So I finally have a computer that can handle some art projects.  I want to do 3D poser art for designing characters that I come up with and usually draw.  But I want to make computer rendered versions of them and possibly animate them.

From what I can gather, it seems like victoria 1/2/3/4, Aiko, Stephanie Petite etc are not actually the real software, but I'd need to get some "core software," right?

So, what is the software that I need to get to do something like this?

 

the core softwares are called Poser 7 sr2 and poser figure artist. those female names are characters one acquires for use in poser. render and animate in poser (or other 3d apps). retouch in photoshop (or others).

Mmmm i seems you mash up the things here..
V4 V3 etc etc are not software .. they are objects..
And to create your own figure object you need modeling software.. like SILO hexagone 3Dmax
and then model the figure/characters you want.. and when you "rig" them you can animate/pose them in DS or poser..

So the core software is a Modeling program!!

Oh and WIngs and Blender are free modeling programs..

Chris

Thanks.

Which one is the "best" or most widely used?  Why?

Which one is the "best" or most widely used?  Why?

Who are you asking ? the best what ... you have to be more clear  

Chris

Quote - ...Which one is the "best" or most widely used?  Why?

That's a hornet's nest.:biggrin:
Ask 10 people, get 10 different answers.
Maybe ask for advice in the 3d modelling forum. There are many different modelling apps being used in there, so you can get some different perspectives.

If you just want to use the premade figures?
Then all you would need is Poser.

Welcome :)

If all you want to do is make "3D Art Images", then all you need is something like Poser or Daz|Studio, and a graphic program such as Paint Shop Pro, Photoshop or something else.

You can get Daz|Studio free from Daz3d here:

http://www.daz3d.com/i.x/software/studio/-/?

It doesn't have all of the bells and whistles that Poser does, but it's free and it will give you an idea as to whether you actually like using such software.  Better to try something free first IMHO.

If you like it, you can get Poser, which has more advanced ability.

The current version of Poser is Version 7.  However, if money is a problem and you still want to get Poser, you can still find copies of Poser 5 for sale for really cheap because places are getting rid of their inventory.

You can get a  new registerable copy of Poser 5 here for $50 USD

http://www.thebest3d.com/poser/

You can get Poser 7 here:

http://www.e-frontier.com/

Once you have the software, you need to know some basics. I have a mini essay for new users here:

http://www.renderosity.com/mod/forumpro/showthread.php?thread_id=2700214&page=1#message_2998380

Organization is paramount when you are dealing with 3D graphics, especially with programs such as Poser.  Your runtime folder (what holds your content that you use) will quickly grow and if you don't start out organized, you will quickly find that you won't be able to locate anything. 

Here is a post that shows how I manage my runtimes so that I can find things. There are lots of ways to organize, and each person quickly finds their own method, but here is mine:

http://www.renderosity.com/mod/forumpro/showthread.php?thread_id=2701937&page=1#message_3009076

If you eventually want to get into creating your own models IE: props, clothing, figures etc, then you will need to have a 3D modelling program such as 3D Studio Max, Hexagon or whatever other types of 3D modelling programs are out there.

the best program is the one that is easiest for you to use, and gives you the most control over what you have in mind. The name of it is different for each person...

Thank you.  That is helpful.  It seems that there is a bit more to it than I thought.  For the moment, all I want to do is design characters.  I am a fairly advanced pencil artist, so I would nitpick over small details as far as creating the exact likeness with the 3D program that I use (I suspect that I will need a more advanced program fairly quickly).

An example of what I would like to do is render the above character in 3D

Quote - Welcome :)

If all you want to do is make "3D Art Images", then all you need is something like Poser or Daz|Studio, and a graphic program such as Paint Shop Pro, Photoshop or something else.

You can get Daz|Studio free from Daz3d here:

http://www.daz3d.com/i.x/software/studio/-/?

It doesn't have all of the bells and whistles that Poser does, but it's free and it will give you an idea as to whether you actually like using such software.  Better to try something free first IMHO.

If you like it, you can get Poser, which has more advanced ability.

The current version of Poser is Version 7.  However, if money is a problem and you still want to get Poser, you can still find copies of Poser 5 for sale for really cheap because places are getting rid of their inventory.

