Create 2x2 Recessed Light

[ivanjay]

I have never created my own lights before. Always used ERCO's... But, I need a 2 x 2 fixture. Is this methodology correct:

 

1. Create 2' hollow box recessed into ceiling object
   
2. Put (2) photometric lights in there, 60 watts each
   
3. Make a thin box along the bottom of the fixture as the filter
   
4. Apply a polished metal to the inside of the light box
   
5. I made a material for the light filter. It is ProMaterial: Plastic/Vinyl. Color White. Typic - Plastic (Transparent), Surface Finish Matte. No Bumps
   

 

Does that sound right?

[Crazy Homeless Guy]

Honestly, I would find a 2x2 IES, position below the fixture. Build your fixture, and either apply a painted light map material to the lens, or make the lens translucent, and place a light material inside of the box to simulate the way the light would look when hitting the lens.

 

I think you might be over thinking it. Rendering is just as much about finding ways to fake what you want as it is to actually doing it the way you would in real life.

[ivanjay]

Honestly, I would find a 2x2 IES, position below the fixture. Build your fixture, and either apply a painted light map material to the lens, or make the lens translucent, and place a light material inside of the box to simulate the way the light would look when hitting the lens.

 

I think you might be over thinking it. Rendering is just as much about finding ways to fake what you want as it is to actually doing it the way you would in real life.

 

I am very much into the faking it, trust me no issues there! Glad to hear I am overthinking. The only challenge I typically have is when I put the light below the fixture I get a hot spot (unnatural) on the ceiling.

 

Where would I find the ies files? I have no clue who typically provides those out there.

 

And can you get a little more detailed about the painted light map material? Not sure what you mean there.

[Crazy Homeless Guy]

2x2 files...

http://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla%3Aen-US%3Aofficial&channel=s&hl=en&source=hp&q=2x2+IES+light+file&btnG=Google+Search

 

As for the painted light map... It would be lighter/whiter in areas that need to glow more, and darker in areas that need to glow less. Fairly straight forward, but should be done with care.

[ivanjay]

2x2 files...

http://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla%3Aen-US%3Aofficial&channel=s&hl=en&source=hp&q=2x2+IES+light+file&btnG=Google+Search

 

As for the painted light map... It would be lighter/whiter in areas that need to glow more, and darker in areas that need to glow less. Fairly straight forward, but should be done with care.

 

I am not even sure how to go about creating a painted light map? Are you talking about creating a bit map in photoshop and using that as a map or is this procedural or...? Not sure where to start

[Crazy Homeless Guy]

Yes, painted in Photoshop, and then applied in the self illumination slot of a A&D Shader.