#Final Master's Project

[jian-wei-24]

Final Masters Project: Forefront (Decal Mesh)

Figure 1: Decal trimsheet + decal mesh workflow. (Hu, 2025)

I was aware of decals usage in Unreal Engine to create quick and optimised details to assets and environment. However, I was not aware about the usage of Decal mesh until I came across Jolyn Hu's ELEGY OF THE CLAN: Ghost Of Tsushima Inspired Art on ArtStation. She successfully projected highly detailed normal and material maps onto low-poly mesh models, effectively creating the illusion of complex surface detail without sacrificing performance. Additionally, her use of edge decals blended seamlessly with the trimsheet, demonstrating a great understanding of texture integration. It was truly a remarkable execution of optimisation and visual quality.

Video 1: EVERYTHING You Need To Get Started Texturing Large Game Assets. (Tiedie, 2023)

This method was also briefly discuss in Tiedie's guide to texturing game assets where he talks about decal mesh.

I did some research about this interesting way to optimise game assets. Essentially, decal meshes, or mesh decals, are an effective technique for adding detail without excessive geometry from sculpting. Instead of embedding detail directly into the base mesh or relying solely on shader effects, decal meshes allow artists to overlay small textured meshes onto surfaces. This approach is particularly useful for adding items like dirt, stickers, or edge wear, which would otherwise require complex geometry or large textures. Since Mesh decals are imported as decals for static meshes, they can benefit from instancing, geometry batching, and selective optimisation.

Figure 2: Subdividing selected corner. [Left] Figure 3: Sculpted corner. [Right]

After watching several YouTube tutorials, I consolidated the knowledge I had gathered and conducted a brief test to better understand the workflow. For this experiment, I duplicated and separated a corner section of an existing model, then performed a quick sculpting pass in Blender. The process was kept minimal since it was intended only as a testing exercise.

Figure 4: Final appearance.

Following the sculpting process, I exported both the low poly and high poly versions of the corner mesh into Substance Painter. Using the baking workflow, the detailed information from the high poly version was successfully projected onto the low poly model. Once the baked textures were exported, I imported the low poly mesh, which consists of only three polygons, into Unreal Engine. A decal material was applied using only the normal map to achieve the intended visual effect, as shown in Figure 4.

This decal mesh exercise and research helped me grasp how to efficiently add high-detail visuals to game assets without burdening the game performance. Overall, this hands-on approach has boosted my confidence in creating stunning game environments by using this optimising technique effectively.

References

Abdellatif, T. (2022) Creating Immersive Game Worlds with Unreal Engine. [online] The Rookies. Available at: https://discover.therookies.co/2022/01/26/creating-immersive-game-worlds-with-unreal-engine/?utm_source=chatgpt.com. [Accessed: 15 June 2025].

FastTrack Tutorials. (2021) Creating Edge Damages for 3D Assets using Decals. [online] YouTube. Available at: https://youtu.be/5-pDKn1jVgk?si=EJp88lF50ceBpNXN. [Accessed: 15 June 2025].

Haggerty, M. (2019) [Tutorial] Enhancing your Scenes with Natural Looking Mesh Decals and Skirts. [online] Medium. Available at: https://medium.com/gametextures/tutorial-enhancing-your-scenes-with-natural-looking-mesh-decals-and-skirts-bc5afe389689. [Accessed: 15 June 2025].

Hu, J. (2025). ELEGY OF THE CLAN: Ghost Of Tsushima Inspired Art. [online] ArtStation. Available at: https://www.artstation.com/artwork/1NkrRX. [Accessed: 15 June 2025].

The DiNusty Empire. (2020). Setting Up Mesh Decals. [online] YouTube. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aihha0sAOJI&t=282s. [Accessed: 15 June 2025].

Tiedie. (2023). EVERYTHING You Need To Get Started Texturing Large Game Assets. [online] YouTube. Available at: https://youtu.be/QcqJckp_q3M. [Accessed: 15 June 2025].

