Q: What resolution should my textures be?Ī: Texture sizes should not be larger than 512x512.

Try to keep hats under 1,000 polygons, and weapons under 6,500. Q: What are the polycount limits on my item?Ī: Keep the polycount similar to what's already in the game. Q: I am a 3D artist, how do I get started?Ī: First, you’ll need to install the Source Developer Kit (SDK).

XSI (models, textures, skeletons, morphs, animation).

3DS-Max (models, textures, skeletons, morphs, animation).

Zbrush (detail models, morphs and textures).

Maya (models, textures, skeletons, morphs, animation).

Q: What software tool should I use to make my item?Ī: It varies depending upon the project, but this is generally what workshop contributors use:

Use a subtle vertical gradient and a subtle ambient occlusion layers multiplied over the colors.

Try and avoid full black, full white, or fully saturated colors.

Try and use flat colors that are close to the TF color family that the base game uses.

Take a look at giant size of the TF characters hands and imagine what they would build. No scales, skin pores, fabric textures, super detailed normals, etc.

TF generally has realistic proportions, with slightly exaggerated aspects to emphasize certain areas.

Hats should maintain the personality of the character (heavy's boxing Gloves, Scout's batter's helmet, etc.).

Clearly the art style has evolved over the years, but here are some guidelines that you should keep in mind as you create your items. Nothing too modern, hyper-realistic or overly “cartoony”. When we started, the game followed an idealized 1950’s-60’s Americana look. Q: What are some guidelines for matching TF2’s art style and improving the chances of my item getting in?Ī: This is a tricky question we grapple with daily. There are a lot of digital art communities online with great information. Q: Where can I find good tutorials to learn 3D modeling?Ī: Search for “speed modeling” on YouTube and visit the source developer wiki.

Steam paid mods 2019