Seamless normal map modeling, any tips?

[R_Yell]

I was wondering how I could model complex and seamless normal maps in an efficient way. Which app to use? I'm XSI user, there is a better suited app for such task? I made some seamless normal maps in XSI, but they were quite simple at the edges, not a big problem to make them seamless.

Regarding the approach, these normal maps are going to be coupled with world textures, so maybe it's a good idea to start with geometry generated from a height map (but not necessary in all cases). Once modeling is done, the hard part (at least for me) is to make it non tilable. I suppose it should be done like PS offset filter, just cutting the mesh into 4 parts and each piece is rotated 180º. Am I right or is there a better method?

[kleinluka]

Z-Brush

http://www.pixologic.com/zbrush/

[Nysuatro]

I hope you dont mind if i post here,

but do somebody knows some specific tutorials for creating normap maps for world textures in zbrush ?

[R_Yell]

Ah Z-Brush, I heard about it. Finally I'll need to learn to use it. I also need some tutorial.

[KoKo5oVaR]

or mudbox, when it's out

[Vinny Testaverde]

with zbrush you just make whatever the hell you want, off either a model or a plane and generate a normal map into those uvs of that model or plane

but I would get the plugin zmapper and use that instead of zbrush's defualt normal map generator

[PhilipK]

To come to the actual tiling.

If using zbrush obviously your result will never tile superb, but just use the clone tool then

There are a lot of tools in zbrush for you to help keeping the geometry as tilable as possible.

More simple normals like flat planes stuff in max only shouldn't be too hard to get tilable

If you're not sure how it would look tiled just copy your whole object and put em next to each other a couple of times.

[atrocity]

I learned all of my Normal Mapping tricks from Ben Mathis a character artist at Neversoft. His website though seems to be a sick joke http://www.poopinmymouth.com he has all kinds of tutorials teachign various tips and tricks. I know you are thinking thats pretty sick, but in all honesty it's his real website.

[Nysuatro]

Maybe he had a bad experience ^^

But yeah, its a great site

[atrocity]

Maybe he had a bad experience ^^

But yeah, its a great side

HaHa lol

[R_Yell]

Hey, nice tutorials, directly to favorites.

I haven't started yet with zbrush, took a look and seems very effective for the kind of normal map I'd like to try. It's like PS, first paint middle and then offset and work on edges, quite simple. I'll try to paint some rock walls once I'm done with el paso map.

BTW, this is a conventional modeled normal map, the base texture is the same on both cases.