1. Character Design Models from Alternative Sources Using our resources wisely

2. Maya!  Alias is now offering free versions of Maya 7.x for download. (Mine is in progress.)  They say this program is going to be as full featured as the real program – we’ll see.  Anything created in this version can *not* be used in commercial programs.  The program can be found at www.aliaswavefront.com under their media and entertainment tab. (Registration will be required.) www.aliaswavefront.com

3. Maya Models  Character models for Maya are certainly available for download, but not in as large a population as in other programs, i.e. Poser and DazStudio.  Poser and DazStudio are 3d modeling programs that, while not being as powerful as Maya in animation, nevertheless have gathered very large followings in the artistic community for their ability to render both animation and stills very well.  Many regular people sell their own objects and textures they have made.

4. Daz Models  Pre-made  Often available free  Can be converted to Maya!  When not available for free, may be purchased for very small amounts.

5. Conversion methods?  Poser can be converted via a program called trinity.  Available on the web at trinity.rendermagix.com  This will allow us to take the cr2 files directly from Poser/DazStudio and convert them into Maya – without owning either!  There are also methods to save in Poser and move into Maya, but this requires a purchase which is not needed.  Trinity is a free conversion program.

6. Poser vs. DazStudio  Poser is a more powerful program than DazStudio, but Poser, unless they are running a special, costs 260 dollars or more.  DazStudio, however, is a free program. www.daz3d.com www.daz3d.com  There are many sites, www.daz3d.com, www.runtimedna.com, www.renderosity.com, www.contentparadise.com, which offer free models. www.daz3d.com www.runtimedna.comwww.renderosity.com www.contentparadise.comwww.daz3d.com www.runtimedna.comwww.renderosity.com www.contentparadise.com  All of this is well and good, but why would you want to import these characters?

7. Movies!  Though I still need to experiment, the movies I’m linking to have all been made with the conversion utility listed earlier.  Each one is using a basic character and something to match music. I’m assuming the dialogue is using MimicPro, also available from Daz3d, though I have no proof. (This is the best for Daz figures because it is built into each one. )

8. Enough of the Info!  Though this is a still picture, all of the elements in it, (save hair and glow in postwork) are already 3d objects!

9. More pics  Don’t forget the males! We need to have just as much texture and attention to detail in these characters as well.  While we may not be able to render all of this detail, its easier to remove detail than attempt to add it where it did not exist!

10. Start with the bases – free at Daz3d!

11. Each clothing set is made of multiple objects:

12. Even the Hair can be changed:

13. Since many of these are advertisements, you can really see the detail:

14. A few more examples:

15. What about other objects? A boat.. Maybe?

16. Check out the detail!

17. Even More…

18. A final note  Even if we don’t wish to purchase commercial licenses on certain characters or to use what they have available, there’s no reason not to learn from it.  There is a ton of free graphical stuff available, if we’re willing to look for it!