Hello,

N-sided has just released a new program : Argile.
With Argile you can modify Poser models and use them as morphtarget, even if you don't use a 3D modeler or you don't want to use one.
Here is a small review I wrote. It's only in french for now but I'll write an english version soon You can still look at the pictures and even try a google/babelfish translation.
http://www.cedrictrojani.fr/2008/04/18/mettez-les-mains-dans-largile/

note : I'm not a member of the n-sided team, I just wrote this post because it may interest some poser users there.

regards

Cédric

Thank you for the info - I see you can download a trial a l'anglaise  (no idea how to add the right accents LOL)

Thanks for the link. That looks pretty cool. The morph target creating seems pretty straightforward (watch the video.)

I put a quick made english version (I hope it's not too bad, my english is sometime hasardous)

http://www.cedrictrojani.fr/2008/04/18/put-your-hands-in-the-clay-argile/
I'm sorry, I hadn't time to translate the image but I guess it's not a big probleme.

Cédric

This looks very interesting Cederic.
I actually had it in the cart, ready to purchase.
Then I realized that 59Eur = 93.81 Usd.
N-sided also clearly states - "No returns"

So now I would like to see and hear some more about Argile before I am ready to shell out nearly 100 Usd.

hello mariner.
there is a demo you can download. Maybe it's interesting for you to try it before send 100$...
(I don't know the limitations of the demo version)
Cédric

merci beaucoup! J'ai téléchargé la version pour OS X

I just wish they would give some more details about Quidam for Poser that will be included with Poserpro when it is released. If a lot of this functionality will be in Quidam for Poser, do we need to buy this? Would be nice to have some more info.

Hmmm  this might be a dup - sorry.

Would be interested to hear from ppl who try this demo. :)

@Helgard

May I ask where you have seen that Quidam will be included in Pose Pro?

Just went to the features comparison chart at SM and I see no mention of it.

Thanks :)

"In addition, N-Sided will provide “QUIDAM for Poser” based on their QUIDAM character creation software. QUIDAM features the ability to import and export Poser character files, which will be bundled exclusively with Poser Pro, rounding out a complete solution set for professionals that brings Poser content and animations into their workflow."

SCOTTS VALLEY, Calif., – August 7, 2007 — e frontier, Inc.

This was a press release from the above date.

Do a google search for "PoserPro Quidam" and you will find this press release on multiple sites.

Thanks for that Helgard - followed some Google links and a thread at the Quidam forum, where some Poserites are questioning the truth of Quidams inclusion from the horses mouth.  And the horse gave a little whinny as below.    This is from Aug 08 -  then naught more.

Could be that the deal fell through and nsided is releasing this interesting little Argile morpher  as an alternative.

I downloaded the trial.

        Quote
       " by nsided on Wed Aug 08, 2007 7:17 pm
        Hi everybody,

        Indeed we have great news for the QUIDAM community!
        QUIDAM and Poser will be compatible and used as complementary software to generate characters with advanced professional quality.
        This support will be done step by step. At end QUIDAM will fully import and export models in Poser native format (CR2).

        QUIDAM and Poser users will of course be able to buy separately this independant feature at an very affordable price.

        A new chapter in character creation is about to start...

        The N-Sided Team"

Is Argile any different from Quidam? That is can you do the same things in Quidam that you can in Argile, morphing wise?

Argile is like a part of Quidam : you can sculpt a character and then export it to a renderer (Bryce, Vue, Carrara, C4D, Lightwave....) or export a Poser Character, modify the shape, and then export it and get it back in Poser as a morphtarget (it works like a charm, no need to tweak anything).
You can also modify the textures of your Poser characters directly in 3D or paint a completly new texture on the object (the object needs to have UV coordinates applied on it but Poser characters and objects have it)

Cédric

Attached Link: test ellia 1

Quote - "In addition, N-Sided will provide “QUIDAM for Poser” based on their QUIDAM character creation software. QUIDAM features the ability to import and export Poser character files, which will be bundled exclusively with Poser Pro, rounding out a complete solution set for professionals that brings Poser content and animations into their workflow."

SCOTTS VALLEY, Calif., – August 7, 2007 — e frontier, Inc.

This was a press release from the above date.

Do a google search for "PoserPro Quidam" and you will find this press release on multiple sites.

Well, having just installed Poser Pro, I can tell you that Quidam is not present.  That said, e-frontier's website used to state that it would be, and it was still on Smith Micro's site until the last month or so.

Severine -- looks good! I'd love to see some before/after shots from people, and comments on the learning curve etc.

I heard about this Argile about a week ago, and it looks promising.

I too would love to see what it's like, and I might try the Demo myself.

Really interesting,

JB

Take a look at my gallery. The last three images are all morphs created using Argile. I do have Quidam so was used to the workflow. The morphs were very straight forward and fast.

http://www.renderosity.com/mod/gallery/index.php?image_id=1665085
http://www.renderosity.com/mod/gallery/index.php?image_id=1665907
http://www.renderosity.com/mod/gallery/index.php?image_id=1664580

PoserPro does NOT include Quidam.. they agreed to disagree and it is not in there. Lots of disgruntled posts over at CP.

FS has a couple of tutorials for Quidam on here and the principle is exactly the same. The morph video on the N-Sided site is also very good.

A few tips when learning:

Only use front and side view
Make small changes only
Easy morphs are: Narrow the lips, narrow the nose, rotate the eye sockets, move the chin forward, change the jaw shape.
Use the big fuzzy selector only

Steve

I've been trying out the trial version of Argile, and other than some frustration at my lack of sculpting skills, I'm fairly pleased.  I'm interested primarily for the ability to apply photographic textures to Poser figures.  (On a fan film budget, Poser stuntpeople are much less expensive than the real thing!)

My biggest problem at the moment is being a newbie at Poser, I am having problems getting the head morphs (just trying Michael 3 at the moment) back into Poser.  I end up with these rather hideous explosions instead of faces.

For those who have successfully brought a morphed Poser head back into Poser---how do you do it?  [rueful smile]

Thanks!

I've been trying to use the background picture to texture an object exported from Poser, like it shows in the video. I don't know whether the settings that I have are correct, as the texture will not paint onto it. As far as I can see I have done everything right. Could my graphics card or settings be the problem?