Introduction

When rendering an asset, even at the modelling stage, we’ll want to help sell the shape and form by using materials relevant to the object; metals should feel like metal, glass like glass, plastic like plastic and so on. The Surfacing team can then use these materials as a starting point for shading.

Overview

For the modeller, we don’t want them having to spend time creating shaders and more importantly, we do want consistency, even at this early stage of the asset creation process. This simple library of shaders should allow for both. Primarily, we’ll see a difference between metal, non-metal and glass with these shaders but even the subtle change between say ceramic and plastic can be useful.

To download the latest library of generic materials, please follow this link:

• CAVE Library Materials – Generic (Maya/Arnold)

…alternatively, you can plug in the values as described below.

Please note, the Base Color for most of the materials is 0.18 grey but not all (for example: metal_generic_MAT). All shaders have been created using the default attributes (no textures), which means they can easily be replicated in other renderers and applications. If you are unsure of the material of the object you are modelling, please use ‘plastic_generic_MAT’ as this has some spec, so will help describe the shape and form of the object.

Ceramic

• Name: ceramic_generic_MAT

This material should be used for any ceramic related objects, such as: tiles, china, stoneware, brick, porcelain, etc.

Glass

• Name: glass_generic_MAT

This material should be used for any glass related objects, such as: windows, laminate, tempered, etc.

Leather

• Name: leather_generic_MAT

This material should be used for any leather related objects, such as: cowhide, suede, faux, goatskin, etc.

Metal

• Name: metal_generic_MAT

This material should be used for any metal related objects, such as: steel, gold, copper, chrome, etc.

Organic

• Name: organic_generic_MAT

This material should be used for any organic related objects, such as: skin, fingernails, leaf, cornea, etc.

Paper

• Name: paper_generic_MAT

This material should be used for any paper related objects, such as: paper, card, parchment, wallpaper, etc.

Plastic

• Name: plastic_generic_MAT

This material should be used for any plsatic related objects, such as: resin, pvc, etc.

Rubber

• Name: rubber_generic_MAT

This material should be used for any leather related objects, such as: balloon, latex, tyre, etc.

Textile

• Name: textile_generic_MAT

This material should be used for any textile related objects, such as: cotton, polyester, satin, wool, etc.

Wood

• Name: wood_generic_MAT

This material should be used for any wood related objects, such as: ash, beech, birch, walnut, etc.

Examples

Further Reading

• CAVE Library Materials – Generic (Maya/Arnold) – Our library materials for Maya/Arnold for your downloading pleasure.
• Model Naming Conventions – This doc will give a breakdown of how to go about naming objects for modelling.
• Material Naming Conventions – This doc will give a breakdown of how to go about naming materials.

Support CAVE Academy

Here at CAVE Academy the beauty of giving and sharing is very close to our hearts. With that spirit, we gladly provide Masterclasses, Dailies, the Wiki, and many high-quality assets free of charge. To enable the team to create and release more free content, you can support us here: Support CAVE Academy