Character Design and Creation - Animating with Blender: How to Create Short Animations from Start to Finish - page 67

Figure 5.21 Material and Texture settings to use a Tangent Space Normal Map
models (Figure 5.22), with the exception of shadows cast by the displaced geometry. Try not to let the image
of the disembodied scarred head of a mean baby haunt you.
Figure 5.22 Both the high-resolution and low-resolution, normal mapped models, rendered
Clearly, this technique can save you large amounts of render time while allowing you to add fi ne detail to your
models, which is ideal for animation. Remember, though, that this is only a shading technique. Normal mapping
will not add real geometry to your models. This means that while it is ideal for adding wrinkles, small scars, and
skin texturing, it will not be useful for adding horns to a forehead or any other kind of pronounced structures.
Mesh Animation Issues
Modeling a character for animation is different than working toward a still image. All of the same skills and
techniques apply, but there are some additional restrictions and targets to keep in mind.