Nice work man! I really like how the folds feel in your highpoly. Seems a bit like overkill to have a highpoly for diffuse only, but I guess you are more comfortable with this workflow?
yea, I hear you. Sometimes I'll model in zbrush to get the base forms down cause its a lot easier then guessing when modeling a low poly. (when you don't have orthographic concept art). Makes a lot of sense since you use substance especially.
If you're going for diffuse only, I would also try to add some fake top lighting using a world space normal map and position map gradient rather than just using the curvature and AO like (I think) you did.
I agree with Jerc, adding light from the top will help bring out some depth.
I did a paintover though, what I did was.
1. Added a gradient from the top down.
2. Paint in some lighting from the top and make it darker at the edges, so it looks like it curves more.
3. Soften the cloth folds making a softer transition from light to dark values, right now I think it reads almost like stone.
I don't do handpainted assets myself, so take what I say with a grain of salt.
Replies
I did a paintover though, what I did was.
1. Added a gradient from the top down.
2. Paint in some lighting from the top and make it darker at the edges, so it looks like it curves more.
3. Soften the cloth folds making a softer transition from light to dark values, right now I think it reads almost like stone.
I don't do handpainted assets myself, so take what I say with a grain of salt.