Here is a picture of a design that started in Sketchup, then was rendered, then finally built. I did several variations of the design and actually built 6 different doors, 6 different stands, and several accessories. Sketchup was one of several programs used.

First, I created a “virtual toolbox” that has all my photographed veneers which have been tiled and adjusted for consistent lighting in Photoshop.

Next, I do all my marquetry designs in a 2d vector program and fill the shapes with the veneer jpgs.

Third, I model in SU and import the veneers jpgs and convert them to textures.

Fourth, I render the scene with a SU plug in. 

Finally, for the real photo, I shoot against a black backdrop then in Photoshop I knockout the main image and put in my custom created backdrop. Then I add my own shadows. 

My virtual toolbox has grown to 70 textures included shells, metals, and 65 different veneers that I use routinely.

Launch Gallery