Texture Artist | Get In Media

Much of this textural detail is thanks to the texture artist, also known as a texture painter, whose graphic art is used to define the surface qualities of a 3-D computer model. Most of the textures created by texture artists are used in video games, films, and television shows.

The texture artist’s main duty is to create photorealistic textures for mapping onto 3-D objects used in video games, films, television, music videos, or commercials—like wrapping a gift box in patterned paper. These textures will often be created from scratch, but may also be created from existing materials. Familiarity with the requisite software is required, as well as familiarity with the process of UV mapping. To create the appropriate finishes, a texture artist may scan photographs and then digitally apply the textures to objects and environments previously created by other members of the effects team, or they may create custom textures that go far beyond what appears in nature. As members of the visual effects team, texture artists must maintain a high level of photorealism in whatever surfaces they choose so as to enhance the 3-D environment and fit the requirements of the model pipeline and shading setup. Keeping textures diverse helps avoid repetitive and boring contributions to the video game, film, or television show on which they are working. Texture artists are just one element of the VFX team, and work closely with a variety of people, from modelers and shading/lighting technical directors to VFX supervisors.