SUBSURFACE SCATTERING FABRIC

This project showcases my exploration of light interaction with subsurface scattering in Unreal Engine, with a particular focus on fabric materials.

The project was completed over a one-week period (fall 2025).

PROJECT OVERVIEW

To showcase the subsurface scattering shader, I created a small environment inspired by a children's playroom, reflecting their imaginative play. The concept of using fabric to showcase subsurface scattering was inspired by a piece of artwork by Thomas Lafont-Djalloul on Artstation.

SUBSURFACE SCATTERING MATERIAL

To achieve the final result of the tent, I employed a combination of techniques, including blending subsurface scattering textures, adjusting emissiveness, and setting up specific lighting arrangements.

The project initially involved testing the subsurface scattering function independently, but I quickly observed that it is most effective when combined with an opacity mask, as this combination allows for shadows to project onto the mesh, creating the illusion of the fabric being transparent.

Main Material Components:

Subsurface Color: When the subsurface color is set to white, the shader takes in the point light color information and projects it onto the surface.
Opacity: The opacity mask determines areas of varying transparency.

Tent Material

LIGHTS

Here, you can observe how the lighting affects the fabric and causes color transfer to the opposite side. Inside the tent, I arranged two meshes, a girl and a dog, to demonstrate how shadows are projected onto the fabric.

MATERIAL

Display of the Material Instance with all customization sliders to achieve the desired fabric appearance, complemented by emissiveness and existing lighting information in the scene.