You can get a  new registerable copy of Poser 5 here for $50 USD

http://www.thebest3d.com/poser/

You can get Poser 7 here:

http://www.e-frontier.com/

Once you have the software, you need to know some basics. I have a mini essay for new users here:

http://www.renderosity.com/mod/forumpro/showthread.php?thread_id=2700214&page=1#message_2998380

Organization is paramount when you are dealing with 3D graphics, especially with programs such as Poser.  Your runtime folder (what holds your content that you use) will quickly grow and if you don't start out organized, you will quickly find that you won't be able to locate anything. 

Here is a post that shows how I manage my runtimes so that I can find things. There are lots of ways to organize, and each person quickly finds their own method, but here is mine:

http://www.renderosity.com/mod/forumpro/showthread.php?thread_id=2701937&page=1#message_3009076

If you eventually want to get into creating your own models IE: props, clothing, figures etc, then you will need to have a 3D modelling program such as 3D Studio Max, Hexagon or whatever other types of 3D modelling programs are out there.

 

The program "Poser" was originally designed by some guy who was using it for his paper art. He would render a figure and then draw or paint it or something. It was easier than having a live model.

You could do the same thing with you pencil art :)  Render the figure as you want her/him and then print it off and draw from that.

Poser has got some female figures with it - SydneyG2.  you can get MIki2 as well.   You can also get the Poser 5 and 4 people free from the same source as Poser.  

Some folk have made original female figures ( not Victoria nor Aiko)  for use inside of Poser.  NO need to be confined to just the DAZ3D ones.  (Having said that, I do have some of the DAZ3D females.)

o.k, if ya already know how to draw, you're way ahead of the curve. now ya can use poser and any model ya like. just use victoria or aiko as an artist's dummy. pose it in poser, then do a quick render. export that to yer drawing app, or print it out and trace over it. as a practiced penciller, ya can use all yer skills and talents to get a result that's gonna be far better than the quick render upon which yer drawing was based.

From what you posted, it seems as if you're not looking to get a model to draw, but instead looking for a way to bring your drawings "to life" (you mentioned animation).

From the sketch you posted, the model looks a little like Judy, she comes with Poser 7 as a legacy figure from Poser 5. The hair looks a little like Quarker's Baby Doll hair (available at DAZ). I've seen similar skirts around, as well as the boots and utility belt. I don't believe that I've seen that specific style of top. So, like the rest of us, you'll be enjoying the challenge of converting clothes to the figure you want to use and trying to make, borrow, beg, buy or jimmie-rig the clothing style not readily available.  :rolleyes:

So, the "core software" it seems you'll need, are actually at least two packages. Poser 7 and try out a free modeling application like Wings3D or Blender. A free application will give you the opportunity to get a feel for different styles of applications, as well as discover whether modeling is something you want to pursue. You also might want to look at utilities to convert clothing from one model to another.

You might chose to go a completely different route that maintains the handdrawn look you've achieved, so take a look at applications like Anime Studio, which will (I think) allow you to scan in and work with what you've created already
[ www.contentparadise.com/us/user/anime_studio_5_pro_full_version_product_21990

](http://www.contentparadise.com/us/user/anime_studio_5_pro_full_version_product_21990)Regardless, there are quite a few steps between concept and completion whichever route you take. And quite a big difference between working with pencil and paper and electrons. My best advice would be to counsel patience and that you enjoy the learning curve. And lastly, try not to write off the application because it doesn't instantly produce what you want.

"It seems that there is a bit more to it than I thought."

lol- boy is that a mouth full.

You want to make original characters- well- thats about step 163, and your at step one.

This is an expensive hobby- I'd suggest getting your feet wet slowly at first. The figure you drew most of us could make in a moderatly short time. But we've been learning and collecting items for years upon years.

If you can find a old copy of P4* or P5 get it- then get V2, V3, and V4.
Then practice practice practice. the learning curve differs from program to program-- But NONE of them are intutive!!! Best case scenerio, several months before you can tackle makeing that character.

You'll have to learn basic dial spinning, poseing, textureizing, lighting-- these and many many more skills are needed even BEFORE you get into modeling. And each and every one is a speciality in there own right. Some people are better then others at one but few are good at all.

Now that I depresed ya- lol- it's the best damn hobby in the world- allways so much to learn and do that you'll never get bored again- lol
And it's just so satisifying.