Please see the most recent updates in the "Where did the .com name go?" thread. Posts number 16 and 17.
Thanks Bjoern! It isn't that difficult though. In fact I just start with a 128,128,128 layer, putting a layer of darker panellines above that layer (so they appear deeper) and lighter rivets. Then, I add a metal effect: take a regular water texture, desaturate it and adjust the contrast+brightness so that it's around 128,128,128. Using a layer mask, I mask the panellines and the rivets from this 'water' Next on a very slight noise overlay and that's it (for metal, fabric is another thing). Oh, and convert it using Arno's MCX Texture Converter.
Edit:
Fabric: I have normally for these textures already a black-to-alpha blend, which I take along to the normal map. The mid of the fabric is being darkened using a black airbrush and regulating the opacity. A white stripe is placed over the stringers, that's it. It's already very satisfying after a few trials.
I think the majority of my complete workflow is different, but, never mind...
The idea behind the clouds/plasma/water is in fact: adding a bit of texture to your bumpAfter I created the basic bump map, for my first D.21 textures, I really wanted a bit extra. Photographs of the D.21 show an irregular surface, especially since the metal skins on the D.21 weren't structural members, and that's what I wanted to implement. Here you can see it on the prototype:
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