Many artists are wondering if Adobe will further
develop Photoshop’s 3D capabilities. Müller notes,
that “For instance, if you need very high resolution
textures, you split the UVs of your 3D model over
several UVTiles (so you would have for example, four
UV tiles instead of just one). Photoshop does not
seem to be able to cope with that, it only knows
1UVtile, so if you paint on your model it will paint
the same stroke over all your UV tiles... I am very
curious how Adobe will continue to develop the 3D
Tools in Photoshop and will be watching closely to
any changes that would make it more suitable for my
purposes.” With more and more people
experimenting with 3D printing, that’s certainly one
direction Photoshop is heading in. “The most
important trend is related to the new technologies
that are improving as we speak,” says Lacatusu. “And
I am talking about 3D scanning and 3D printing.
These processes are great because they actually
create a palpable connection between reality and the
virtual world.”
Again, it’s all about being real, or realistic anyway.
“To be effective,” Lacatusu adds, “you should know very
well when enough is enough. If there is not that much
time you can stop adding too much detail directly from
3D, and add it instead in Photoshop. Some details can
take a very long time to make in 3D, but can be very
easily implemented in Photoshop, and with much
more control.”
Ultimately, 3D is a great tool, but as Kohr notes,
“only when used carefully. It works best in service of
your painting skills not as a crutch to avoid drawing in
the first place. I’ve spent many years learning to draw
linear perspective, and to paint lighting. This is an
essential foundation. But if you’re willing to put in the
time to learn proper 3D software, you’ll undoubtedly be
happy you did.”
© Mark Mayers© Matt Kohr