Week 4 3D Graphics R&D Blog

How Textures and Shaders can Affect how a Surface Appears in 3D

Despite what is popularly believed textures are not just rough surfaces, every surface has a texture whether it be smooth, rough or any other texture. Textures in reference to 3D graphics are two dimensional image files which are projected onto the surface of the 3D model, from there you can add colours, textures and surface details. Textures massively affect how a surface appears in 3D space, they are the main factor that divides things like clothes, hair, skin, and even on the broader spectrum of hard surfaces, soft surfaces, or rough surfaces. Almost all details on a model are created through textures an shaders. They are the difference between having a blank shape and a coloured, detailed shape which effectively communicates what it is visually. Excluding shape, textures and shaders make up the entire visual appearance of a 3D model.
Shaders are a set of instructions that are used on a 3D model, which allows the computer to understand how it should be displayed. Most 3D software packages include tools which let an artist tweak shader parameters in a very easy way. These tools give great control to the artist who can now manipulate how the 3D model interacts with light, this includes opacity, glossiness, reflectivity and more.
Combined Textures and Shaders affect how a surface appears in 3D more than any other process because they display the detail, colour and lighting of every 3D model in every medium, whether it be an animation or a video game.

References
Slick, J. (ND). Surfacing 101 - Texture Mapping Texture Maps and How They're Made. Retrieved from, http://3d.about.com/od/3d-101-The-Basics/a/Surfacing-101-Texture-Mapping.htm.

Slick, J. (nd). Seven Common Modeling Techniques for Film and Games. Found online, retrieved from: http://3d.about.com/od/3d-101-The-Basics/a/Introduction-To-3d-Modeling-Techniques.htm