Whats shaking peoples =)

I would greatly appreciate opinions, suggestions and advice on new character creation.

Its been a long while since Ive had to, and admittedly its not an easy process. Im wondering (hoping) that maybe there are products, tools, programs or whatever there may be to help ease and maybe even automate the process of joint rigging and character creation. Before, I would do it all using Poser, manipulating joint setups and adapting them to new figures. Maybe there are new products out that make it a snap or even just ease the pain?!? I wouldnt mind investing in things to make it go smoother...

The fingers, oh the horror!!!

Please share any experiences or suggestions you may have. Pitch your product, post links, images, open discussion, please =)

Quote - its not an easy process

That is still the case, unfortunately. :( There are several helper products for clothing makers, but when it comes to rigging original figures, you're still mainly on your own.

Edited to be slightly more helpful :-)

Products I like for this sort of work include Dimension3D's Poser File Editor, and Easy Pose Underground. I hear that the new DAZ|Studio rigging tools are finding supporters, but I have no personal experience with them.

LOL, I could just imagine the edit =B

I still appreciate the heads up on the "tools", anything that would help would is awesome... Thats some stuff Ive never heard of before, Ill have to investigate...

I hope I dont come off as laszy AND stupid (lazy is ok =B), and its not as if I didnt search. Its hard finding utilities and getting people to speak on it. Ive even emailed some merchants direct to get an understanding of their products and would you believe that some dont respond?!?

I didnt think there was a one click solution to character rigging, but it would be nice to have something ease the process.

Its like you can almost feel the mesh scream and writhe in pain when you 1st try to pose the foot and his/her abdomen pulls their face to their elbow.....

Someone I respect, (Damsel, to be exact) Says the Daz rigging tools are expensive, but worth the time and money. She's not one to over-blow products, so if she's sold, they may well be the 'cat's pajamas'.  It'll be a long while before I  can afford anything, but it might behoeve you to go over to Daz and interrogate some like suspects who have it about stuff. 

If it's great, they'll gush. If not, they might say, "It's good" and clam up. You have to understand the language over there. :laugh:

I was considering it... I was thinking that I only need the "Tools", and can bypass the "Advanced", at least for now. Daz Studio is free, $20 isnt so bad if itll help. Its even less for me actually...

I could even say I "enjoy" mapping, and dont mind the grouping. The adding and set up of the bones and joint structure isnt the drag either, its the fixing the joint parameters thats murder. Even using the symmetry feature, its just a lame process =(

At that point, seeing your mesh brought to life..... I guess thats why Dr. Frankenstein seems crazy...