POSER and DAZStudio: Easy 3D Worlds and Figures
The terms “3D” and “easy” rarely go together. Modeling environments or characters in 3D programs is often time consuming and frustrating and the learning curve for most programs doesn’t seem worth the effort. Trying to incorporate 3D modeling or scenes into a class project can seem nearly impossible because it takes all semester for student to even feel comfortable with programs like Maya or 3dsMax.
But there are two easy-to-use programs (both Mac and PC) that are excellent for human and animal figure posing and animation. “Poser” (available for purchase from SmithMicro at http://my.smithmicro.com/mac/graphics.html) and “DazStudio” (available for free from DAZ3D.com) both can be used within minutes of starting and animations can be easily accomplished in just a few minutes more. Both Poser and Daz formats are popular with independent model designers and you can purchase (often for as little as $.99) thousands of models online or download many free ones (see DAZ3D.com, contentparadise.com, poserworld.com).
Daz images will be used to demonstrate here but the programs are very similar in their layout and tools. Poser has more sophisticated animation capabilities.
1. Models are loaded into the program by selecting from the content folder that holds the models that come standard with the programs as well as those purchased separately.
2. Models include human of all ages and sizes, as well special humans like “The Freak” which is an oversize, muscular male that can be morphed into various monsters. Animals, plants, and props are also available.
3. Pre-designed poses can be applied to the figures or each body part can be manipulated and posed separately.
4. Switching between different views (front, sides, top, perspective) can make modeling and positioning easier. This scene is shown with 4 views and the screen can be split in numerous ways. A background image or color can be added as can complete 3D environments that allow the positioning of figures within a 3D space.
5. A final rendering, as a still image or an animation, can be produced in high quality and many different formats, including with comic book textures.
Daz3D will be demonstrated in a workshop on March 1, 2010 in the Weigle Information Commons, 10am to 11:30am. Register at: http://tinyurl.com/y8fma6f
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