Im intermediate at 3d modeling but self taught so this might sound like a silly question. I see models in the 60,000 polycount range and lower but the texture resolution on them is so sharp and clear. So is it possible to have a model that is 60,000 polys wrapped with a texture that is say 4K?
Yes that is possible but poly count in no way influences texture res. You can still have a 60k model with a 2k texture. Chances are though, a 60k model is for a somewhat high fidelity game that would have several 2k textures on it.
One oblique way tri count of model influences texture is during deformation. Imagine a quad with a checker pattern on it. If you stretch the quad, the texture stretches directly proportional with it. Now add three edgeloops cutting across the quad. Now you can stretch it withouth as much texture stretching. So sometimes…
"Good" or "Appropriate" texture resolution is usually more determined by how large/prominent the object will be on screen. You want enough resolution in the texture to keep things from looking blocky or blurry. Setting a standard based on the objects physical size in the game world is often a good way to keep things…