Master Copy Monday | Life: Texture Cube//Charcoal

Hello friends,

Sorry for the extended absence! I recently finished my latest commission and have a lot to update you guys with starting with today's Master Copy Monday.

Similar to previous post in the MCM section, this texture cube was created to help organize and develop a way to design the look of smoldering charcoal. Originally, the Musicks requested a design in which an oak tree was struck by lightning. Since the image was intended to be used as a logomark for a separate podcast, "The Blast and The Fallout", I had to consider what would be the most effective and readable way to communicate some really complex ideas in accordance to the design brief. I took that opportunity to study the lighting and color of smoldering charcoal to really emphasize these ideas as the main focus of the composition.

As you can see, there was a lot of time poured into the organization of organic shapes and how the lighting and temperature would affect the final render. Unfortunately, the dimensions of the final logo coupled with differences in creative opinion, prevented us from moving forward with these ideas and was eventually scrapped for a strategically simpler design.

Though it was unfortunate that I could not use my new techniques to render out this particular logo, I did learn a lot in terms of layer organization and blend modes. I encourage my readers to try an replicate the look and feel of everyday materials as texture cubes to become more comfortable with the use of blend modes within their own projects in the future. I also think its good practice to develop this skill to increase speed and manage workflow as well.

What do you think? What type of cube should I make next? In what ways would you improve my cube? Leave your thoughts in the comments below. As always, don't forget to like and share this post~

Until next time,
Peace