Creating Custom Lights
 

How do you set an object to emit light, as opposed to just sticking a light near it? I have a neon sign with some words formed from tubing, the words are to be lit and i'd like them to also slightly cast some light onto the panel behind them, how do i go about doing this?

Thanks :)

hmm, methinks it may be luxigons...

nope :( need help with this one

Set the luminance value to higher than 0%, and use radiosity? :nervous:

yeah i could use radiosity, but i'd need to wait eons for renders : /

Unfortunately, Radiosity is the only solution you have if you want actual geometry to cast light. Otherwise, I'd suggest placing a series of strip lights within your object roughly conforming to their shape in order to achieve the effect.

One other option you may want to investigate is using luminosity/glow on your neon object, and careful placement of a colour map on the object on which you want the light to appear cast (ie: fake it).

ok, thanks.