Texture mapping is a graphic design process where a 2D texture map is wrapped around a 3D object to give it a surface texture. It accounts for the object's 3D position. Avatar used texture mapping extensively to create its virtual world. Textures played a key role in developing rich, varied character and environmental assets. Texture mapping techniques can also be applied to photography by layering texture photos over object photos, using layer masks and blending modes like Overlay. Warping and liquifying textures allows reshaping them to match the object. Students are assigned to take photos of textures and objects, then create texture maps by overlaying textures onto objects.

1. Texture Mapping
Unit 9

2. What is texture mapping?
• Texture mapping is a
graphic design process in
which a two-dimensional
(2-D) surface, called
a texture map, is
"wrapped around" a three-
dimensional (3-D) object.
• The 3-D object acquires a
surface texture similar to
that of the 2-D surface.
• Perspective:
correct texturing accounts
for the vertices' positions
in 3D space

3. Cinematic Uses
• Box office record-breaking
Avatar was a hugely
challenging film to make with
a staggering 2500 visual
effects (VFX) shots that
include both performance-
capture characters and
models of enormous scale
• Textures played a critical role
in creating a rich and varied
set of assets
• Before painting a character or
asset, the texture team
would look at reference
material and concept art

4. Texture Mapping Photography
• We can apply texture
mapping, traditionally
used for 3D graphics, to
photography
• We can use LAYER MASK
and a layer blending
modes to add a different
texture to an object
• To create the texture effect,
you'll need at least two
images

5. Texture Mapping Photography
•Stack the two
photos on top of
one another
•Using a LAYER
MASK, remove part
of the texture layer

6. Texture Mapping Photography

7. Texture Mapping Photography
•Change the LAYER
BLENDING MODE to
OVERLAY

8. Texture Mapping Photography
•Using
WARP or
LIQUIDFY,
reshape
the
texture

9. VFX Examples

10. Texture Shots

11. Photographic Enhancements

12. Your Project
•Take 20 photos of just TEXTURES
•Take 10 photos of nouns (people,
places or things)
•= 30 photos total (minimum)
•Using the texture photos, create
texture maps/overlays over objects