skin

[petokosun]

please could somebody give me a detailed insite on how to make photo realistic skin

thanks

[Rodney]

For detailed instructions on creating photo-realistic skin I'd say your best best is to google some research on the subject.

There are several techniques and 'realistic' is often in the eye of the beholder.

Some of the more realistic techniques I've seen demonstrated in Photoshop tutorials so... check there.

 

Most techniques deal with multiple levels of images (all with some level of transparency) or Sub Surface Scattering.

A:M can be used to create skin via decals, patch images and SSS. Often photographs of real skin are used. (its hard to get more realistic than 'real').

 

Once you find the level of realism you are after you'll want to make a comparison of how it matches with the rest of your character; clothes, environment etc. If those don't match the level of realism in your skin you may want to tone the realism down.

 

Bottom line here is that this is more a image making issue than 3D.

 

You can use A:M to create these skin maps by combining materials and photos but an application designed for image manipulation may be your best bet. I assume you have Photoshop or equivalent?

 

Probably not the best tutorial but one of the first I googled can be downloaded via the Computer Arts site:

http://www.computerarts.co.uk/tutorials/3d...ct_digital_skin

 

I don't know about 'perfect' but... its a beginning.

 

Edit: I should not forget to post Rusty Williamson's classic face texturing tutorial:

http://www.virtualmediastudios.com/tuts/mapping/index.htm

 

You could certainly use his technique. I recommend more transparency and blur to get away from the pasty/computer look.

[jirard]

Check out Collins tutorial. It even comes with with a project file.

[Rodney]

Great find! I had completely forgot about Colin's tutorial.

 

Attached is a PDF version of the tutorial from his site. Follow the link jirard posted first though or you'll miss some great info.

(My apology to Colin for not formatting the PDF)

MakingSkin.pdf