Embossing software

[Davy]

Sorry digger , here ya go i've just reinstated you legend status .

[cem]

There is a program that can do it with depth it's called Zbrush you can check it out here www.pixologic.com it's not cheap but they have a demo version. I bought it when I was I doing 3D graphics work it's more for character creation for movies and games but it will do mostly what you want. I wouldn't recommend it if you haven't used some sort of graphics program before though as the learning curve is a bit high for those interested in giving it a try I recommend watching the videos on their site, checking out their wiki and for those super interested, buying a couple of books from amazon and checking out the intro videos from The Gnomon Workshop and Digital Tutors (more for those interested in doing colour mock ups which it can also do). For doing leatherwork patterns you specifically want to look up Alphas and Stencils on their wiki page.

I remember a thread where a fellow from China posted a series of stamps in Corel Draw and later Illustrator format that you could use in graphics programs. I got the Illustrator ones and converted them to PSD to use in ZBrush (I only did the ones that I have actual physical stamps for though).

If I've got time and if anyone is interested I'll try and post some psuedo ZBrush leatherwork in the next few days I have had all my stuff packed up for a house move so are a bit rusty in the ZBrush department but I should be able to get some example pics up.

Cheers,

Clair

Edited October 13, 2008 by cem

[Davy]

thanks Clair , it sounds like thats just what the doctor ordered . Sounds a bit scary though , Normally i need things that are pretty well idiot proof , but , being the adventurous type , I'll give it a go if it looks like it'll do the job . Alphas , stencils , wiki page ? I like to create my own patterns and the reason I'm after something like this is to be able to see the finished pattern before i start banging away on a lump of leather . sometimes i might spend 3 or 4 hours on a circular pattern , get almost to the end , and something i visualised in my head just does'nt look how i wanted on the pattern , and i hate finishing something i'm not happy with . And , it's not like i can unstamp it .

Thanks again , cheers , Dave .