Loading...
> >

Trying to wrap my head around all this

f1theach-aon_5a9a20a0eff1theach-aon_5a9a20a0ef Posts: 2
in New Users

Alright so here's my goal. I'm a tabletop GM. I want to create pictures of my players' characters and my NPCs. I heard Daz3D was what I should use, since it's free, easy to use, and has a ton of options. So I downloaded it and installed it.

Yet I can't figure out where all the options are. I see a ton of pictures that people have made with this program, so I know that what I'm trying to achieve is possible. But clearly, I'm missing something.

Say for example that I have a male character, mid 20's, almond-shaped brown eyes, a roman nose, thin lips, slightly sunken cheeks, shoulder length brown hair and a full beard. How do I create that? 

Comments

  • evilded777evilded777 Posts: 2,466

    There are a number of tutorial videos that will help you get started.

     

    I suggest you start here: http://www.daz3d.com/help/help-daz-3d-video-tutorials

  • f1theach-aon_5a9a20a0eff1theach-aon_5a9a20a0ef Posts: 2

    Hey thanks for that link. So if I want to actually create anything, I have to buy stuff other people have created? That's not what I'm looking for. I'm looking for something that I can use to quickly create custom characters and faces. I also don't want to spend a ton of time on something with a steep learning curve. I just want to make a few pics, and be able to customize facial and body features. Something like CAW mode in the WWE games, but with fantasy and modern horror options. If Daz3D can't do that, what does?

  • seeker273seeker273 Posts: 449

    The base figures  a free, but you have to buy some morph packs to be able to customize your figure and some extra skin if the basic one isn't enough. Some clothing would be nice as well but there are a lot of free stuff out there. I'd suggest zbrush for full customization but it costs a lot of money and I'd be lost if I tried to use it so I can't recommend it for novices.

  • f1theach-aon_5a9a20a0eff1theach-aon_5a9a20a0ef Posts: 2

    Well alright, if that's how it is, then that's how it is. So what exactly would I need to buy, and how much are we talking? I can't really spend a lot of time or money on this, considering I also have a career, family, kids, and social groups that take up most of those resources. Again, all I'm looking to do is make a few character pics to compliment a tabletop RPG... take a couple hours, crank 'em out, and call it good.

  • BeeMKayBeeMKay Posts: 7,019

    It basically boils down to how "varied/individual" your results are supposed to be, and how much time you are willing to spend.

    I'd recommend membership in the PC+ club ( http://www.daz3d.com/platinum-club-plus ), it gives you good discounts on DAZ Originals (and the PC+items, with lots of items at $1.99).

    Aside from that, check out the fast grab: http://www.daz3d.com/fast-grab-3d-models/

    Today, they have several Genesis 2 pro and starter packs. They contain clothing, poses and various characters that are compatible to each other. Maybe there's the one or other you can use "as is". You also have this very important bundle on sale: http://www.daz3d.com/genesis-2-male-s-morphs-bundle It allows you to shape the Genesis 2 male characters to your liking, and is good for individualizing your characters. There's also one for females, but that's currently not on sale. Special shaping morphs are also available, like: http://www.daz3d.com/people-of-earth-faces-of-asia-g2m or http://www.daz3d.com/people-of-earth-faces-of-asia

    The Genesis shape morphs are perhaps your best and cheapest bet at the moment: http://www.daz3d.com/genesis-evolution-morph-bundle The Genesis beard is here: http://www.daz3d.com/unshaven-beard-for-genesis

    There are also freebies: http://www.daz3d.com/free-3d-models and in the Forum: http://www.daz3d.com/forums/categories/freebies

    The older stuff (before Genesis 3) also might need conversion from 3Delight render engine to Iray.

    All that said... I'd recommend you'd try the interactive lessons that come with DAZ Studio. They contain some characters, poses, hair and clothing for free. With them, and with the free base characters, you can also test out how things work. Experiment with the "Shaping" tab sliders, maybe you can get the looks you are looking for with what is "on board". There's a learning curve, and once you get into it, it can turn into an addictive, really expensive hobby.

Sign In or Register to comment.