Normal Map tutorials

[SpiralFace]

Hello all,

So with "Next Gen" actually now being "Current Gen," the use of Normal maps is now a necessity for anyone wishing to presume a career in top of the line games modeling.

Here are a few tutorials to teach you what normal maps are, how they work, and MANY ways how you can create them that go beyond making high poly models within Z-brush. Enjoy.

Normal Map Theory, Applications, and Tool links (VERY important in understanding how to get the most out of normal maps.)

http://www.bencloward.com/tutorials_normal_maps2.shtml

Simple Normal Mapped Prop item tutorial (Technique of merging multiple sampled normal maps together is EXTREMELY important and versitile.)

http://www.game-artist.net/forums/spotlight-articles/889-tutorial-modeling-texturing-cement-cover.html

"Making of Varga"; Advanced Normal Map character pipeline tutorial. (Understanding the ins and outs of normal maps from the first tutorial is almost a must to get the most out of this one.)

http://www.cgarena.com/freestuff/tutorials/maya/varga/index.html

A great inorganic character tutorial and a great tutorial in creating normal maps WITHOUT Z-brush or Mudbox

http://www.acetylenegames.com/artbymasa/tuts/tut-modeling_for_next-gen_games.jpg

enjoy.