Frequently Asked Questions and Handy Hints

Why are there so many colors in each pack?

Where do the names for texture color variations come from?

What is color match?

Will a texture with a particular color name match another texture with the same color name in a different set?

A pack is called xxx Silk but to me it looks like cotton; why?

Some sets include bump and shine maps but others don't; why aren't they in all packs?

Why should I create my own bump and shine maps? Can't I just use the ones provided?

I'm editing a graphic and when I tile it I see fine grey lines where they join. How do I remove these lines?

Why do I need to create an account before I make a purchase?

I have lost the original file I purchased. Can I download it again?

 

Q: Why are there so many colors in each pack?

A: I rarely take an image and simply recolor as is. For the vast majority of the sets I make, during the creation process, I extract various colors to separate layers. This means that when it comes time to recolor the texture, colors such as leaves, gold, silver, highlights, backgrounds etc can remain static; even while other components of the image are recolored to create many variations. I therefore make a set with a comprehensive range of colors which are visually different so that you don't need to take the time to lift colors to their own layers.

 

Q: Where do the names for texture color variations come from?

A: The color names for textures originated at the color name websites by David A here (patience while it loads) and Color Name & Hue here. The open source code has been used to develop a database for use offline and allowing for the creation of new names as required. This provides consistency in naming the color of textures which are very close in hue.

 

Q: What is color match?

A: Where the 'Colour Match' feature is set to 'yes' (in the 'More Information' tab of a product listing), this indicates that you are able to search your files for the texture colour name and the textures which bear the same colour name will be very close to the same HEX code and are therefore visually similar in colour. This will allow you to mix and match solids and patterns.

 

Q: Will a texture with a particular color name match another texture with the same color name in a different set?

A: Yes it will. Sometimes there may be a slight difference in the visual appearance of textures with the same color name but due to the use of a database of hex codes and the associated names the difference will be minimal. This means you will be able to search your inventory for the texture colour name and the textures which bear the same colour name are very close to the same HEX code and are therefore similar in colour, allowing you to mix and match solids and patterns from different texture sets.

 

Q: A pack is called xxx Silk but to me it looks like cotton; why?

A: Basically it's just a name. I have to call it something! If it looks like cotton to you, then by all means use it as cotton. On your objects cotton can easily look like silk with a bit of shine or velvet can even look like carpet with the right bump / normal map etc so play around. Use fabric patterns as wallpaper, jewel trims as chandelier drops or anything you can imagine. 

 

Q: Some sets include bump and shine maps but others don't; why aren't they in all packs?

A: It's true, some of the packs don't include maps. In truth I'd prefer you don't use them but if I leave them out I am asked to make them so I keep including them. Honestly though, learn to make them for yourself. You will REALLY notice the difference when they are made for the specific item you are working with rather than the generic ones I provide. 

 

Q: Why should I create my own bump and shine maps? Can't I just use the ones provided?

A: Creating your own bump and shine maps will incorporate all the elements of the object you are working with, resulting in a much more detailed and realistic end product. For example, if you are working with a blue silk, frilled shirt, the shirt will have shadow and 'bump' texture from the collar, buttons, stitching, creases and folds, etc. It will also reflect a blue sheen. Using the generic bump and shine maps will only reflect a white sheen unless you add color. The generic bump map will only provide 'bump' texture to the fabric itself, not the shirt features. By combining the texture to the AO (ambient occlusion / shadow maps) you will see more realistic finishes to your objects, whatever they may be.

 

Q: I'm editing a graphic and when I tile it I see fine grey lines where they join. How do I remove these lines?

A: If a grey line appears when tiling a texture (or placing it side by side with itself in any way), what you are seeing is a semi transparent row of pixels at the edge of the texture.

Sample of tiled image with fine grey line:

 Image showing subtle grey line at join

There are 2 easy fixes. 

When you resize your image ensure that the resample option is set to 'Bilinear'.

Screenshot of resample option in Photoshop:

Image showing resize settings

If your image has already been resized prior to saving, the above method will not remove this artifact, but there is still a remedy. Add a new layer beneath the layers that are tiled and showing the grey line. Use the colour picker to select a colour from the main image and fill this new bottom layer with this solid colour. The line will disappear without any distortion of the overlying pattern texture. The fill colour can be light or dark to tone in with the top (texture) layer/s. Only in extreme situations will it show through the top layers (such as if the top layers are black and a light fill is used) - which is why it is best to select a colour from the texture layers as the fill.

Sample of image layers with solid fill:

 Image showing grey line removed

 

Q: Why do I need to create an account before I make a purchase?

A: An account is required in order to track your purchase. This is important to enable you to download the zip file of the product you have purchased, and, to allow you to return to the site and download the file again should you need to do so.

 

Q: I have lost the original file I purchased. Can I download it again?

A: You can download any file you have purchased a maximum of 3 times. Log into your account, click on your name in the status bar and navigate to "My Account". You can download any previously purchased product from the "My Downloadable Products" link in the menu on the left of the page. 

 

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