Shadow Baking Experiment #3 (Conclusion) (Patreon)

Yes, I have no clue what is this. But here are the results of my findings.

What you see as the final product, is actually 1 color. Yes, just one simple base color layered on top of the shadow baked maps. There are limitations to this sadly though, as can be seen in the pictures following apart from the full sized display.

If observed closely, you could see artifacts shaped like big rings on color transition. Remember, I'm only using 1 color (Check nails for example). Also this is running only diffuse, meaning. If I'm to specifically create maps for it, I will get the shiny done right and the gloss to show the highlights but it will fall flat on Normal map. As there is no skin and it will only show the rings as bumps.. 🤔

Also, just in case your woundering like "Hold on, how come 1 color if there is skin details such as nipples/nostrils/eyelashes/lips/etc...?", that is simple, I added them individually, otherwise it would be like the default VaM manikin 🤣

So, I think the conclusion is quite simple, we use a base texture and we embed it with this shadow baking shenanigans. I believe with the right approach, we could do insane stuff.

I think this is enough experimenting for now, I should release the Khadija the Orc, still working out her fixes that were on hold due to this awesome experiment.