"Alright this may stound stupid but... I've read through the faq but I am curious what would be the best software for creation of my own figure before I put it in poser? I want to create a guy in robes, and I prefer create my own character so forth... Makes me feel like it's my work. Anything? Also can you tell me of an indepth guide to doing this? Or if the former is too hard to impossible where would I find some robes I could edit to where they're different enough that I'd feel I did work for it? Appreciated." LKA

it's not stupid :) you do what you want to feel how you want. some people use existing figures because they'd rather put their effort in the resulting scene and images. some people want to model. and there are varying degrees in between. all good. :) where to start? maybe start modelling easier stuff. a full figure IF you haven't done modelling before, would be a huge learning curve. how about a... belt?

Rhino3D has gotten praise as well as Lightwave 6 and 7 as far as modelers go. The Poser 4 manual give you a good start on figure creation. There are several robes you can purchase in the MP and the best way to customize those is texture them with your own maps.

"First... my copy of poser 4 was traded for off a friend (Had a bunch things like AutoCad which decided to not like my computer anymore.) But naturally I didn't get the manual... I wouldn't mind using someone else's robe just buying it then just messing with it till it fits my needs but anything I should beware of copyright wise if I do that? It is very unlikely I would use the finished image for any type of profit but I like to be careful... But your help is most definately appreciated." LKA

"Ok now I feel stupid... I left the last message up for contrast... look around in the marketplace all licensing information is already posted... but thanks for the help both of you." LKA