[wyvernity]

wip posting just to get something out there, and it's def a mixed bag!! the only thing more inconsistent than my posting schedule is my art style RIP

[vocalaar]

did this thing on tiktok n im running out of ideas of what to post so here

[maryasmorevna]

Sasha Samokhina + Farit Kozennikov, Vita nostra & Assassin of Reality

[rvicta]

Vitamin Deficiency

[ribbittrobbit]

MOUNTAIN GOATS TODAY

[excali-bruh]

MAG 1 Angler Fish

[jian-wei-24]

Final Masters Project: Modelling Progress (Kopitiam Chair).

Figure 1: Kopitiam chair references.

Several references were analyzed to identify the common design characteristics of traditional kopitiam (coffee shop) chairs, as subtle variations exist between different models. Through visual analysis, key consistent features were observed: a circular support ring beneath the seat, diagonal side supports connecting the backrest and seat, and three vertical cylindrical bars forming the backrest structure. These elements were noted as essential in accurately modelling the chair.

Figure 2-3: Usage of curves.

The chair’s leg flow were initially shaped using vertices, which were then converted into curves to facilitate the generation of a clean cylindrical shell using its settings. This method allowed for better control over the form and ensured consistent thickness along the curve. The lower portion of each leg was tapered to create a more realistic and refined silhouette, reflecting how chair legs tend to narrow near the ground.

The same curve-based approach was applied to model the circular support ring beneath the seat and the diagonal side supports connecting the backrest to the seat.

To maintain symmetry and optimise workflow efficiency, a Mirror Modifier was applied to replicate one half of the chair's legs, reducing modelling time while ensuring structural consistency.

Figure 4: Joining of backrest to one of the chair support.

I initially had difficulty merging the horizontal backrest support with the long chair legs into a single mesh while preserving clean topology for correct ambient occlusion baking. After several experiments, I modelled this section by combining two cylinders with matching vertex counts then rotated one cylinder to form a “T” intersection and then joined them by bridging edges and merging vertices, creating a cohesive tube-like junction. I added supporting edge loops around this connection to maintain a smooth flow of quads and prevent shading artifacts. This approach ensured that the combined geometry would bake ambient occlusion correctly and allow for clear edge detail during the texturing stage.

Figure 5: Chair model and brief human model.

The chair model is displayed alongside a reference brief figure representing an average adult height to verify correct scale and ergonomics. The first edge loop is the waist, then the shoulder and lastly the head at the top. This comparison ensures that seat height, backrest dimensions, and overall proportions align with realistic human use. The chair is also model based on online dimensions of the reference chair.

Figure 6: Chair UV unwrapped.

Similar to the table, increased the UV space for areas most likely to be seen so the textures stay sharp, while keeping the texel density even across the entire model to avoid mismatched detail.

Figure 7: Middle and high poly model. [Left] Figure 8: Temporary texturing test. [Right]

Two levels of poly model was created for baking texture purposes where high poly details are baked onto the lower poly model. Figure 8 shows a temporary texture test applied to the model. This lets me check that the UVs and basic material settings work correctly such as the flow of wood grains.

[theaterchemy2]

On one hand, I really enjoyed the irony of Shouma's fight with Rango - an executive of the Stomach company being demoted to a lower station, practically making him another part-timer in status, and therefore he's treated just like another MOTW threat. Granted, he's strong enough to necessitate Shouma using Master Gavv for the first time, but the two-episode structure of his appearance and defeat really hammer home how far he's fallen.

On the other hand, it doesn't feel as rewarding as a viewer. Rango was introduced as the head of a human trafficking business; you'd think he would have a few scenes sometime before his monster form debuted showcasing how evil he is, but we didn't really get that until he had been demoted. Sheeta had been eliminated, Jeep was off getting married, Glotta and Nylev were at least still prominent in the plot as Stomach Inc.'s enforcer and researcher respectively, and Bouche was dead.

Junko Komura villains tend to either not really get involved in the plot at large until they are prompted to do so, or they are introduced and then eliminated. For instance, LuPat's Zamigo was underutilized as an antagonist, and Zyuohger's Ginis was BARELY present until the end. In Gavv itself, the guy who became Bitter Gavv after Suga's death barely made an impact aside from removing Hanto's Frappe form. Heck, even Suga himself wasn't given much to do as a Rider since he was killed in the episode after Bake's debut.

