Makes complete sense, in regards then. Totally understand. But yeah, if you are going that route... Exactly what stevston89 said. Do not rely on your AO to do a lot of the diffuse work, rely more on softer hand painted in AO and then highlights and overall mesh light gradations like in the ref. A lot of Blizzard's style…
I got her posed and am now working on finishing up some textures (especially the weapons and scarf). This is diffuse only, I'm thinking of adding a spec but I'm not sure yet.
Quick update of some of the textures Ive been working on. Obviously still a heavy wip but I wanted to share where I'm at right now. Currently this is diffuse only, but i will add a spec map soon.
If that is what you are aiming for don't use a spec map or the normal map. Their process usually uses the AO bake as a base and then just paint the whole thing on top. Also if you are going to do any more sculpt less. Riot/ blizzard hardly put any detail into sculpts it is all added in the diffuse painting stage. From…