PodyPaint / Mudbox / Mari / ZBrush, etc - Most Intuitive for ArchViz texturing?

[TomasEsperanza]

Hi,

 

(Having predominantly used Photoshop, Max, V-Ray) I wonder which program would be best for painting directly onto geometry as well as flattened out UVs, for archviz scenes (and assets). Considering that occasionally tile-able textures and procedural materials may not be adequate.

 

For example: it would be good to see the materials on the model updated without having to re-save an image and flick back and forth between apps.

 

I've dabbled in a couple of programs and really didn't like the projection painting experience very much, (and hated not knowing what I was doing with unusual interfaces). However, I am aware that this may be a useful addition to ones palette once the initial learning curve is tackled.

 

I would place value on efficiency and super high detail, thus recognise that it may be worth getting over the hump with a powerful app like Mari. But is it worth it? What program do you use? I welcome you thoughts on the subject folks

Edited March 15, 2014 by TomasEsperanza
Re-phrasing for clarity

[Nic H]

photoshop mate

arch vis is mostly rectilinear surfaces and forms.

 

iv used mudbox and liked the max and back workflow. the painting tools were very intuitive but it felt like overkill and less efficient than photoshop for my general arch vis work.

 

do you do mostly stills or animation?

[TomasEsperanza]

Nicnic, thanks for your reply. I am interested in maintaining a workflow that accommodates both animated and still arch-viz. While I expect that for the most part we are better off sticking to Photoshop, I am curious about any tools that are superior in the "3D painting" department. I will give Mudbox another go, (as I have a better tablet since the last time I used it too). Cheers

 

' Anyone use Mari? (' looks awesome)

[Scott Schroeder]

I would suggest using viewport canvas in the graphite tools before you think about spending extra money on a program that you might use 1% of the time. If you find you are using viewport canvas all the time and the toolset isn't up to what you want, then you can think about investing in a better painting app. But for general arch viz work, most of those apps aren't that efficient for the ever changing at the last minute workflow.

 

http://www.digitaltutors.com/tutorial/129-Texturing-Using-the-Viewport-Canvas-in-3ds-Max