Hand-Painted Mediterranean Tiles with Unreal Engine

AI Tool(s) Used

• Photoshop
• Unreal Engine

Description of Result

The artist has created a fully hand-painted, tileable Mediterranean tile texture, integrating both normal and height maps for added depth and realism. The texture includes a simulated water distortion effect, all executed within the Unreal Engine to bring the piece to life in a 3D environment. The blend of traditional hand-painting with cutting-edge digital tools offers a visually immersive result that captures the essence of Mediterranean design.

Step-by-Step Breakdown

1. Concept and Inspiration: The project draws inspiration from Mediterranean tile patterns, known for their intricate and colorful designs. The artist sets out to create a texture that is tileable and can be used in larger 3D environments.
2. Hand-Painting in Photoshop: Using Photoshop, the artist manually paints the tile patterns. The focus here is on creating detailed textures that feel authentic, combining traditional Mediterranean aesthetics with modern digital techniques.
3. Creating Normal and Height Maps: The artist then generates normal and height maps, which give the tile surface depth and texture in the 3D world. This is done by adjusting shadows and light in Photoshop to mimic the raised and recessed parts of the tile.
4. Unreal Engine Integration: The tileable texture is imported into Unreal Engine. Here, the artist applies the textures to surfaces in a 3D environment, ensuring that the tiles seamlessly connect when repeated.
5. Water Distortion Effect: To add another layer of realism, a fake water distortion is applied over the tiles within Unreal Engine. This gives the illusion that water is gently rippling over the tile surface, enhancing the Mediterranean aesthetic.
6. Final Rendering: Once the textures and effects are applied, the artist renders the scene in Unreal Engine, ensuring that the materials, lighting, and reflections work together harmoniously.

Tips & Tricks

• Normal and height maps are crucial for creating the illusion of depth in 3D objects. Ensure these are detailed to enhance the realism of your textures.
• When creating tileable textures, pay close attention to the edges so that the design seamlessly repeats without visible lines or breaks.
• Using Photoshop for hand-painting allows greater control over fine details, while Unreal Engine is excellent for applying those textures in dynamic 3D environments.
• To create fake water distortion, apply subtle adjustments to refraction and transparency settings in Unreal Engine for a convincing effect.

Annotation

This piece exemplifies the merging of old-world artistry with modern technology. By using Photoshop for hand-painting and Unreal Engine for real-time 3D rendering, the artist can achieve the warmth and detail of Mediterranean craftsmanship while leveraging the power of digital tools. The water distortion effect adds a layer of realism, showing how even small details can transform a static design into an immersive experience. The final result is a tile texture that can enhance digital spaces, blending the tactile quality of hand-painted art with the versatility of a 3D game engine.

URL: Instagram Post