29 replies to this topic

[Elric]

Hey Everybody,

This is where i will post My skins and a link to where you can download them!

My first Skin was a fail but then i got the hang of it and i present my final first skin (until i can do faces and such)


Pic:

Final at bottom of page

Tell me if its good for a first Skin

Link: http://www.the3rdage...m-644?visible=1

Edited by Dragon Rider, 03 August 2011 - 10:40 PM.

[Radspakr Wolfbane]

Can't really see it clearly.
How about screen capping from w3d viewer or RenX it'll be easier to see it.

Also the texture is only 32sq
The best size to use is 256.
With a 32sq texture you can't see any detail what so ever.
Also by the looks of things you run on Low settings.
Is your computer able to run at higher settings?

As a rule of thumb for most recent mods the textures are
128 for small props and extra stuff like weapons.
256 for Units,Trees and mid sized props.
512 for Heroes,Monsters and Structures.
Most machines should run these with no trouble.

Edited by Radspakr, 03 August 2011 - 09:51 AM.

[Elric]

Ya the computer can run on very high settings its just goes faster loading on low settings.

and when you extract the elven warrior skin its at 32. i just zoomed in and did it.

Edited by Dragon Rider, 03 August 2011 - 08:38 AM.

[NewErr]

What he said is to resize the texture to those values , because seriously , working on a skin on 32sq confers no detail , for the matter at hand , I have no idea what armor that unit is wearing . Resize the texture file , then Skin.

Good Luck !

[Elric]

Ok, One Question. How do you guys usually start out?

[Mathijs]

For you, I'd recommend just opening the texture and increasing its size to 256x256.

Personally, I remap the model before starting any texturing work because EA's is awful.

[Elric]

i know how to increase the size i have been working with gimp for 5 years its easy to do stuff just not easy getting the detail

[Mathijs]

Didn't you ask us how we usually start out? There you go.

[Kwen]

Well that's step 1. Increase the size if it is not already. Then use photos for reference, or even parts of the skin itself. Make sure you have the model open in RenX or Max so you can see how the skin applies while you are working on it. Chances are if you are just starting out you're not going to be proficient at Doing the UV maps of the unit, so it's easier to manipulate the texture while it's still broken up in layers in Gimp, to make sure it sits on the unit properly.

[Elric]

Thanks Kwen! and here is an
Final Version:

Pic 2
[attachment=28115:DarkEWarrior3.jpg]

Edited by Dragon Rider, 13 August 2011 - 01:31 AM.

[Radspakr Wolfbane]

http://www.the3rdage...tem-166?addview
Nertea's Golasgil tutorial is a great place to pick up some tricks.

[Elric]

Cool thanks. and is my skin any better?

[Radspakr Wolfbane]

It's still hard to see properly.
My advice would be to start again and use that version as a colour guide.

[Elric]

oh trust me when i get better at skinning i will probably go back a redo a bunch of them once i do a few more. i am just asking is it any better then the first

[Radspakr Wolfbane]

Try and make your image crisper.
Try out Nert's tutorial then come back to yours.
You'll notice a big difference.

[Kwen]

The best advice I can give, is do not get discouraged. Do not give up and ask someone to help. If you get frustrated with your results, or even failures, just set it aside and re cooperate. Then go back to it and try again. If you do this enough times you'll teach yourself how to produce better quality skins in less time.

Edit- Also when I say don't ask for help I don't mean that it is bad to ask for advice. I just mean do not ask someone to make things for you. There are some things I wanted to make, that took me years to be able to make myself. But once I did, it was way more satisfying then if someone had done it for me.

It's like money and buying things. Something you buy with your hard earned cash is of more value to you then something someone bought for you when you asked for it.

Edited by Kwen, 04 August 2011 - 06:09 PM.

[Elric]

Ok. does that go for modeling to Kwen? because i have tried modeling for like hours on end. i mean yesterday i was modeling all day trying to get the hang of it and today i only just got a cape on an elven warrior by fooling around and then it doesnt even work in game haha. and i switched animations elven warrior animations to haldirs gave elven warrior haldir skeleton and its not working... take a look at my 2 in one topic

[Kwen]

Yeah same thing applies to modelling exactly the same. Though I think you'll find that modelling CAN be easy if you stick to basics. Don't try something too challenging right off. I suggest learning how to bind models well and make minor edits as you make new textures. Like say you want An elf with a different style bow, just make a new skin and change the bow a little bit, then bind it. It can look pretty impressive if done well, even if the model is relatively unchanged.

Once you learn how to bind things well and make minor edits, it will be much easier to accomplish greater feats. Like doing the Elven warrior to Haldir's SKL might be tricky if you're not used to binding things, and you're just winging it.

[Elric]

Can you take a look at my model with the cape at least and see what i did wrong because then i can learn from my mistake which will help me with modeling later on. after this model ill stick with stuff that basic PM me about it if you want

Edited by Dragon Rider, 04 August 2011 - 06:37 PM.

[Kwen]

I can't look at it because it's a gmax file, which I don't have.