I'm having a problem with my rendering - I'm trying to make character which have clothing (boy it is easier if you don't :P). Anyway - I have been trying to get the t-shirts to look a little more realistic - however haven't been having any luck. Anyone have any suggestions? Right now my stuff looks "plastic" and lighting doesn't seem to improve the situation much. I have noticed this appears to be a issue with a lot of renders when clothed - getting a "fabric" feel to them appears almost impossible. So has anyone got any suggestions - Tutorials which can help me (and anyone else with this problem). WiNC (Tracey-Anne)

Try using a bump map, here's a picture showing the difference one can make on a solid color shirt.

Here's a sample of something to use as a bump map

Shadowcat is right a bump map can make all the difference. Also try adjusting the high light,and reflective colors to darker tones. That should held get rid of the shiny look. Play with the high light size too.

A bump map will help a lot, as will painting a new texture map with some "noise" filtered in (the quick&dirty way). You can find LOTS of t-shirt textures around (almost all of them with logos). Take one of those maps and paste down your own fabric texture using it as a guide (you can find fabrics on the free sites, too) and color to taste. Add the bump map and you can have an excellent texture all your own. This is especially fine if you want puffy embroideries or sequins or fancy work. Carolly

Attached Link: http://www.renderosity.com/viewed.ez?galleryid=70406&Start=1&Sectionid=1&WhatsNew=Yes

Well the problem I have is the shinniness - it just doesn't seem to work well... I am rendering in Poser Pro Pack - could that be my problem? I just did a "finished" render for one of the characters I have made - can you have a look and maybe offer suggestions - I did a LOT of the work post render however can now do most of the texture and bumpmap stuff in textures. Thanks for your help WiNC

Set your highlight color to either black or a charcoal gray. That should get rid of the shine.

Kate - is there any good tutorials on how do play around with the lighting in such a way that it isn't just for face shots (I found one which showed lighting for face shots - but really didn't go into anything beyond that)

I haven't seen any really good lighting tutorials, at least not full scene lighting.