Hi,
I’m currently trying to set up a quick easy workflow for Architectural models. So far I’ve gotten comfortable with the beginning:
- Create Complete Mesh in Maya 2016 (A complete building or furniture)
- Export OBJ to Roadkill for UV-mapping (Using LSCM to keep ratio universal size)
- Re-import into Maya, use UV editor to arrange the UV shells (tile doubles to gain texture space)
And from here on it gets trickier because in the UV map I lose overview of which square belongs where, they’re all squares. With texturing characters it’s easy to see which shell is the pants or head. With architectural of furniture models I can’t tell which part is for example an inner or outer piece of a window frame or how they line up.
The method I’m currently using is time consuming and frustrating because the flow gets broken up by switching programs:
4. Export UV-snap as PNG
5. Open new file (4096x4096) in Photoshop
6. Rough color shells to see which shell belongs where
7. Continue detail in Photoshop, export texture map
8. Check texture map in Maya
Repeat 7 and 8 until model is finished
And I still have to do the Normal maps ; _ ;
Ideally I would like to live paint/sculpt on the model itself and I’ve already tried a few programs:
Zbrush: is nice for sculpting small organic details on the surface such as carvings but misses a build in grid to support arranging large shapes. Texturing in Zbrush is primitive compared to Photoshop. Getting the materials to work in Maya isn’t easy either. Triangulate messes up the UV maps.
Mudbox: seems to be more hard surface friendly and has a better texture interface (similar to Photoshop) Is there a way to have two windows, one for the 3D model and one for the UV maps, so i can paint on the UV maps as well?
Photoshop open GL: best for textures. Can’t sculpt and lags easily if the mesh is too high poly.
How would you go about finishing a model like a gothic window frame or antique chair?