Noob question regarding ambient occlusion maps

[MyhomesVN]

General workflow question. About to start on a small project as an aim to better learn texturing through Substance Painter and Designer.

I’m not sure right now though whether the assets will end up in Maya or Unreal. I’m sure each needs different considerations but one simple (I think) noob question; if I bake an ambient occlusion map is it dependent on the environment’s lighting? Because my environment and lighting is not worked out yet do I need to worry about it sooner or later?

This may lead to another workflow question on whether I should start on the environment, big objects and lighting vs starting with small props?

[volker]

if I bake an ambient occlusion map is it dependent on the environment’s lighting?

No, AO is not dependent on the lighting situation. You can bake the environment lighting into your textures though if you want to.

I should start on the environment, big objects and lighting vs starting with small props?

I have no idea about your project. In general, you always want to start with the big picture, block it out, and then refine it by adding more and more details to it.

If you have never used Painter before it might be a good idea of course to model some small prop and practice the texturing process with it first.