Composite Maps

[Black Sun]

I read Edvards post on how to use Composite Maps with great interest:
https://forum.corona-renderer.com/index.php/topic,4031.15.html

But, I still feel I am flying blind and don't know what I am doing.

Do I use the Comp-Map to blend one layer into another layer using the opacity dial to bleed one into another? (See screenshot1). Is layer 1 ontop and layer 2 below?

And why do it this way when you can do it like this (See sceenshot2). What is the best way to blend bitmaps togther to create a distressed look using this technique?

Hopefully, someone can inform me on this :)

[CiroC]

This may help you:

http://www.cgrats.com/apply-decals-using-a-composite-map.html

You can blend two or more textures together using blending modes (like Photoshop) and masks.

[Black Sun]

This may help you:

http://www.cgrats.com/apply-decals-using-a-composite-map.html

You can blend two or more textures together using blending modes (like Photoshop) and masks.

Thanks Cyrus, I will experiemnt with this. Having a Photoshop bend on things makes it easier to understand.

I have enclosed an image from the BBB3 site. I want to combine surfaces like this image. I especially want to break up wood floors so it looks like part of the varnish is worn or weathered. Bleeding effects.

I have noticed (Fall-off) on some people materials... what is this and in what way do I use it?
I also know about Colour Correction. Do you know any other Corona Maps that are important?

Many thanks.

[CiroC]

Well, you can start by reading this tutorial from Bertrand

http://bertrand-benoit.com/blog/2013/05/26/materialism-1-5-rough-metal/

And definitely have a look at Grant Warwick’s mastering V-Ray series.

Falloff map can be used to mimic the IOR values (there are some youtube videos that explain that) and also can be used to work as masks and blend materials. You may want to have a look at Vertex Paint to blend multiple maps.

[Black Sun]

Well, you can start by reading this tutorial from Bertrand

http://bertrand-benoit.com/blog/2013/05/26/materialism-1-5-rough-metal/

And definitely have a look at Grant Warwick’s mastering V-Ray series.

Falloff map can be used to mimic the IOR values (there are some youtube videos that explain that) and also can be used to work as masks and blend materials. You may want to have a look at Vertex Paint to blend multiple maps.

Thanks for your tip on Vertex Paint. Every little bit of info really helps.
I am a beginner and avoid anything too advanced like Grant Warwick cos I get abit dis-allusioned :)

[CiroC]

I was a Maya user for quite a long time and now I am slowly move to 3ds max, so I know the feeling. With the Color Correction node you can use to create a reflection and glossiness map from a diffuse texture.

[Black Sun]

I was a Maya user for quite a long time and now I am slowly move to 3ds max, so I know the feeling. With the Color Correction node you can use to create a reflection and glossiness map from a diffuse texture.

I was almost in tears learning Max and gave up many times....over a 6 month period... but I'm through the pain barrier now and I love Max and feel proud to be part of the Max crowd. I like the fact you can customize your UI.

I am very interested in the Colour Correction technique you mentioned. I will give it a try.

[CiroC]

I have been working with Maya for a long period and only more recently I have switched temporarily to 3ds Max, so I feel your pain.
I still find quite useful using the default help of 3ds Max and then if need jump for a YouTube video. Also, I am creating a personal database with tips and tricks. :D

[Black Sun]

I have been working with Maya for a long period and only more recently I have switched temporarily to 3ds Max, so I feel your pain.
I still find quite useful using the default help of 3ds Max and then if need jump for a YouTube video. Also, I am creating a personal database with tips and tricks. :D

Brilliant! I have been thinking of doing that myself. I don't think professional CG is aimed at the beginner. That statement might sound strange but I have traversed from interior design and architecture. Before that I came from Fine art to marker pen illustration. So I have been in the presentation game for 20 years and learning how to use a render engine correctly and with confidence is something you have to pick up like a stray cat scavenging for scraps of info.

It's like 10 years ago everyone put they can use Win 95 or 97 on their CV. Now it's understood that everyone can use Windows.
Most people using Corona are from Vray. So they are veterans with a huge body of knowledge. But there is nothing for people who have turned to CG for the first time. A huge thumbs up.... and tell me when it's ready. I look forward to reading it :)

The biggest thing that helped me to overcome the stress of learning Max for the first time was customizing the interface. Max is great for this and it helps you to feel at home. This has a knock on effect to Corona Render cos you can customize your Mat editor and create a nice library.

[CiroC]

You have a big advantage. All of that experience in interior design, architecture and arts gives you a good head start in comparison to someone that only knows how to work with 3ds max or other software. For me, I am finding that learning photography in-depth is helping me a lot making the right decisions and know how and when to use certain elements.

This database is a work in progress on my OneNote application, but maybe I could create a online platform where everyone could point out making of articles and other tips.

[maru]

So I have been in the presentation game for 20 years and learning how to use a render engine correctly and with confidence is something you have to pick up like a stray cat scavenging for scraps of info.

I think you should start with more general knowledge like basics of 3ds max, scanline renderer, do simple experiments. Maybe you know this but by default in 3ds max you even have two GI-capable engines that work with scanline renderer: light tracer and radiosity. They are pretty useless for high-quality stuff but you can learn a lot by experimenting with them. You also have Mental Ray which is a good tool with some flaws. I think it's good to start up Max and start playing with no actual goal, just add some objects, lights, see what happens. Starting with more advanced options may be a bit too much for a beginner. But it's just an advice and I don't really know how experienced you are. :)

[Black Sun]

So I have been in the presentation game for 20 years and learning how to use a render engine correctly and with confidence is something you have to pick up like a stray cat scavenging for scraps of info.

I think you should start with more general knowledge like basics of 3ds max, scanline renderer, do simple experiments.

I think your right Maru. Just when I feel I am ready to do a render I hit a wall due to lack of knowledge. I am going back to YouTube for abit to see if I can find out more about 3Ds Max procedural maps. There is stuff on Standard maps but nothing on Corona Maps.

If I use Standard Maps in Corona will this effect the quality?
Also, some scripts I use don't recognize Corona (yet) so I have to use StandardMtl instead of CoronaMtl. Again, will this effect quality?

Thanks for the friendly advice. You are always eager to help :)

[Black Sun]

You have a big advantage. All of that experience in interior design, architecture and arts gives you a good head start in comparison to someone that only knows how to work with 3ds max or other software. For me, I am finding that learning photography in-depth is helping me a lot making the right decisions and know how and when to use certain elements.

This database is a work in progress on my OneNote application, but maybe I could create a online platform where everyone could point out making of articles and other tips.

Thanks for the support. I thought my background would give me an advantage too. But what's frustrating is trying to do what's in your head and put it down into software.
It's a whole new skill set.
One of the most important photography quotes I read was..."Photography is not the love of making pretty pictures... it's the love of light and how it plays on shapes."
CG is exactly the same. It's about light.
I am a visual person and reading words makes me dizzy... an age thing... I think a step by step picture process of what boxes to tick and sliders to move is better than long explanations... you don't have to understand thermal physics to light a bombfire.... whatever database you create.... make it dead easy to understand for idiots like myself :)