Have been out of Blender for a while thought I would jump back into it. Trying to recreate my truck found here http://www.cardomain.com/ride/3246681 so far this is what I got.
Was wondering if anyone had some tips on the materials as I can’t seem to get them better no matter how hard i work at them. it is all blender internal at the moment. any feedback would be greatly appreciated.
I like the model as far as it goes. That looks “finished enuf.”
Put some more lighting on the model (a nice sun-lamp) and reposition the camera so that it approximately matches the plate.
In my experience, it usually takes more than one texture to really make an agreeable effect. Take, for example, the hood of the car. The basic underlying paint-color of the vehicle is basically a charcoal-gray primer. But there’s a lot of specularity going on, on top of that. A very prominent line on the passenger-side panel next to the hood. A subtle noise-texture all across the hood.
Other differences will be the same: three of four headlights are clear; one is not. Both running-lights have a thick diffuse coat over it. (“Wash Me!” :eyebrowlift2: )
Each of these will be additional texture layers. They won’t be applied to everything and they won’t be active in the same amount over every pixel.
You’re on a good start. Your texturing is also on a good start but the non-gamma corrected render does not do justice to your work so far. I attached a gamma corrected render so you can compare.
I think the first thing you need to do is work on your overall presentation when posting an image and asking about texture. To do this your going to have to light it better and add some close ups so we can see any texture that you currently have. Textures are so subtle, yet really make a huge differance. If your new to textures try pulling up some tutorials. As above, you can layer many textures, and once you learn how to do this it can become fun and challenging. If needed just start with a cube and work on textures and materials. Its easy to learn on a very simple shape as opposed to learning on a entire truck.
Advice: Better lighting (not harsh, but soft all around…) and more close ups. I think BSOD might have some good layer texturing and material tutorials…(Blender summer of documentation…)
For something really nice I would work on the glass and interior…add more color.
Great start.
Nice Job! Add the fuzzy dice and you’ll be set 
-rich
if you use the material nodes you can get a real nice carpaint
a good environment with some subtle reflections and lighting shades will make a world of difference too. As for the camera level - keep it within the reasonable positions attained by a normal person standing or squatting.
edit: just noticed the mirrors and bumpers are different. are these the changes you intend on making to the truck in the future?
