Question 1

What is Symbiote?

Accepted Answer

Symbiote is a high-end, B2B service designed to enhance the quality of 3D assets, particularly those involving skin, such as scanned faces. It’s not a software application, but rather a custom service provided by TexturingXYZ to produce detailed texture maps specifically tailored to clients' source files.

Question 2

Who can benefit from Symbiote?

Accepted Answer

Symbiote is aimed at companies and studios in the entertainment, gaming, and 3D visualization industries that require high-quality, hyper-realistic skin textures for their assets. If you're a 3D artist, studio, or technical director working on detailed human assets, Symbiote can elevate the realism of your projects.

Question 3

What types of maps does Symbiote produce?

Accepted Answer

Symbiote generates customized texture maps to complement your existing assets, refining details like pores, wrinkles, and overall skin structure, along with additional maps to ease the lookdev process. Currently, we can supply a wide range of maps, including:
 • Calibrated displacement
 • Multi-channel (RGB) displacement
 • Multi-channel (RGBA) morphological
 • Morphological ID (RGBA) mask (MSK)
 • Tangent space normal
 • Utility (concavity & convexity)
 • Cavity
 • Root distribution
 • Specular weight
 • Specular roughness compensation
 • Hemoglobin
 • Melanin
For a more in-depth overview, we also have a deliverables document available in PDF format with detailed descriptions of each map, which can be shared upon request. These maps are tailored to achieve hyper-realistic results, ensuring every aspect of your asset’s skin texture is represented with the highest fidelity.

Question 4

How does the process work?

Accepted Answer

Once you provide your source files, our team analyzes the data to assess the asset's input quality. If it meets the minimum requirements for our technology, we proceed with a customized quote based on your brief. Upon approval, we start working on the project, crafting maps and/or renders for your review to ensure a perfect fit and high fidelity. Each project is unique, so our approach remains highly adaptable to meet the specific needs of your assets.

Question 5

What happens to my data after the project is completed?

Accepted Answer

By default, any data processed and sent by Symbiote will be automatically deleted once you approve the final results. We will send you a confirmation email notifying you that all files related to your project have been securely deleted from our systems. If you need us to retain your files for any reason, please let us know, and we can discuss customized data retention options.

Question 6

Can Symbiote integrate with my existing workflow?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Symbiote is built to work with standard 3D pipelines and supports popular software and renderers such as Maya, Houdini, Blender, Arnold, VRay, Solaris, and more. The maps we deliver (in EXR format) are designed to integrate easily with your existing assets, making it a straightforward enhancement without disrupting your workflow.

Question 7

How long does it take to receive the final maps?

Accepted Answer

The timeline depends on the scope, complexity, and volume of assets to process. Smaller projects or individual assets may take a few days, while larger, more detailed projects could take several weeks. We provide an estimated timeline at the start of each project to ensure transparency and accommodate your scheduling needs.

Question 8

What if I need revisions to the maps provided?

Accepted Answer

We strive to deliver maps that meet or exceed your expectations on the first pass. However, if any adjustments are needed, we’re happy to make revisions. We will discuss any additional costs associated with significant changes, but minor adjustments are typically included within the scope of the project.

Question 9

Can Symbiote provide a proof of concept before a full project commitment?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we can create a proof of concept or small sample for new clients, allowing you to see the potential results before committing to a full project. This can be discussed in detail during your initial consultation with our team.

Question 10

What does the pricing structure look like?

Accepted Answer

Pricing for Symbiote is based on the level of detail, type, and number of maps required, along with the complexity of the source files. We offer customized quotes after a preliminary discussion about your project’s needs.

Question 11

Can Symbiote handle projects with non-human assets, such as fantasy characters?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Symbiote can adapt its technology and expertise to work on non-human assets, including fantasy characters like vampires, orcs, cyclopes or any other creatures where human-like skin details are applicable.

Question 12

Is there a minimum requirement for files or data needed to start a project?

Accepted Answer

Generally, we need a good source dataset, which could be a scan or a 3D sculpt, as long as it contains enough detail for our technology to work effectively. During initial discussions, we’ll outline any specific requirements based on the scope of your project to ensure optimal results.

Question 13

Can I preview a sample of what Symbiote can do for my asset?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we can provide sample maps based on data from various vendors we’ve collaborated with, giving you an idea of the quality and detail Symbiote delivers. Samples are available upon request to showcase the level of realism achievable with our service.

Question 14

What is the relationship between Symbiote and TexturingXYZ?

Accepted Answer

Symbiote is a service developed by TexturingXYZ, an industry leader in hyper-realistic textures. TexturingXYZ is known for providing high-quality skin textures to the 3D industry, and Symbiote is an extension of this expertise, focusing specifically on enhancing and detailing skin textures for B2B clients.

Question 15

What industries use Symbiote's services?

Accepted Answer

Symbiote serves a variety of industries, including film, video games, VFX, VR/AR, and any field where high-fidelity 3D skin representation is critical. Our clients range from large studios to boutique agencies, all looking for the highest quality in skin textures.

Question 16

How can I start a project with Symbiote?

Accepted Answer

Simply contact us through our website’s contact form or via email. Our team will reach out to discuss your project, review your needs, and provide a quote and timeline.

Question 17

Is there any advantage to partnering with Symbiote for long-term projects?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. We value long-term relationships and offer preferred pricing and expedited services to clients who engage us on a recurring basis. Let us know if you’re interested in discussing a partnership arrangement.

Question 18

How does Symbiote differ from other texture mapping services?

Accepted Answer

Symbiote is a bespoke service focused on skin textures, utilizing years of expertise from TexturingXYZ. We go beyond classic solutions by providing customized and innovative maps that enhance and build on your assets, ensuring every detail aligns with the realism required for top-tier 3D projects.

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Get the Answers You Need

Let our technology take your projects to higher ground.

A Creative Tech Studio by TexturingXYZ.

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

A Creative Tech Studio
by TexturingXYZ.