About DigitalArena
Been a 3D user since about 2000 when I discovered Cinema 4D. Was introduced to Carrara when version 1 was given away free with Digit magazine and was immediately impressed with its power and ease of use.
I actually started this website 3 years ago with every intention of making it dynamic so anyone could share their shaders here, but life and events got in the way.
But here we are at last in 2010, and finally anyone can join and start sharing shaders.
Hopefully lots of people find it helpful.
My Shaders
I have produced quite a lot of shaders on this site, and all of them are released under licenses that allow you to use them commercially and personally. All I ask is to be given credit. The following is an example of how you can do this, but so long as you get across the main points you can be flexible, e.g.:
Shaders/textures by DigitalArena.co.uk
Inspiration
When it comes to shaders there are a few animations that really stand out to me for the richness of the textures. One I have seen recently that really impressed me is The Tale of Despereaux. There isn't a square inch of that film that isn't rich with texture, and age and wear and tear.
But in fact, there really isn't a recently made 3D animation in which the textures or shaders are not a work of art.
When I am in shader mode I find myself watching the props and the scenery more than the animation and the story. In doing this you can really appreciate the wheels on RJ's red truck (Over the Hedge) the rocks and stones in Open Season, the 'Pizza Planet' delivery truck and bottle crate 'prison cell' in Toy Story. There is so much to see.
Then with all that in your head, real life has even more to offer. When you're out and about take a close look at the park benches and the way the paint cracks and blisters, the bin (not too close) and how the grime layers up, the slabs and how they become marked and mottled, the way the asphalt cracks and crazes, the way water leaves its mark.
What I love about shaders is the whole world it opens up when you come to appreciate the beauty of what's around us in all its little details.
