Just kidding. Of course, I want to learn the whole aspects of Poser, the Figures, the Clothing, the Props --- gotta be versatile to make a successful go of it.

Anyway, this is my first ever face texture --- hope you all like it.  Photographic with SSS turned on. 

It's hard to give feedback when the picture is so small. Zoom on the face so we can see it a little better.

I can see the flesh tones of the face. It looks kinda fleshy.

Enjoy the journey, dont get discouraged! There is much to learn and it takes time. This is an entire art and science unto itself. Your not going to master it overnight. Ive been doing this for years. I look back at my old stuff from years ago that I thought was really good at the time, and its like "oh my God, thats awful" We dont realize how much we learn and get better over time. Your subconscious brain has to become "trained" Can you explain to me how to speak or see? Can you tell me how to ride a bicycle? Of course not! Art is much the same way. Sure we learn techniques as we go, methods and proceedures, the use of the software, these are tools and skills to be sure and are required to execute your vision. But it is the training of your brain "the language" that unknown unseen quantity that comes with practice that will take you where you want to go.

I think you've made great progress so far!

Chris

Judging from render, that SSS is too shiny for normal skin.  Some settings are off.  Try snarly's EZSkin for the skintone, there is quite a lot more than just plugging SSS in to get good dermal-to-light response.

Thanks all -- I appreciate your opinions. 

Hborre, I tried the EZ skin script, going to have to see if I can get it working properly.  I still have issues with Python as in trying to learn them, LOL. 

Thanks Chris --- glad you like my progress so far.....=)

You need to concentrate on 2 parameters in EZSkin: SSS and specular, especially the specular values.  Going higher on specular will make the skin appear noticeably glossy, not a realistic effect unless wetness or sweatiness is implied.  IIRC, reducing the SSS value will make the texture more translucent and give it a waxy appearance.

Oh, Johnny, responding to the thread title, keep this in mind:

Jack-Of-All-Trades, master of none

Dwell on this phrase, you will find strength in some aspects and weaknesses in others.  Learn them one at a time and find your strengths and weaknesses within each.  It takes time, but, in the long run, you will become better rounded and proficient at each phase rather than jumping from one aspect to the other like a juggling act.

Thanks hborre, appreciate the explanation of ezskin.  I also agree with you on the jack  of all trades thing, I'll have to focus on one thing for a while then move on after I mastered that aspect.

Appreciate the advice, it always is on what is given here.....

I know that feeling about wanting to learn it all. :)

I find my learning is more spiral than linear. I learn a bit then go on to something else. Then come back to the first thing and delve a bit deeper. It's just the way my brain works. :)

Anyway, you seem to be having fun and that is the most important. It helps with the perserverence when things get tough. :)

I hear you on that Janl!  That is what keeps me going.  Its fun.  It's supposed to be for fun.  I don't let it overly get to me and if it does, I get up and just step away from that problem a bit.

I work the same way you seem to.  A little here, a little there, like that.

When did you actually start using Poser, John? I see you joined this site in May last year. I think you learned much more quickly than I did. I have yet to make a photo texture that fits on a face. I can paint them, but I end up with something rather different from a photo texture, but at least I don't have to battle with burned-in specular. I would also be lost without EZskin. Just keep at it, find your own style, do the things you like doing.

Hey Nanette ---

Yes, I started doing it last year.  I've learned that there can be so much value in digital artwork, I want to learn it all the best that I can.

It's kind of difficult with these headaches though. :sad:.  Some days, can't do anything at all, more often than not.

Working with Zbrush today, it's coming along pretty good on just a still portrait 3D characters that I'm making.  At least I can save them for later and turn them into Poser Peeps when I can. =D)

you are far better off focusing on a single area until you can learn it beyond beginner level, than you are hopping back and forth from one aspect of content creation to another -- not to mention while ignoring the advice of those who are more experienced and are patiently trying to help you.

you have been basically trying to run in every aspect of 3D content creation before even learning to crawl, let alone walk. i realize just diving into everything headfirst is more fun, but unless you have the patience and self-discipline to learn the fundamentals you are never going to get anywhere.

Yeah, I hear yah Blackhearted, and I appreciate everyone's help here too.  I hope they don't think I take it for granted.

By the way, love your signature --- did you see the aol news this weekend?  Hope that Homeland Security is joking --- said the "Zombie Appocalypse (hope that is spelled right) is coming......

I've been in CGI for a long time ,I realy like zBrush a lot.

10 % of my time basic C4D 9 ,make base mesh for zBrush.
could be done in wings ,blender both free.
could be done in zBrush.
10 % of my time in Gimp ,to make textures for zBrush. gimps free.
80 % of my time in zBrush.

All I need for my comic.

Don't think you need every single app and plug out there.
Or you need $1000's
Find what works for you.