AVC 185 - Week 9 - Spring 2026

Week Overview

Monday covers this lecture introduces modeling to scale using a kitchen table scene project. Students learn to create a calibrated bounding box, use reference images effectively, and model a chair using box modeling techniques with proper UV unwrapping for texturing. Wednesday focuses on this lecture covers smart masks, mesh maps, particle brushes, and projection methods in Substance Painter. Students present their custom Mat projects while learning advanced texturing techniques and rendering workflows.

Modeling to Scale Box Modeling UV Unwrapping Reference Images Bevel Modifier Substance Painter Smart Masks Mesh Maps Particle Brushes Projections Rendering Texturing

Monday

March 23, 2026

Modeling to Scale and Chair Creation

This lecture introduces modeling to scale using a kitchen table scene project. Students learn to create a calibrated bounding box, use reference images effectively, and model a chair using box modeling techniques with proper UV unwrapping for texturing.

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Project Introduction

0:00 Introduction and Spring Break Check-in

2:34 Kitchen Table Scene Overview

Scale and Reference Setup

5:37 Modeling to Scale Fundamentals

12:10 Reference Image Setup

16:31 Creating Bounding Box Calibration

Chair Modeling Process

29:33 Box Modeling Workflow Introduction

34:23 Chair Modeling with Mirror Modifier

47:26 Bridge Tool and Rung Creation

1:15:00 Cross Rungs and Symmetry

1:30:10 Seat Modeling and Beveling

Surface Finishing

1:37:14 Bevel Modifier and Shading

UV Mapping Workflow

1:43:02 UV Unwrapping Strategy

2:08:00 UV Packing and Proportionality

Texturing Pipeline

2:20:14 Substance Painter Export and Setup

2:24:00 Wood Texturing and Smart Masks

Key Concepts

Modeling to scale requires calibrated bounding boxes for realistic proportions
Reference images work best when they are blueprint-style orthographic views
Box modeling uses extrude, inset, and bridge tools systematically
Mirror modifier enables efficient symmetrical modeling workflows
UV unwrapping before applying modifiers simplifies the selection process
Wood grain direction in UV space affects texture realism
Bevel modifier creates rounded edges while preserving clean UV layouts
Smart masks in Substance Painter automate wear and edge effects

Wednesday

March 25, 2026

Smart Masks and Advanced Texturing

This lecture covers smart masks, mesh maps, particle brushes, and projection methods in Substance Painter. Students present their custom Mat projects while learning advanced texturing techniques and rendering workflows.

Watch Full Lecture →

Setup and Introductions

0:00 Introduction and Setup

Student Project Reviews

10 projects

4:10 Student Feedback: Fusion Fall Inspired Mat

8:03 Particle Brushes and Vein Effects

13:05 Student Feedback: Navigation Issues

18:43 Student Feedback: Interface Problems

30:50 Student Feedback: Nuclear Themed Mat

43:46 Student Feedback: Dalmatian Astrobot Mat

52:25 Student Feedback: Height Channel Exploration

1:05:05 Student Feedback: Hazmat Character Design

1:13:05 Student Feedback: Iron Man Inspired Mat

1:17:05 Student Feedback: Simple Texturing Approach

Smart Masks Theory

1:26:05 Smart Masks and Mesh Maps

1:38:45 Mask Editor Deep Dive

Rendering Workflow

1:53:00 Rendering from Substance Painter

Projection Techniques

2:09:27 Projection Methods and UV Solutions

Key Concepts

Smart masks use mesh map data like curvature and world space normals
Particle brushes have orange indicators and complex parameter sets
Mask editor is the core generator behind most smart mask presets
Projection settings are per-layer in Substance Painter, not per-material
Triplanar projection helps cover UV seams but sacrifices directional control
Procedural generation combined with manual paint adjustments provides flexibility
Path tracing renders require time-based sampling decisions rather than technical parameters
Professional workflows involve iterative feedback and revision cycles