Preserved Topic: 3D Soft Gradients?

Hi, i just formated my computer , i got some gigs free now to make some graphiks heheh , and i want to get into making interface pages again, but theres a particular style i want to do but i kant get it right, ive tried lighting effects and gradients but it doesnt really come close, these have gradients with light sources, and smooth metal it seems, the effects looks something like these:
1: 3D Gradient
2: 3D Gradient2
3: 3D Gradient3
4: 3D Gradient4

Kan anyone please help me or lead me into the direction of making graphiks like these? Also anyone know of any skinning forums that could also help? Thanks alot




[This message has been edited by Mr Blastafuzix (edited 01-10-2001).]

Those look like simple bevels and lighting effects. Check out DL's tutorial over at Guru's Network on adding depth.
www.gurusnetwork.com

I agree, the first three are just gradients with inner bevel applied. The last one looks like a lighting effects filter, with outerbevel for the buttons.

-D

nice plug Krets! (commision is there).. lol..

I would also try to split your graphics into more layers where you can work at greater detail.... obvioulsy am not sure how many layers you have used, but multi layering will give you alot more control over depth, by being able ot apply a particular style/effect to a more localised area, thus enhancing the perception of depth.. well thats how I would go at it!..

~Vp~

Yes, all of these look relativelt simple as far as the depth that is applied.

The biggest mistake people usually make (imo) with lighting effects (or other depth effects) is by leaving it be after the filter/effect is applied.

It never looks good without applying blurs and curves adjustments, adding edge definition layers and drop shadows and so on.

Obviously I don't know what you have/haven't done, but I'd follow krets's advice personally (I may be a little biased of course )

Quite possibly though, if it isn't tuning out the way you want no matter how you tweak it, then it could be that the original Alpha map you are using isn't smooth enough, or else those bevels could be airbrushed in.




Pretty...What do we blow up first? - Unknown