3D Game Textures
by Luck Ahearn

a review by Vincent Claice 

 

Texture is one of the most important parts of 3D artwork, whether or not it’s traditional art.  This book can help anyone become a better texture professional.

 

Ahearn presents a lot of great points to focus on regarding 2D textures.  He knows how to make someone see the smaller details in the 2D part of gaming art.  One aspect that he covers very well is an overall view of the textures and why the sizes of them matter so much. If you’ve never tried to put texture on a 3D object, this book would be a great place to start learning the fundamentals of the types of textures you would be trying to use, whether in an art form or for a job.  You’ll need to have Photoshop to begin.  Photoshop is one of the best programs for anyone in computer graphics to use and is the most versatile, ranging from photography to web design.

 

Ahearn’s book can and will help you become a much better artist, even if you never did much texturing before. The book covers almost every feature that a 2D texture needs and shows how you can achieve the best results for the look and feel you’re trying to create--from sci-fi to fantasy art. The step-by-step organization in the book progresses from learning the shapes of things to explaining color theory.  The text describes what fundamentals you need to practice so that you can make 3D art. The details are simple, but they give anyone who has no Photoshop experience a better idea of what it can do.  A more experienced reader can gain an in-depth look at how to add improved texture to his projects.

3D Game Textures is a great book for beginners who would like to learn about textures for 3D art.  You’ll be learning from someone who has both background training and experience in the fields you’re trying to master—whether your interest lies in becoming a better artist or a better game texture professional.  No one should have a problem understanding and using his easy-to-comprehend information.

 

I rate this book A+ (Reviewed Aug. 2006)