I get that the actor might not have been as available as the rest of the cast, but still, it would have been more satisfying to see the bad guy do bad guy things.

[charmwasjess]

Looks like the Qui-Gon graphic novel got quietly pushed back to January 2025. It's probably a good thing since I haven't recovered yet from The Living Force with its handful of Sifo-Dyas mentions and still need to survive whatever the Acolyte is going to do to me. A full storyline set in Qui-Gon's Padawan era with Dooku might kill me, especially if they don't take the coward's route, and actually depict Dooku as beautiful as young Christopher Lee as they did in the Yoda comics. (Or, speaking of that run, let him have character development and sympathetic moments.)

[sad-leon]

Ya know that Spotify wrapped art game thing? I wanna do that!!

Send me a Rise (or Rise AU*) Character and a number 1-100!! I'll try to make a doodle with that character and that song!

* If I do not know the AU I will probably not do the prompt, please don't send me OCs unless you know that I know them (aka, moots can send me OCs if you'd like sndjsjsj)

With finals wrapping up this week and next, I'm probably gonna sit in burnout for a minute before I can work on more projects, so I wanna do something fun during that time!

They'll bad tagged under my art tag and #leonwrapped so I can keep then organized

[yesokayiknow]

WIP ASK GAME

Prompt: Make a new post with the names of all the files in your WIP folder, regardless of how non-descriptive or ridiculous. Let people send you an ask with the title that most intrigues them, and then post a little snippet or tell them something about it! And then tag as many people as you have WIPs.

Tagged by @appleciders (ty!!)

Using their rules and going by the things that have been relevant in the last six months or so and only including stuff I've actually written a little of, not notes docs or outlines.

decided to split them up by fandom/lack of to make them easier. i haven't worked on a lot of fic recently tbh bc i've been writing a lot of original stuff (and i was working on my degree!!!)

agatha all along

matks

more

gay witch band au

i cant call this death becomes her. gdi

time loop y thing

severance

(this one actually does not have a title. lol)

doctor whomst

eping angel 13

eldritch thinggg

donna noble's halfway house for wayward immortals

grey's

(another untitled one)

original stufff

riding the curve

the child eater

ghosts

it's midnight & im too tired to recall who writes around here but uhhh @ennn @picnokinesis @taardisblue if any of you would like to do it (np if not👍)

[vault81]

Jack Cooke's Travel Log - Master Post

A series of audio recordings made by my OC Jack Cooke as he traverses the Capital Wasteland and the Mojave! (just a fun lil oc project for me to work on!)

Fallout 3

Jack Cooke's Travel Log: Vault 101 - 17/08/2277 Jack Cooke's Travel Log: Springvale - 17/08/2277 Jack Cooke's Travel Log: Megaton - 17/08/2277 Jack Cooke's Travel Log: Super Duper Mart - 18/08/2277 Jack Cooke's Travel Log: Big Town - 19/08/2277 Jack Cooke's Travel Log: Germantown Police HQ - 19/08/2277 Jack Cooke's Travel Log: Minefield - 20/08/2277 Jack Cooke's Travel Log: Grayditch - 22/08/2277 Jack Cooke's Travel Log: ROBCO - 24/08/2277 Jack Cooke's Travel Log: Fort Independence & Fairfax - 25/08/2277

[jian-wei-24]

Final Masters Project: Modelling Progress (Marble-top kopitiam table).

Figure 1: Outline Sketched. [Left] Figure 2: Vertex Modelling. [Right]

After researching and examining various table references, I decided to adopt a more understated design with no wood carving. This choice reflects the context of the kopitiam's owner, who is moderately wealthy. It is likely that most of the owner's budget would have been allocated to more prominent and visible elements, such as the exterior façade and the decorative wall divider at the rear of the room, rather than smaller furnishings like the tables.

Using vertex modelling technique on the roughly sketched outline of the table's leg design to create the shape of the table's leg.

Figure 3: Brief table design.

To efficiently visualise and construct the table, I used an empty object as a reference for one of the full leg supports. By applying an Array Modifier and setting the offset type to 'Object Offset' using the empty, I was able to duplicate the leg support around the remaining three sides by rotating the empty to achieve the desired positioning. This non-destructive approach not only streamlined the modelling process but also allowed for rapid visualisation and adjustments to the leg placement during the early design phase.

