realistic modelling
 

Hi, all
I have a question at all Maya - "pro gamers".
I´ve found a picture in the internet of a pretty well made raptor. It´s interessting that each flake seems to be plastic/ 3d.
My question is how to modellate this.
Do I really have to create a lot of faces and extrude them to get this effect or are there other ways?
Thanks for all responses!

it is possible that what you're seeing is just some really good texturing skills...

Yeah man think its textures, poss displacement map.


If you wanted to model it I would create a base mesh in maya then move to Z brush for the detailing.

Thanks for your responses.
What would you suggest to create textures like that? My problem in Maya is that I´m not able to texture my modells good. Maybe it´s because I´ve read too less about texturing.
Or do you need a special programmm (like addobe) to texture your modells in a better way like this:

photoshop, paint shop pro, any kind of photo editing software will allow you to "paint" a texture for your object.

many people use photo references to create their textures... the first photo could have been done using parts of a picture of a real lizard or snake, or even smooth wet pebbles.

Ok, i think, I´ll try photoshop. Thank you very much, NeoStrider (and also gster123).
By the way, does the free video-tutorial "texture basics" explain how to put the created textures on the surface?

i don't think i've tried it... but since it's free it's not like it'll hurt to download it and see *shrug*

Well, NeoStrider you are right! I´ll just download it and find out.
Thanks again for your help