Thanks for the info and advice... I did get some sort of pdf manual after emailing the folks... haven't had time to get into it yet.

Thanks everyone for the input. I have the Carrara demo... will see where we go from there.

Looking good.
Just curious - - what's Gellar's percentage if you are using her likeness to peddle merchandise?

I've used RayDream for years through several versions. I think it is a crime what was done to the program. I have kept and still use version 5.5. For the same reasons listed here (that interface is a royal mess, and I've used Bryce for ages too) I have decided to go with Strata. For intricate modeling it's hard to beat Rhino in my opinion.

Actually, I have used Softy and another program, Organica for doing organic modeling. My favorite is Organica. Organica, Softy and other programs of that sort make use of a MetaBall type system that allows layering many many shapes together to arrive at your model. The thing that impressed me with "Teddy" is how fast it is to create things that would take many times longer in these other programs - it is very intuitive and holds a lot of promise. If the developer can get it out of a dos-functioning beta into the windows environment with a good interface and the ability to use the windows memory capabilites and add a lot of other stuff like exporting to different formats, it will be an extremely useful tool. It is in the early stages, it is awesome in its simplicity and I think they need all the encouragement they can get to go for it.

I agree, Genny... the lcd tablets (they let you draw right on the screen) may be your best answer....

Genny... Not sure what your question is. I have this "Teddy" thing on 2 computers already... one computer just has a mouse and the other has a mouse and wacom pen tablet. I draw (see the web site) all the time with both a mouse and the pen tablet (I quit using paper about two years ago). I never look at the mouse or the tablet when I draw, just at the screen. I didn't look at my pencil when I drew on paper either... As far as this "teddy" software, you can draw with either the mouse or the tablet. Hope this helps some (?????) Oh... my site is http://nateowens.com

Not that I have any opinion that means more than someone else's (unless 20+ years in the illustration and graphic design business means anything) but I happen to like the new color scheme a lot. The slate blue-grey is easy on the eyes and dignified.... very cool. My curiosity is the logos... having had a contest, you now have one logo in your masthead and another in the marketplace sidebar. Most organizations have just one logo that nails their identity and becomes recognized as an instant brand for their outfit. I think both logos are neat, but the marketplace piece more resembles an illustration than a logo... (meaning it is pretty complex with many elements). This is not knocking the quality of the art (good stuff) just matching art to its intended use. For example, Coca Cola has a universally recognized (and simple) logo to brand their product, but they also produced some amazing illustrations - particularly in the 40's and 50's - those "Santa drinking Coke ads".... point being that a logo and an illustration are two different animals to serve different purposes, usually. Just 2 cents worth of whatever. This is an awesome site, and getting more so.

Since I'm on a trek into eternity, age is totally irrelevant. Knowledge ain't much better, it's wisdom (what to do with the knowledge) that makes a difference. to quote a sage... A wise old owl lived in an oak The more he saw the less he spoke, the less he spoke, the more he heard... the wise old owl was a wise old bird. Wish I wuz as wise as that birdie... then I could give a hoot.

Awesome... eye-contact with the viewer would be my only suggestion... (he appears to be looking down just a little)

Thanks for the input all... I sorta figured as much. I used some early version of what later evolved into AM years (like 17) ago. It was pretty difficult... but not many 3D apps around then. I personally love the old RayDream 5.5, Poser, Bryce and Rhino. I have Inspire (ala Lightwave) but haven't gotten into it... may take a look and see what Cinema 4D is about and what their "light" version is.... This forum and it's folks are always helpful and very kind. Good crew... that's why I keep coming around. Best regards... Nate (tour the web site = http://nateowens.com )

Thanks, Sam... Wasn't really thinking of using Hash with poser... just wanted to know who was using it and what they think. Nate

Considering all that Meta-Creations-Stream-etc. et al has done to their loyal customer base I'm surprised that anyone would think about even going near any product they are related to. I may stick my hand in the fire, but not hold it there.