Novica & Serene Night's Renders, Tips, Tutorials & Product Reviews Part 1
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L' Atelier + La Dolce Vita Restaurant + Opus Magnum
You will be seeing significant changes using Shader Presets and material settings.
This explanation by Scott-L will help newbies keep straight some of the terms. I still have to watch what I say because sometimes in the other forums people use the wrong terms and of course that's what I remember! This discusses surfaces, material zones, textures, etc. I covered this way back in April but here's the link to Scott's post. I'll be changing a lot of surfaces with materials and textures this evening!
http://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/19908/#292487
Here's a different summary of it-
Two of the main words though I want to post here- as stated by Scott-L:
"Surfaces and Material Zones are regions that can be edited independently."
You know what a surface is. What about "Material Zone?"
One good starting point would be the explanation that BWSman so kindly provided me.
Material- a collection of settings which affects how a mesh looks (think diffuse, specular, ambient- all those sliders in Surfaces tab)
Texture- is applied to one of those settings, to the materials.
Simplifies it a lot, doesn't it?!
EDIT: Okay, someone asked about the word mesh- all of these products are made by polygons (think geometry) put together in groups. That's a mesh- they are MESHED together.
From the start-
polygons grouped together=mesh
the part of the mesh that you see=surface
material=applied to the surfaces, materials are settings over in the Surface tab that you can manipulate to change how the surface looks (diffuse, specular, ambient, opacity, etc) It can include textures
texture map- applied to one or more of the material (diffuse, specular, etc) settings to change the appearance (usually diffuse as it's a main surface setting for your object) Scott-L defines it best: "A texture is an image that is applied (mapped) to the mesh of the figure, giving it color, texture, patterns, etc."
This term confused me until I associated the word "photo" for it. When you see images in the diffuse square, those are texture "maps." I use png as my jpgs aren't working. They render black.
So you have your materials, which may or may not have texture (think just plain color)- what makes something with plain color look good?
SHADERS.
Scott-L: What is a "shader" or "shader preset?" Something that controls how a surface looks and how it reacts to light.
(That would be the velvet look, wood, glossy, etc) However, as Scott pointed out, some artists refer to shaders as the entire package of the "materials."
I would recommend looking at the thread and reading through it if you are new and getting lost in terms. Textures and materials are not the same thing for example. If there needs to be any clarifications or input, feel free. Most of this is restating from that thread so should be correct. Scott-L did a great job.
L' Atelier reserved
Photo 1
Here we go! This is where the really creative "out of the box" comes in. YOU be thinking of what you'd do with what I'm bring in. I'm grabbing a big scale from Opus Magnum. I want a key "draw the eye" to that area and have large, elegant items so there is no clutter. This piece is so artistic looking! Note the colors tie in nicely with the "rug" topper. I could change it over in Surfaces to another color, but this is the default.
Photo 2
Brought in the Opus Magnum floor for now. I just wanted ANYTHING other than the shabby floor of L'atelier. (Which the artist intended when they created the set. It wasn't supposed to be anything fancy.) But I can't keep it. Why?
Photo 3
The floor has fireplace soot or something- it works in Opus Magnum but won't here. Also note I moved the table, just testing locations. I haven't expanded the room at all (scaling it larger) but keep in mind you don't have to work within the original parameters. Here's a test for you- there's a reason you should KNOW that I am not keeping this room the same size if I like what I've done so far. What would that be?
Photo 4
I selected the surface of the window frames using the Surface Selection tool (the three black sheets of paper) and in Surfaces, under Presets (not Editor) went into Wood to explore that option. Shown is how the wood shader colors appear. I don't want dark wood as I have too much dark already (just my personal preference for this particular set. Dark would work fine.) You click the surface, THEN click the shader preset. The Surfaces tab gave many options to tweak the wood, but it just didn't appeal to me. You can change the color of the wood in diffuse, the line patterns, etc. I want something different. Let's go stone or tile. I CHOSE THE RED BRICK.
Here comes the fun. The "what the...?????"
