Normal maps and textures

d2king10

Hey guys, I have a quick question regarding normal maps and textures. If I want to hand paint a texture for something, and then sculpt the normals in Mudbox, what would be the best way to get the two to match up?

Would I simply paint the textures in Photoshop then load and apply them to the highpoly mesh in Mudbox, and then normal map accordingly, or is there some way to normal map first and then open it up in Photoshop and easily see where to texture?

Thanks in advanced.

glib

Do your sculpt first, then bake AO and normals. AO will help you landmark your details in your diffuse and also accentuate your normal-mapped sculpt details.

lymiller

What I plan to do for myself is normal map first and then overlay that image over my painting in Photoshop. That way you can see where your grooves are.

d2king10

Alright, thanks a bunch guys. I will try both methods, the AO seems like it would be pretty easy, don't know why I didn't think of it!

Thanks again!