Over eight weeks the course will investigate texture resolution, image optimization, uv mapping, photo manipulation, reflection mapping, and more.

Week One – Introduction to Texturing.
Week One will look at fundamental theories of the texturing process as they relate to a busy production environment. Leigh will look at the basics, share some tricks and tips of the trade, investigate common texture resolution issues and common problems with image optimization.

Students will look at the preparation of objects for texturing and be presented with a basic overview of UV mapping, structural/environment texturing (weathering, building materials, woods, bricks, etc.). Processes for the manipulation of photographs for textures will also be discussed. Students will be provided with a model and be required to complete the structural texturing of a building in an environment.

Week Two - Props
Week Two will begin by looking at props and objects and the creation of unique textures to enhance their realism. Leigh will discuss the importance of creating a ‘sense of history’ for props through texturing and how effective, thoughtful texturing can enhance the narrative quality of any work. Students will be required to create textures for one or more props and will be provided with critique and feedback.

Week Three - Metal
Quick and effective metal texturing is a common requirement within a production environment. Week three will help students develop metal textures, discuss reflection mapping and working within reflective environments. Leigh will also investigate metal shading, rust and anisotropic metals. Students will be required to create textures for a metallic model.

Week Four - Vehicles
Week Four will move from metal to motors and concentrate on texturing of vehicles and cars in particular. Leigh will deliver a tutorial on the tricks involved in car texturing and the shading of car paint looking at the challenges provided by complex shapes and curves. This week’s work will also look at the creation of detail like scratched paint, rust and mud splashes. Students will be provided with a car model and asked to create texturing and shading.

Week Five - Fabrics
Fabric, cloth, leather and the details that hold them together will be the focus of week five. A tutorial will look at the texturing of clothing, cloth, and leather, before presenting techniques for creating the details found in clothes like stitching, seams, patterns, pockets etc. The tutorial will be followed with an assignment where students will be required to create textures for an item of clothing (model provided)

Week Six and Seven - Organic Textures
The final two weeks will look at the myriad of organic textures and the unique details found in organic surfaces. Leigh will discuss painting techniques best used to represent organic textures and help students understand the importance of the correct methods for shading and lighting organic surfaces. A final assignment will require students to employ skills discussed to create shading and colour textures for a creature model before creating bump and reflection maps.

Level of Ability
Basic painting skills, Students should be competent with Adobe Photoshop (or an equivalent program) at an intermediate level and must understand colour theory and colour mixing.

Examples of work
Students should show three or four pieces of their best texture work, preferably including at least one organic example.

Software/hardware Requirements
Photoshop (or equivalent), any 3D package. Enough RAM to handle image maps at decent resolution.