(NOTE: I was supposed to post this under the "Texture Knitting" Forum... but it won't let me post attatchments there... Grrrr!)

I wanted a texture that suggested a track-suit top - all flocked and fuzzy.  However, I was using Poser 4 Pro at the time, and there were no procedural textures I could use.  So, I tried thinking outside the box and making my own.

It's all in the bump map:

(I'm using photoshop 6, but any paint program that can handle multiple layers will do the trick)

1: As we all know, bump-maps work as a grey-scale image - darkest equals lowest height, lightest equals highest.  Simple enough.  So we start off with a medium grey, to denote the surface.  This will be the background layer of the picture.

2: On a second layer, we start adding spots via a spray can type of brush.  They should be mostly darker than the background.

3: We copy that second layer and paste it into the third.  Once that is done, we select the third layer only, and use the INVERT command to lighten it.

4: Now for the really sneaky part.  Using the "move layer coordinates" command, move the third layer ONE pixel up.  Because each layer is transparent apart from where there are spots, there should be an immediate drop-shadow effect going on.

Now save the original image (just in case), flatten the image and save as a grey-scale image somewhere you can find it.

This is your fuzz bump-map.  It works quite well because you are used to seeing most lighting come from above you.  By doing a drop-shadow effect in the bump-map, it enhances the psuedo-3d effect very... well, effectively.

I've provided a little AVI animation (Fuzz Test.zip) to show how effective the fuzz looks in moving light.

Some final comments:

First, the smaller the dots (ie the higher the resolution) the better the effect.

Second, if you are going to add an iron-on logo or other printing (say like an orange cat...) make sure to mask that off on the bump map so it looks flatter.

Lastly, I usually set the Bump parameter dial to 0.05 to begin with and experiment from there.

(Told you it was easy!)

GrouchoC

(Oh, and I'll upload a few MATs for Posy's Tshirt and pants with the texture... happy now?   )

    
Thanks a lot GrouchoCaesar. looks good

Thank you for the tutorial Groucho (meanwhile i moved the topic in the right place and fixed the attachments permissions in the forum ) I'll wait for the T-Shirt texture for Posy . I'm sure that they will be ready quickly ... Like your old lab project (      )

Interesting comparison.

uh... oh...

Er. Um.

    

Nice technique GC!

Thanks for sharing it.

Was seriously looking for these textured track suits. Got to know about a superb site selling tees and sports bras from my friend. Had a sneak peek and also liked the ---SPAM LINK REMOVED --- patterns on same. Designs and colors are quite unique. Will buy two pairs and try them once. Also satisfied with the pricing and return policies.