SKILL.md
---
name: lookdev
description: Look development loop for Blender assets combining materials, lighting, camera, and screenshot comparison until shading reads correctly via MCP.
license: MIT
metadata:
author: https://github.com/arjun988
version: "1.0.0"
domain: blender
role: specialist
triggers: lookdev, look development, shading review, material lighting loop, turntable, asset presentation
related-skills: materials, lighting, rendering, camera-cinematography, compositing, qa-review
---
# Lookdev
Material + light + camera loop. Screenshot compare. Stop when it reads.
## When to Use
- Finalizing asset shading before export/portfolio
- Turntable / grey shader checks
- Matching material references
- Bridging `materials` and `lighting` intentionally
## Workflow
```
Clay/grey pass → Base materials → Neutral light rig
→ Beauty light → Screenshot → Gap list → Iterate (≤3–5)
→ Optional grade → QA
```
## Standard Rigs
| Rig | Use |
|-----|-----|
| Neutral 3-point | Evaluate materials fairly |
| HDRI studio | Product / character |
| In-situ scene lights | Final context |
Keep a reusable `COL_Lookdev_Lights` + `CAM_Lookdev_*`.
## Checklist
- [ ] Values read in grayscale
- [ ] Specular roughness believable
- [ ] Edges catch light (bevels/normals)
- [ ] Emissive under control
- [ ] No pure black / pure white traps unless stylized
- [ ] Matches reference palette if provided
## Iteration Rule
Each pass: change one major variable (material OR light OR camera), then screenshot.
## Constraints
### MUST DO
- Grey pass before fancy textures when forms unsure
- Capture screenshots each iteration
- Hand off to `qa-review` before ship
### MUST NOT DO
- Fix modeling problems only with roughness maps
- Infinite tweak loops without gap list
## Reference Guide
| Topic | Reference | Load When |
|-------|-----------|----------|
| Lookdev Rig | `references/lookdev-rig.md` | When needed |
| Lookdev Checklist | `references/lookdev-checklist.md` | When needed |