So, assuming that this ends up as a typical 128/256/512x6 size cubemap, resolution probably doesn't effect the quality too much, but what about high dynamic range?
Why such a high tri count and low rez texture? and by 4x do you mean normal, spec ,diffuse, emissions? I wouldn't list it like that, just a 1024 and 256.
Budgets will always be there, and i'm agree with you, they matter a lot. But just wanted to say that with the hardware we have (not all ppl) we have better and better budgets to get nicer things. We should not be always with the same budgets (1500-3000 polygons and 1024 textures). That's all. To know how work the SSS…
Just doing a study on face's, and some light. I'm trying to start slow... Getting an idea for shapes, and seeing different faces. Remember I suck at digital art. http://orig02.deviantart.net/7749/f/2015/265/3/e/portrait_study_by_eotb-d9akort.jpg
While I don't think you need the help, you might find this PDF on the geometry in gothic architecture interesting: http://faculty.scf.edu/condorj/256/presentations/Gothic%20Constructions.pdf One of my favourite things to look through, if I have any excuse to.
I priced out the Surface 3 and it was like $1500 total. The Cintiq was $1850 total. Including tax on both. The $350 different to have a matte screen, hotkeys, and an additional 1792 pressure levels from the Surface 3 256 levels is worth it in my book.
I already mentioned in my own thread, but I have an account builder savings at a local Korean American bank. I put in about $265 per month, and with the interest it will become $10,000 in 36 months. I plan to use it wisely for the software and the hardware.
not positive but i think if you up the samples(default is 256, try 512) in the ... option box beside the word ambient occlusion, that should help, granted it will take near twice as long.