Howdy, I wanted to know if there is a simpler way of applying a tattoo image onto the "seam" of an M3 skin texture as opposed to making two copies of the tattoo on separate layers in PS and then attempting to line them both up on opposite sides? 

For example, I'm trying to line up a tattoo directly onto the outer bicep of an M3 skin texture, but as we all know, those skin textures are split right down middle of the entire length of the outer arm, so placement of a tat directly onto the outer bicep region would result on placing it on the actual seam. 

Any help with this would be greatly appreciated as it can become very time consuming to line up two halves of a tattoo image directly on the seam of a texture. 

Thanks in advance....

Pandorian

There's no easy way to do this but a good seam guide is invaluable.  I always try to make a point of doing something like this in my products because it's damned difficult.

Seems like you have the right idea; make two copies and line them up.  Scaling sometimes helps if it's a repeating pattern, because you can ensure the two ends fall together properly where they meet.

Something which may help is to paint a white stripe round the arm, showing where the tattoo will fall.  You will then have a much clearer idea of any linear distortion you will have to account for.  As for the seams, though, well, that's where patience comes in. :)

That's what I was afraid of.  :)  But I do appreciate the feedback SamTherapy.

Thank you.

Pandorian

Attached Link: http://www.terabit.nildram.co.uk/tattoo/index.htm

Actually I have a 3D paint program (Deep Paint) but am not really familiar with it as I've never really had the opportunity to play around with it.  Maybe I'll open her up and see what I can make of it.

Thanks for the idea pleonastic.

Powerdots

You could try the 'second skin' technique.  Use the grouping

tool to pick out the facets where you want the tattoo, then

hit 'create prop' to make a separate little piece with the

exact same shape as the original arm.  You can then

treat this piece like a clothing item.  (Sort of like a glove

or hat.)  UVmap it, give it a transparency and texture, and

smart-prop it to the arm.

Brilliant Ockham! Simple and brilliant!  Also means that the tattoo can go on a small map that is easily changed. Any news re. loader :)

either that, or slap a new map on the arm group, in case you need morphs to function. maybe apply some perspective UVs (probably wouldn't work well) or do some kind of manipulation in UVMapper Pro or other mapping software.

Thanks Ockham, that sounds like a winner.  I'll give it a shot.

Pandorian