Photo 5
I changed the brick and mortar colors. So what would you expect? Instead of red brick with gray mortar, I am going to get dark olive/brown bricks with peach/cream mortar. OR NOT.
My L'atedolce Opus Studio
L'atelier + La Dolce Vita Restaurant + Opus Magnum + Paris Studio
So what do I get?
Photo 1
WELLLLLL... that's cool. Not really the olive green and cream I had envisioned. Those sliders must have some awesome power and are staring at me wondering, 'Why isn't she using us correctly?" Well, give me time. I've never used the brick shader preset before. This is rather pretty though, isn't it? Just not very upscale, a bit frivolous. I'm going to work on color first.
Photo 2
This is a darker BRICK color, went to 83 / 77 / 53. Other settings stayed the same.
Photo 3
So now let's darken the mortar. I usually only change one thing at a time.
Photo 4
Turn up the brick variance from .30 to 5.66 and you'll REALLY see frivolous. WOW! Obviously not a keeper, but this sure is fun. I thought brick variance MIGHT be the structure of the brick. Nope.
Photo 5
Brick variance to 0.12 looks much better, very classy colors, natural earth tones. My studio is losing ground from floral/tropical to warm, natural colors- and I like it. I can always go back frivolous/ bright pastels, we certainly know how!
L' Atedolce Opus Studio
L'Atelier + La Dolce Vita Restaurant + Opus Magnum + Paris Studio
Photo 1
Changing the brick HEIGHT (and leaving the colors alone) caused this. (From .0080 to -0.066) UGH- Not a fan. So now we know adjusting the size of the brick will dilute the colors. EDIT>UNDO as fast as I can. My bricks are grateful.
Photo 2
Brick Height 0.075 works for me. I don't want the tile lines to line up, I want them to be two separate rows. With depth of field, this will be a soft window tiling anyway. (Well, bricks.) Enlarged they look more like tiles, something to keep in mind if you're going for that look.
Photo 3
Decided to take a peek at the Paris Studio so I could decide which items to keep from L'Atelier.
Photo 4
I eliminated all the tubes of paint which had the childish type print for labels (without any emblems or insignia, it really looked just cartoonish.) The palette shown (which the vendor didn't label as a PALETTE!) is bold and not quite the style needed for an upscale studio. We're going to move these brushes and put into play a bit of creativity. I think you'll like it!
Some of the brushes would not separate from their group. They were clumped together and placing them on surfaces would be difficult, so some of these got eliminated.
Photo 5
Remember to click and hold down when you select the items, then when you use Parameters and move them, they ALL move. Guess where these are going?
The Product Review section will be linked from the first post and will bring you to this post. The disclaimer is to remind folks that it's entirely possible that I may not be exploring the product completely, and with the complexities of the products, may need assistance to get it right! It will also show you where images of the products exist even if they do not have a review, so you can see examples of the product in use. This is a WIP.
Product Reviews
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed reflect the experiences of the users and may or may not be a reliable indicator of the product. Artists have varying levels of skill. In other words, folks are giving it their best shot and noting any difficulties THEY HAVE when using the products. ALL aspects of the product are not explored- statements reflect what has been explored.
Reviewers are not compensated by the vendors or DAZ3d in any manner. The reviewers recommend products based only on their personal preferences and do not assume responsibility for other artists' warm-and-fuzziness when using the product. There is a 30 day return policy, use it if you are not satisfied with a product.
In alphabetical order. These links will take you directly to the post(s) which have either images, reviews, or both from this Art Studio thread. ONLY THE FIRST POST IS NOTED- always check subsequent posts for further images or discussion.
Update: Aug 31st Done through page 38.
