Gradient Material tutorial

[johnl3d]

There seems to be some questions on using the gradient material and I was thinking of getting together a tut and do a simple project using it

 

 

This is the sample using the cone primitive

 

gradient.mov

 

 

gradient.zip

 

 

 

any comments or suggetions welcome

[jzawacki]

Well, maybe some extra information for us newbies.. like benefits and uses? I don't know if a tutorial would help because I don't know what it is, why it's used, or when it should be used.

[johnl3d]

gradient material combiner can be use to combine two or more materials but it is great for effects

 

Here is a simple model with a simple material along with a transparent material

 

I set up a pose to have it become visible

 

the great thing is you can distort the model in the chor or action but the pose works as set on the original model

 

in this QT the model on the left is turned upside down in the chor and slightly distorted

the model in the middle is the original

and the one on the right is distorted more

however the pose makes the object appear the same in all

 

gradient2.mov

 

gradient2.zip

[Tai Shan]

Looks great! I was trying to achieve a similar effect with animated decals:

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tLoFlcLAHbM

 

Your method might be more efficient. How are the render times affected by using gradient materials?

[johnl3d]

I do not see any render hits for animating the material but that also depends on how complicated a material you use

 

I did this quick test and with a three darksim materials the render time on this was about 4 sec per frame where the simpler ones were 1-2 sec per frame

 

 

 

 

gradient3.mov

[largento]

Count me definitely in for a tutorial, John!

[Kelley]

I'm for it!

[goodguy20k]

If you could explain the coordinate system, and how it all works from local to global, I'd be ever so thankful!

[johnl3d]

I started to post the tutorial as a blog and am not sure if it will work.... take a look and let me know what you think ...I just started so there is not much to read

 

http://johnl3d.blogspot.com/

 

 

I'm new to blogging and this site ....give suggestions

 

I also downloaded wink and could try that

[GAngus]

I started to post the tutorial as a blog and am not sure if it will work.... take a look and let me know what you think ...I just started so there is not much to read

 

http://johnl3d.blogspot.com/

 

 

I'm new to blogging and this site ....give suggestions

 

I also downloaded wink and could try that

 

Hey, The blogspot page method looks fine to me and each page enlarges nicely as you click, view and read.

Thanks for your efforts here and I am looking forward to understanding how to employ the mysterious use of Materials.

I have often been amazed with the wild examples you post from time to time.

[Fuchur]

Looks like a nice methode which will create a smiliar-effect like a material-effector but can be used on only one object even if if there are other objects around which dont need the effect.

 

Nice one

*Fuchur*