HOME | DD

Description
Check out and Download the Original Practice Sheet .PSD HERE .
Artist: Tim Von Rueden (vonn)
When it comes to fantasy concept and illustration work, you would be hard pressed not to include leather of some kind. We see it everywhere in video games, movies, and shows. I believe this material is essential to understand if you want to work in the industry. I personally love working with leather as it’s a textured surface that either has little to no shine, or a pretty defined highlight. You can carve into it to add designs or you can give it seams and stitching to add that extra detail. Learn to love this material as you may be having to create it a substantial amount of time!
So what exactly is it? Well, to put it grossly it’s essentially dried flesh, primarily tanned cattle skin. And like our own skin, it’s not very reflective unless there is oil or water present on top which creates the sheen. For the most part, the color and value will be pretty consistent all over with the exception of the highlight. Be sure to add in the subtle texturing of the cracks, tears, and grooves.
Below is the practice worksheet that you can grab from the “Downloads” tab (find it under the header image near the top of this exercise).
– TIPS
Decide if you want a more treated shiny leather or a more natural matte leather.
Add those seam lines and stitching for that extra punch of detail.
The wrinkling should be subtle yet effective. Use reference and see how leather folds on itself.
Add some texture to give that defined leather look!
This exercise is an essential when it comes to strengthening your material understanding, especially one that is used so often. Be sure to take your time with leather but you’ll learn that it’s actually quite easy to create and then it becomes fun!

When you finish the exercise, remember to submit the result to the “Submissions” tab on CGCookie.com. You can see other submissions alongside your own!

Description
Check out and Download the Original Practice Sheet .PSD HERE .
Artist: Tim Von Rueden (vonn)
When it comes to fantasy concept and illustration work, you would be hard pressed not to include leather of some kind. We see it everywhere in video games, movies, and shows. I believe this material is essential to understand if you want to work in the industry. I personally love working with leather as it’s a textured surface that either has little to no shine, or a pretty defined highlight. You can carve into it to add designs or you can give it seams and stitching to add that extra detail. Learn to love this material as you may be having to create it a substantial amount of time!
So what exactly is it? Well, to put it grossly it’s essentially dried flesh, primarily tanned cattle skin. And like our own skin, it’s not very reflective unless there is oil or water present on top which creates the sheen. For the most part, the color and value will be pretty consistent all over with the exception of the highlight. Be sure to add in the subtle texturing of the cracks, tears, and grooves.
Below is the practice worksheet that you can grab from the “Downloads” tab (find it under the header image near the top of this exercise).
– TIPS
Decide if you want a more treated shiny leather or a more natural matte leather.
Add those seam lines and stitching for that extra punch of detail.
The wrinkling should be subtle yet effective. Use reference and see how leather folds on itself.
Add some texture to give that defined leather look!
This exercise is an essential when it comes to strengthening your material understanding, especially one that is used so often. Be sure to take your time with leather but you’ll learn that it’s actually quite easy to create and then it becomes fun!

When you finish the exercise, remember to submit the result to the “Submissions” tab on CGCookie.com. You can see other submissions alongside your own!