MAT is back!!
Once again, the rules are simple: texture MAT in Substance 3D Painter and compete with fellow artists in front of a world-class jury for a trove of amazing prizes. There’s a new take on the contest this year, though: with the addition of a new feature to import Adobe Illustrator files you can add some real pop to MAT with funky graphics.
The contest runs for 3 weeks:
- Entries Open: September 28, 2024, 09:00 AM UTC
- Entries Close: October 28, 2024, 09:00 AM UTC
- Finalists Announced: November 7, 2024, 09:00 AM UTC
- Winners Announced: November 14, 2024, 09:00 AM UTC
A few simple steps:
- Get Substance 3D Painter. You can download the free education license here. Or get a 30 day free trial.
- Get MAT. The ‘MeetMat’ model is included as a sample project in Substance 3D Painter File > Open Sample. If you’re using a previous version of the software, get the model here.
- Texture MAT with Substance 3D Painter. There’s no theme, just have fun!
- Do your magic and hit ‘render’.
- Submit your work by October 28th.
The rules:
- Texturing must be done in Substance 3D Painter. You may import resources (such as textures, alphas, filters or other assets into Substance 3D Painter) as long as the creative texturing work is done in Substance Painter. You cannot simply import and apply final textures that have been created in another tool.
- You may not modify any aspect of the mesh template. Displacement within Substance 3D Painter is allowed, to add some interesting details, as long as it does not break the ‘Meet MAT’ identity.
- Final submission must include two renders using the cameras included in the ‘MeetMat’ project. Use cameras 'C1_Front' and 'C7_3quarterRFup' from the MeetMAT scene. Ideal rendering resolution: 4096 x 2160 pixels. minimum resolution: 1920 x 1080 pixels. Additional renders can be included as well.
- Intellectual Property Restrictions. Entries must not incorporate or replicate any well-known intellectual property (IP) or brands. This includes, but is not limited to, using trademarks, logos, or characters from companies like Nike, Marvel, or any other recognizable brand or IP. Any entry found in violation of these restrictions will be immediately removed from the contest.
- AI-Generated Artwork. All entries must be the original work of the entrant, created without the use of artificial intelligence (AI) or machine learning (ML) algorithms.
- You are limited to 2 submissions per artist.
Read ALL the rules here.
Resources:
Here’s a list of what is available to help you win this contest!
Substance 3D Painter. The software is free for the duration of the contest. If you’ve used up your free trial, contact us and we’ll make sure you can access Substance 3D Painter. Everyone gets a chance.
The ‘MeetMat’ 3D Model. The model is integrated in the latest version of Substance 3D Painter, so we recommend you use that version. In case you’d prefer to use an older version of Substance, you can download for free the newer ‘MeetMat’ model here. Do not use the older ‘MeetMat’ version!
Mat Masterclass: 4 x video training lessons will be released on our Youtube Channel so you can follow along with a Pablo the pro. The lessons will teach you the skills and techniques needed to create a winning entry using Adobe Substance 3D Painter.
Live Feedback session: Our judges will go select random entries each week and provide feedback to help improve - Discord server
Join the conversation!
Show your WIPs, tips and tricks, cool ideas, and help others grow, on our Discord server. Look for the #Meet-Mat-4 channel
Share your art: #meetmat4 #madewithsubstance #substance3Dpainter #therookiesco
FAQS
I've never used Substance 3D Painter before can I still enter?
Absolutely! Check out the Substance 3D Painter beginners training on our YouTube channel by the great Pablo Munoz to get you started.
Is it necessary for me to buy a license for Substance Painter in order to only participate in the Meet Mat 3 Contest?
No, if you're eligible download a free student license, or download a 30 day free trial.
Do I have to texture Meet Mat in Substance 3D Painter?
Yes, that's the core of the contest.
Where do I find the Meet Mat model?
It's a sample model in Substance 3D Painter, you can access it under the File menu > Open Sample.
Can I use other software to render versions of Meet Mat?
Yes, but you must include must include two renders using the cameras included in the ‘MeetMat’ sample project 'C1_Front' and 'C7_3quarterRFup'. Model and cameras are saved here.
How do I add an update to my entry page?
Check out this helpdesk article for full instructions.
How many updates do I have to do?
This is up to you but a good reference point is to look at the winning entries from last year to get an idea.
Can my final render be an animation?
You are allowed to include supporting renders and animation turntables of your final character design. No rigging and animating MAT.
Can I add new geometry to the scene?
No, you are not allowed to add any additional geometry to the base Mat character. This includes geometry like spears, accessories or internal object.
Is FanArt allowed?
Absolutely! Bring on the fan art. However, entries must not incorporate or replicate any well-known intellectual property (IP) or brands. This includes, but is not limited to, using trademarks, logos, or characters from companies like Nike, Marvel, or any other recognizable brand or IP. Any entry found in violation of these restrictions will be immediately removed from the contest.
Can I pose the character, or move it around?
No. Mat must not be moved.
What's the minimum age to enter?
Participants must be 18 years or older.
Can I import alphas, textures, or other assets into Substance 3D Painter?
Yes, but final textures from another tool are a no-go.
Can I share my work on social media?
Please do! We encourage it. Make sure to use #meetmat4 so our team can share your work.
Can you change the scene background?
Yes, you can do anything you want with the background. However, this will not influence the judges scoring. Mat is the hero asset.
Can I create alphas in ZBrush and use as a displacement map in Substance 3D Painter?
Yes.
