Description
365 Materials Challenge started as a case study to create realistic materials. The goal: create one physically based rendering (PBR) material per day. In this demo, we'll learn how Open Shading Language (OSL) maps and Arnold Renderer helped achieve this goal. We'll explain how to make the transition from 3ds Max legacy maps to OSL maps, and describe some tips and techniques for making the best use of OSL maps. Then we'll show how to create photorealistic materials with Arnold Renderer with OSL maps and Arnold's Standard Surface. Then, we'll see how Autodesk’s Physical Material is the best material for studios and individuals handling multiple renderers. Lastly, we'll look at techniques for starting to use Arnold Renderer for architectural visualization, and explore why it is such a powerful tool.
Introduction to the 365 Materials Challenge
Creating visualizations is a remarkable and complex topic, as a wide range of elements contribute to producing phenomenal artwork. All stages of the process are essential, but for materials, it's the small details, almost invisible to the eye, that helps to achieve the photorealistic look. Even if you aren't seeking to create realistic imagery, the truth is that materials are an essential part of this process. In a production environment and with tight deadlines, this can be a "rush stage" where we use whatever is available, which does not necessarily equate to quality. I developed an immense passion for producing materials as realistic as possible, with all of the small dents, scratches and patina that, although not entirely visible, adds layers of realism. Tired of using premade materials, with basic textures, I decided to challenge myself to produce one unique material each day over an entire year. On paper, this seems considerably simple: one material each day should be something relatively straightforward. However, this simplistic personal project drove me to places and led to opportunities that would have previously never crossed my mind. The first lesson is, never underestimate the power of personal projects. Seldom will you have time during working hours to spend on fine-tuning your skills or learning new techniques, but personal projects will help you to develop and to grow as an artist. Everything learned on personal projects can be readily implemented in a professional workflow.
The learning process
Building materials involve the perfect combination of different elements. It consists of having references, textures, a look development scene with various lighting conditions for testing and finally a good shader. When you divide this process into these steps, you can see that there are a lot of different stages that can be explored and mastered. Something that seems so simple is a somewhat complex process. Still, the secret to being successful in creating good materials is for you to develop your method or structure so that you feel confident that the previous steps you took are working and building towards a solid material. On this handout, I will share with you some of the tips, tricks and techniques that I learned and developed while creating 365 materials. Let’s start with the first steps.
Initial Step
Get good references The first step is always, but always use a good set of references. The reason why this is so important is that not using references seriously impacts your growth as an artist as this is a crucial learning tool. When you feel that something isn’t working on the material, for example, doesn’t look like concrete, metal or wood, it is because you aren’t using references, but instead relying on your memory. This workflow is a dangerous path that will jeopardize your growth.
How do you begin? Create a folder for references. Organize it by categories and don’t assume that one or two references will be enough. As an example, there are multiple variations of brass. You can have clean, brushed, patinated and even the colour can be different depending on the proportion of copper and zinc used. Other materials are even more complicated and with more permutations like concrete, as an example. Having these references at hand will guide you to a realistic look. Something that can help you with that is this free software called PureRef. It is available for Windows, macOS and Linux and it is based on donations, so if you like me love this excellent tool, don’t forget to donate.
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