PRODUCTION LOG 07

DECORATIVE ASSETS

Another process, part of the environment production, involved creating and adding decorative assets to bring the environment to life, make it feel more authentic, and also to add to the storytelling. These decorative elements include wall art, papers (documents, maps), and decals.

Tools and software used:

• Adobe Express - for designing posters, wall art, and signage.

• FontMeme website - for sourcing unique and thematic fonts to be used in various signage and posters.

• Substance Painter - to generate textures and add realistic details to these elements.

• Maya - for modelling papers and signage models.

• Unreal Engine - to create all materials and decals with the textures generated.

Wall Art

Using Adobe Express, I created 2 large posters, one for guidelines and one showing the benefits of hydroponics. I exported them as png files for later use in Substance Painter. Then, I used Maya to model some signage elements, using basic shapes, nothing to complex.

Then, I imported the 3d model in Substance Painter for texturing, to give it an old and metallic look. I also imported the designs as textures to use as base colour on top of the model and added different layers such as dust, scratches, grunge, etc. The results can be seen below.

I followed the same steps for other signage elements. More design below.

Papers, documents, and maps

The process for these elements is pretty similar, the only difference is that they use a different 3D model, a paper sheet that I made in Maya and the texture is applied straight onto its UV shell. I gave this plane multiple subdivisions as I wanted to add some folds or crease details. 

Decals

Decals were created directly in Unreal Engine using designs created either with Adobe Express or FontMeme. I was able to easily apply these elements to different surfaces within the environment and to add an extra layer of detail.

Making decals in Unreal Engine is simple. They are created the same way as materials. It just needs a texture input and an opacity node.