Main Workflow

There are two alternative workflows for painting textures on 3D models. The second one described below was discussed in the previous chapter, but it’s worth noting here as well so it will be fresh in your mind.

Texturing before unwrapping: Sometimes, depending on your needs, it’s easier to create a texture and then adapt the UVs to fit that texture. In this case, of course, you need to create the texture before you start unwrapping. A good example of this method is a wooden floor; you may have a photo of wood and to apply it to the surface, you just load that photo and adapt the UVs so the wood in the photo has the right size and position on your surface.

Texturing after unwrapping: This is the usual texturing method for characters or complex objects because it specifically tailors textures for that model. First you unwrap the model and then you export the UVs as an image to use for a reference when painting and adjusting your textures to make sure they fit the faces in your model. This is the method you’ll be using to texture Jim.