So, I might be given my first paid freelance job soon...

...and I'm a bit more nervous than I want to admit. I do think I'll be able to pull it off, but since this is my first time I really want some material to prepare my self with, so that I might face the task more confidently and do as good a job as possible.

The task is to apply texture and materials to 3D models (already made in AutoCAD or a similar program by a different company) then make a photo-realistic turntable render to show off the product. The 3D models in question are different kinds of air conditioners that I import to Blender.

I am very familiar with animations, but insecure about photo-realism - I haven't tried it that much. So I'm wondering if anyone can point me to the best tutorials for realistic shading, texturing and good renders? I'll also gladly take any tips you might have for me about photo-realism or anything else about doing a task like this.

Thanks in advance! :)

  • gusbeygi replied

    are you using blender or...?

  • silentheart00 replied

    Have you looked at ShaderForge and Shading a Sci-Fi Helmet?  Those two are probably your best bet for realistic materials.  Even if you use another software, the principles should translate over relatively easily, it's just finding where it is in the software to do what you want.

  • Thibaut Bourbon(tbrbn) replied

    You can also check this quick intro on realistic textures. He uses Octane and C4D but you can easily translate the information on other software:
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a8d6p-E4KSE

    Congrats on the first job by the way!

  • Avvind replied


    ggusbeygi Yes, I will be using Blender. Forgot to mention that. :)

  • Avvind replied


    silentheart00  These look like very good recommendations. I will watch them both. And I will be using Blender for this task (forgot to mention that), so I won't have to mess around with any other software. :) Thanks for the reply!

  • Avvind replied


    tbrbn  That was some sick textures he made! I probably wont need such rough textures on these 3d models, but I get the logic of his explanations so it's definitely helpful. 

    Thanks for the recommendation. And the congratulation. :)

  • silentheart00 replied

    @oywin No problem!  Congrats, by the way!  Good luck!