Painting details in 3D

[CDEdwards]

Ok, I think I've figured out textures and colors, but I can't seem to figure out how to make 3D crevices, or raised areas from patterns. Southern's basketball is one example. How did he get the 3D texture on the ball? I'm sure it's a pattern, but the only way I've been able to create a similar effect is by using alpha selections to inflate or deflate the area. Alpha selections tend to pinch up at the axes on sphere though, which produces a less than desireable effect. Would this be where one would use the 3D copy feature? I have yet to use that feature, due to my lack of knowledge about it. Can anyone help me understand how to recreate a 3D texture on an object, like Soutehrn's basketball?

Thanks.

[Digits]

One way to get a raised or imbedded texture is to use the color bump (I think that is what it is called) in channel 2 of a material. Positive number will raise, negative will embed. This property uses the color information like a alpha map for depth.

another way is to modify the patterned metal materials, there is 2 or 3 of them. You can change the texture maps of the material to get some interesting properties.

You can also use one of the brushes, say the simple brush. Pick an alpha image, brush 22 is pretty cool. In the Stroke palette set the stroke to "Drag Rectangle". Select either zadd or zsub and intensity and use your mouse to texture your object.

I'm sure there is more ways to skin Zcat, anyone?