I've used Lightwave for several years but I didn't even attempt to model or animate humanoids. The thought of dealing with rigging was one more layer of technical issues that got between me and creativity. I've loved the way Poser made it so easy to pose humanoid figures since Poser 2. I finally got the ProPack so I could integrate Poser's strengths with Lightwave's strengths.

Now I'm creating a large animation project with 13 characters and using Poser and Lightwave to do it. I'm finding I bit off a real mouthful but I would never even have attempted that before. I assume that at least some of the high end modelers will turn their noses up because I used Poser but you know what, I DON'T CARE!

I care about what the regular viewers think. Is the story interesting? Are the characters cool looking (yes, to those outside Renderosity, Vicky nekkid in the temple is still cool)? Is the audio well done and appropriate. Have I entertained them and helped them escape from their miserable, wretched daily lives for a few minutes? Did I offer them something that they might find interesting to think about later?

Poser offers the ability to do this. Maybe it's like comparing the Blair Witch project with The Attack of the Clones but hey, that's not a bad thing. My stuff may be done at a lower level but if I use my brains I can minimize my limitations through style.

There are those who take pride in technical accomplishment, whether it be modeling, rigging, or texturing. That's good, I respect, enjoy and highly appreciate the craftsmen required to do what they do.

There are those who simply want to tell a story - whether it be through a still or through an animation.

If you're one of the former, Poser may never be your kind of program. However, for the latter, Poser offers things no other does at an excellent price point. The point is that the ease of use is a selling point, even to those with access to "more."

Before they made me they broke the mold!
http://home.roadrunner.com/~kflach/