It really all depends on the source materials. There are some hair props that, no matter what you do, still wont render realistically because everything has been done with repeat patterns of a single overlay, giving the hair a repetitive, overly regular look. But there are others that come out looking great, because the source material has been worked to avoid regularity: the original wedge cut, actually, is one that looks good even close up. Koz's stuff is seriously great, but if you look at it, it's rare he breaks things down into multiple areas all using the same texture -- usually he builds the hair piece as a single prop and then very carefully constructs the texture and transparencies. I think that's one of the secrets to his success.

But here's the Wedge closeup, on a P4 guy render: even the strands look great -- if you compare it to the recently released Beret with Hair or Western Hat with Hair, there's really no contest. Sorry about the NVIATWAS pun, but it was for another site's NVIAT challenge, and I couldn't resist. (Edited to include model identification)

Message edited on: 11/10/2004 13:30

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