Hello Gents,
I've recently taken up the interest for environmental texture creation. I have a thorough knowledge of Photoshop (~4 years), but I have never expanded my abilities further than the creation of 2D graphics, such as templates, wallpapers, etc. I have a few questions for you fellow artists. I am not asking for links to tutorials. I am not asking for step-by-step guides on the creation of textures; I simply wish to hear a few tips and tricks on how I should get started (ala how you obtained the interest for texturing, where you started, etc). I also have a few questions...
1) How do you go about blending in things into base textures, such as windows, doors, etc?
2) What are your favorite (top 5) Photoshop tools you use in the creation of textures?
3) Where can I find information on what each of the texture maps do (normal, specularity, diffuse, etc)?
If you guys would take a few minutes out of your time, and provide me with relevant information, I would highly appreciate it. Thanks!