April Update - Color Scans! - April 27th 2012

Color scans are now available, with more forthcoming. The company blog has further details, but highlights also include a progress update on subscriptions and how they'll work. Additionally, new scanner equipment is expected soon that will quadruple the stencil resolution.

A fair amount of under the hood work has been done to the site to allow for color, and the upcoming subscriptions. Work will be ongoing, but won't affect functionality. When subs are ready to go, I'll pull down that "beta" label.

- Paul Callender (paul@surfacemimic.com)

March Update - March 26th 2012

I've just completed a site update, the biggest changes being here on the front page. Additionally, I've added mini icons on scan preview images so make it clear whether a scan is a stencil or alpha type. I have more site changes coming, specifically an artist showcase page. I have some submissions already, but there's always room for more. If you've been using surface mimic scans in your work, and would like to see it showcased here, then send me an email!

I'm steadily adding new scans. Recent ones have been sourced from outside, with surfaces varying from brick, to concrete, asphalt plaster and more.

GDC was a success. I met up with a bunch of people and companies and reactions were extremely positive. Now with Siggraph 2012 looming, there's much work to be done.

- Paul Callender (paul@surfacemimic.com)

February Update - February 16th 2012

There's been an enormous amount of interest in the last two weeks. Thanks to everyone who has purchased scans. I've added a blog post talking about the future of human skin scanning, and future plans here at Surface Mimic.

I've completed work on the stencil scan scripts, this paves the way for uploading a large backlog of stencil scans I've accumulated over the past few months. For starters tonight, I've added some high resolution feather scans.

Additionally, I will be attending the Game Developer's Conference (GDC) in San Fransisco in early March. If you're going, and are interested in talking with me, email me.

- Paul Callender (paul@surfacemimic.com)

Interview at fxguide and new "Stencil" scans - February 2nd 2012

Big day today. FXGuide just posted up my interview. I'm excited to see more Mari and FX people interested in Surface Mimic.

I've also just released a new scan type called "Stencils". These are high resolution displacement maps for use in Mari and Mudbox projection painting. Check out the blog post for a more detailed description.

I've also added some more scans. Check the new additions page to stay current.

For those who are new visitors, welcome! Registering an account gets you a complimentary promotion code worth up to $10. This way you can try out a scan or two of your choosing. Also, every scan can be downloaded and tested in advance as a full resolution watermarked sample.

Enjoy!

New Crocodile 3D Scans - January 26th 2012

I've uploaded some caiman crocodile scans to the gallery. They're from real leather skins. The skins themselves look like they've been UV-unwrapped.

I won't usually post new additions to the news here, but there's a lot of traffic coming in on the main page, so I urge you all to either follow us on twitter, facebook, or follow our RSS feed. The RSS feed will only update when I upload new scans.

It's great to see many new artists registering. Don't forget, new accounts get a promotion code granting two free alpha downloads. Additionally, If you have a scan in mind, but don't see it in the library, let me know. I can't guarantee anything but I'm scanning a lot of stuff, so I might be able to bump something up in priority for you.

New 3D Scan Gallery Launch - January 23rd 2012

Welcome! Today is the launch of the new Surface Mimic website. This site has been totally revamped to display and sell 3D surface scans for Zbrush, Mudbox and Mari. The site's purpose is to provide a convenient means of getting 3D artists real world surface scans for their work.

The site has been extensively tested, and I've done everything possible to ensure it will run smoothly, but I am keeping the beta lablel up. The gallery will change and improve in the future, as well as adding many, many new 3d surface scans to the library.

If you'd like to check out the gallery, go right ahead. Some highlights:

1. The gallery is free to view, no account needed. Browse to your heart's content.
2. If you'd like to download samples of any scan, you'll need to register first. Samples are identical to the purchasable product, but watermarked.
3. New registered accounts get emailed a promotion code. Place your favorite two alphas in your shopping cart, enter your promotion code on the "Payment Gateway Page" and the promotion code will allow you to download them free. Follow the more detailed instructions in the "Welcome" email after registering.
4. I'm excited to hear feedback on the site, and the scans. So feel free to get in touch with me using the feedback, or contact page.