Objects and Surface Textures

Metal and Mechanical Textures

Metals feel completely different depending on reflectivity and surface finish.

Chrome / polished metal, a shiny silver surface that reflects its surroundings like a mirror

Hairline metal, a matte metal with fine horizontal grain lines, giving a subtle, luxurious sheen

Rusty / oxidized, a rough, worn texture with reddish rust

Patina / turquoise, a vintage hue where copper or bronze has oxidized and turned bluish-green

Gold / silver / bronze / copper, each metal’s characteristic color and luster

Galvanized, the distinctive mottled metal pattern seen on construction pipes or steel plates

Anodized, a fine metal texture that is matte and colored, like a MacBook or iPhone

Hammered, metal with hammer marks that feels like a crafted object

Fabrics and Textiles

Essential when drawing clothes or interior accessories.

Velvet, a fabric with soft pile that catches light and gives off a luxurious sheen

Silk / satin, extremely smooth with a flowing, liquid-like shine

Denim / jeans, with its characteristic diagonal weave and rough texture

Leather, a typical leather texture

Suede, a non-glossy, soft texture of the underside of leather

Knit / wool, the twist of yarn and a cozy feeling

Lace, a complex and delicate pattern with holes

Linen, a flax fabric with natural wrinkles and a breathable feel

Tattered / ripped, used when depicting zombie genres or vintage clothing

Wood and Natural Materials

Determines the grain and finish state of wood.

Varnished wood, smooth and glossy like furniture

Unprocessed wood, rough and seemingly dusty with sawdust

Weathered wood, faded to a grayish tone like an old cabin or driftwood

Charred wood, a texture with a blackened, cracked surface

Tree bark, a rough and bumpy natural texture

Plywood, a cheap or industrial feel where the layers of wood are visible

Mahogany / oak / pine, color variations by wood species such as reddish, brown, and light tones

Transparent and Translucent Materials

The key is how they transmit light.

Frosted glass, bathroom-glass-like surface that is cloudy so the back appears blurry

Stained glass, colored pieces of glass like church windows

Crystal

Shattered glass, cracked or shattered into fragments

Translucent, light passes through but the inside is not clearly visible

Jelly-like, a soft, bouncy, and translucent texture

Ice texture, an irregular surface with a cold feel

Stone and Synthetic Materials

Used in architecture or modern product design.

Marble, a luxurious sheen with irregular marbling patterns

Concrete, a gray, rough, and cold texture, brutalist architecture

Brick, a regular pattern with a red clay texture

Granite, a hard stone with speckled patterns

Plastic, smooth with an artificial gloss

Latex / rubber, with distinct light reflections and a tight, stretchy feel

Carbon fiber, a black advanced material with a herringbone-like pattern used in sports cars and high-tech devices

Ceramic / porcelain, smooth, hard, and with a subtle sheen