Figure 4: Table top adjustment.

Figure 5: Table leg redesign.

Based on feedback received from Mr. Neil and Mr. Eden during the review of the WIP screenshot, several adjustments were made to enhance the table model. They noted that the table top appeared too blocky despite the use of a Shade Smooth modifier. To address this, the table top geometry was further subdivided to create a smoother and more natural circular form. Additionally, Mr. Eden advised revisiting the table's topology to remove unnecessary edge loops and to soften the sharpness of the leg profile. In response and referring to figure 5 as an example, the several parts of the table's geometry was refined with cleaner edge flow and a more polished silhouette, enhancing both its realism and visual appeal.

Figure 6: Final Appearance. [Left] Figure 7: Underneath Table Reference. [Right]

The table leg support beams, along with the central support core beneath the tabletop, were modeled using simple edge loop insertions, extrusion, and beveling techniques applied to a base cylinder mesh. Following further research into historical references, it became apparent that additional horizontal wooden support beams were typically present beneath similar tables to reinforce the tabletop structure. As a result, these elements were incorporated into the design to enhance structural accuracy, as shown in Figure 7.

Figure 8: UV Unwrap Table.

Upon modelling completion, the table model was UV unwrapped with careful consideration to texel density. UV islands occupying the most visible or surface-heavy areas were scaled slightly larger to maintain texture clarity, while ensuring the overall texel density remained consistent and proportional.

Figure 9: Middle poly and high poly.

The tabletop was not further subdivided, as it already featured sufficient edge density to appear smooth, particularly for a mid-poly asset. A corresponding high-poly version was created specifically for baking purposes, allowing finer surface details to be transferred onto the mid-poly model.

Figure 10: Table imported into UE5 and textured.

UV islands were strategically arranged and rotated to follow the natural wood grain direction, in alignment with real-life references. This is demonstrated in Figure 10, where a temporary baked texture has been applied to preview the wood flow and material coherence.

A lot of time was utilised in creating and re-adjusting this specific model. However, I have familiarised myself with this workflow process and have been able to create models faster compared to before.

[realitybitesyouknowit]

Chapters: 6/6 Fandom: Harry Potter - J. K. Rowling Rating: Explicit Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Harry Potter/Tom Riddle Characters: Harry Potter, Tom Riddle, Alphard Black, Theodore Nott, Gaspar Avery, Abraxas Malfoy, Richard Lestrange, Hermione Granger, Ron Weasley, Sirius Black, Remus Lupin, Luna Lovegood, Minerva McGonagall, Severus Snape, Albus Dumbledore Additional Tags: Alternate Universe - Muggle, Alternate Universe - Theatre, Timeline Mashup, (as an example : sirius is alphard's uncle), set in the 90's, Same Age Tom & Harry, Academic rivals, Rivals to Friends to Lovers, or : people who don't like each other (one sided) to friends to lovers, Friendship, Falling In Love, Mutual Pining, please blame the characters i only work here, Slow Burn, Touch-Starved Harry Potter, Touch-Starved Tom Riddle, Fluff, minimal angst, Domestic Fluff, Drama, Hurt/Comfort, Eventual Smut, Explicit Sexual Content, Romance, Shakespeare, Playwriting, Mentions of alcoholism, Mentions of Substance Abuse, (both pertaining to a secondary character), Drinking, Smoking, Recreational Drug Use, POV Harry Potter, Beta Read, Updates bi-weekly, (every tuesday & friday), one scene in act 1 has a splash of bodyshaming so TW Summary:

When Harry arrives at the most prestigious theatrical school in the country, under very suspicious circumstances, he doesn't have many expectations. The most unexpected thing he encounters, however, is one Tom Riddle.

Amidst peers of great talent, his worry for his Godfather, unconventional Professors, and a vague sense of unworthiness, Harry falls in love with the only other person who deals with feelings as well as him.

But maybe, just maybe, he and Tom will find out that not all love stories have to end in tragedy.

[sannyo-appreciation-posts]