Technical artist Cino Lai has successfully recreated the nostalgic magic of reversible sequin fabric in digital form, bringing the beloved childhood texture into the world of 3D art. Using Adobe's Substance 3D Painter and Designer software, Lai has proven that the mesmerizing quality of two-sided sequin materials can be just as captivating in virtual environments as they are in real life.
The innovative digital recreation captures the essence of those popular sequin t-shirts that were once a fashion staple among children, where stroking the patterns would reveal different colors and designs underneath. Lai's digital version demonstrates that this interactive visual appeal translates remarkably well into 3D applications, opening new possibilities for digital fashion and textile simulation.
According to Lai's explanation on LinkedIn, the material is particularly well-suited for patterns that share the same silhouette but feature different content. To achieve this complex visual effect, he employed an advanced technique involving the creation of two separate sets of height structures, which are then seamlessly blended together through carefully crafted masks. This technical approach allows for the characteristic dual-nature appearance that makes sequin materials so distinctive.
Lai has established himself as a regular contributor to the 3D art community and frequently showcases his work on platforms like 80 Level. His portfolio includes an impressive range of material studies, including detailed embroidery materials, comprehensive texturing workflows, and experimental projects that push the boundaries of Substance 3D's automation capabilities. Each project demonstrates his commitment to exploring new techniques and achieving photorealistic results in digital material creation.
The sequin material recreation joins a growing collection of similar work by other talented artists in the field. Notable contributors include Anneli Gårde, Rahul "DoubleGum" Parihar, and Mohammad Qasim, each of whom has created their own interpretations of sequin materials using various digital techniques. This collaborative approach within the 3D art community continues to drive innovation and inspire new approaches to digital material creation.
This achievement represents more than just technical skill; it demonstrates the evolving capabilities of modern 3D software and the creative potential for digitally recreating complex real-world materials. As digital fashion and virtual environments become increasingly sophisticated, work like Lai's paves the way for more realistic and interactive digital experiences that can capture the tactile qualities we associate with physical materials.
