, avoid using textures that appear pixelated or blurry. Some surfaces or objects are not entirely smooth; for example, asphalt or concrete walls often have dirt effects or specific details that need to be carefully observed.
Stretched textures can significantly detract from the realism of your renderings. They create a distorted appearance on surfaces, making them appear unrealistic and unprofessional. To solve it you can utilize UV unwrapping for your 3D model. This process involves mapping the 2D texture onto the 3D surface, allowing for precise placement. By carefully unwrapping the UVs, you can avoid texture stretching and achieve a seamless texture application. We have a tutorial on UV unwrapping too, you’re one click away.
Pay attention to the scale of your textures. Adjust the size of the texture to match the proportions of the object you are applying it to. Experiment with different scales and test renderings to achieve the desired result.
Using low-resolution textures might seem like a minor compromise, but it can have a significant impact on the overall quality of your renderings, especially when they are used for bump, normal bump, or displacement mapping.
Using non-seamless or obviously tiled textures can make your renderings appear amateurish and unpolished.
Utilize seamless textures specifically designed to tile without noticeable repetition. These textures seamlessly blend together when tiled, creating a continuous and natural appearance. Explore texture libraries that offer seamless options or learn to create seamless textures using software like Adobe Photoshop.
Introduce variation within your textures to break up repetitive patterns. Blend multiple textures together using masks or alpha channels to create a more realistic and diverse surface. By incorporating different elements, such as subtle color variations or imperfections, you can enhance the authenticity of your renderings.
Now that you are ready to do your textures, you will need the textures itself. Look no further, we have a few free and paid texture providing websites we recommend.
Textures.com is a treasure trove of textures that caters to both free and premium users.
Quixel.com is a powerhouse for high-quality texture assets, boasting an impressive 15,000 ready-to-use textures derived from their Megascan feature.
Not just limited to textures, Poliigon.com is a one-stop-shop for all your architectural visualization needs. Offering textures, 3D models, and HDRI maps, Poliigon guarantees top-notch quality with resolutions of 8K and above.
For those on a budget or looking for free assets, Polyhaven.com is an excellent choice. This website is a true haven for 3D assets, and their high-quality textures are no exception. Updated regularly, Polyhaven offers an ever-expanding library of textures that can elevate your architectural renderings to new heights.
Another fantastic website for free texture assets, AmbientCG.com is a valuable resource for architectural visualization artists, providing 2106 free 3d assets.
You are set to conquer the texturing scheme! Now go and use your new profound knowledge to the test.