Hmm, your texture designs are really interesting! I think the cylinder presentation is cool too, cuz it's much prettier to look at than just a plane x]
@Slaught this approach was derived from both X-Men Origins: Wolverine and Bulletstorm. Both of them have characters that have internal geometry and use materials in this way.
Hi, I remember coming across an #askzbrush video along these lines. Not sure if it applies here but maybe it will help. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x-bylRCq8Zo