Well a normal map is a texture :) Take a look at this when you have the time http://wiki.polycount.com/NormalMap?highlight=%28%5CbCategoryTexturing%5Cb%29 Bunch of links at the end as well.
Another quick study, decided to try out some hard-surface shapes this time, only ZBrush primitives and Dynamesh Master (no modeling). Study 28 - ZBrush Hard-Surface
Although it sounds like a film title, 28 days later is a forum full of urban derelict environments. Great for ruins or general grunge reference. http://www.28dayslater.co.uk/forums/
MODO | Custom Color
Scheme This video takes a quick
look at creating custom color schemes in MODO. http://www.pixelfondue.com/blog/2017/5/28/modo-custom-color-scheme
Pirate - Necromancer miniature! 28 mm http://titan-forge.com Thanks Sławek Kościukiewicz for feedback and helping me a lot! check out his stuff here: https://www.artstation.com/sawekkociukiewicz
How much of the house's is modular? If not much I would suggest this tutorial it will help with your roofs and general modularity with buildings. http://wiki.polycount.com/ModularMountAndBlade?highlight=%28%5CbCategoryEnvironmentModularity%5Cb%29
There's some further information here: http://mynameismjp.wordpress.com/2013/07/28/siggraph-follow-up/ Interestingly, I also hear that Mari has "almost completely replaced Photoshop" for them :)
Just an interesting interview with Durante about his "20 min" mod. http://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2012/08/28/how-dark-souls-pc-became-awesome.aspx
I had no formal art training and had never touched a computer mouse when I started school at 28. If you have enough drive and determination, you can do it.