3D Universe Toon Dragon http://www.daz3d.com/3d-universe-toon-dragon
http://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/19756/
Aiko 5 http://www.daz3d.com/aiko-5
(Poses) http://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/19756/P270/#334094
Alruna http://www.daz3d.com/alruna
http://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/19756/
Ancient Prophecies Props http://www.daz3d.com/ancient-prophecies-props
Pottery: http://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/19756/P405/#348849
April Showers Poses For Genesis Female http://www.daz3d.com/april-showers-poses-for-genesis-female
http://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/19756/P270/#334093
Bad Guy For Genesis http://www.daz3d.com/bad-guy-for-genesis
Pants: http://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/19756/P405/#348804
Ballerina Assembly Kit http://www.daz3d.com/ballerina-assembly-kit
http://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/19756/P390/#347715
Barn Yard http://www.daz3d.com/barn-yard
http://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/19756/P555/#367304
Battle Maiden http://www.daz3d.com/battle-maiden
http://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/19756/P375/#346611
Bog Flea http://www.daz3d.com/bog-flea
http://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/19756/P270/#334757
http://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/19756/P270/#334850
BRC-Dark Rose For V4 And A4 http://www.daz3d.com/brc-dark-rose-for-v4-and-a4
http://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/19756/P390/#347028
http://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/19756/P390/#347351
Bree (Genesis 2 Starter Essentials)
http://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/19756/P495/#358639
Buccaneer Basic For Genesis http://www.daz3d.com/buccaneer-basic-for-genesis
http://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/19756/P405/#348041
http://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/19756/P405/#348085
Casual 1950 For Genesis Female http://www.daz3d.com/casual-1950-for-genesis-female
http://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/19756/P510/#361272
http://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/19756/P555/#368560
Charm hair http://www.daz3d.com/charm-hair
(For V6, Testing V5) http://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/19756/P510/#361504
Corner Of The Garden http://www.daz3d.com/corner-of-the-garden
http://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/19756/P420/#349855
Darkwoods Heroine http://www.daz3d.com/darkwoods-heroine
http://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/19756/P495/#358639
http://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/19756/P495/#359308
Defiant For Genesis http://www.daz3d.com/defiant-for-genesis
http://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/19756/P555/#367304
DMR Ellas Quest
http://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/19756/P480/#354499
http://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/19756/P480/#354911
http://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/19756/P495/#359372
DMs Courage Realm http://www.daz3d.com/dms-courage-realm
wheel / wooden half barrel planter: http://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/19756/P435/#351965
DMs Instances http://www.daz3d.com/dms-instances
http://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/19756/P555/#367304
Dorpodon http://www.daz3d.com/dorpodon
http://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/19756/P480/#354309
http://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/19756/P480/#354499
Earane Outfit http://www.daz3d.com/earane-outfit
top: http://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/19756/P255/#331446
Egyptian Pottery http://www.daz3d.com/egyptian-pottery
http://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/19756/P405/#348041
Farm Fencing http://www.daz3d.com/farm-fencing
stall door: http://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/19756/P555/#367304
Fashion Hair http://www.daz3d.com/fashion-hair
http://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/19756/P510/#360919
Freya http://www.daz3d.com/freya
footwear testing on V5: http://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/19756/P420/#349114
http://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/19756/P420/#349318
Galapagos Tortoise http://www.daz3d.com/galapagos-tortoise
http://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/19756/P555/#368560
Garden Escape Well http://www.daz3d.com/garden-escape-well
http://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/19756/P435/#351962
Genesis 2
fingers: http://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/19756/P495/#358231
Gloria Short Hairstyle http://www.daz3d.com/gloria-short-hairstyle
http://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/19756/P390/#347853
http://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/19756/P390/#347866
http://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/19756/P405/#347891
http://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/19756/P420/#349327
Hampton Hair http://www.daz3d.com/hampton-hair
http://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/19756/P225/#324866
http://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/19756/P450/#352492
Holiday Nook http://www.daz3d.com/holiday-nook
rug: http://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/19756/P555/#367737
Hooded Cloak For Genesis http://www.daz3d.com/hooded-cloak-for-genesis
http://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/19756/P300/#340681
http://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/19756/P375/#346424
Jasmin For Genesis Clothing Accessories http://www.daz3d.com/jasmin-for-genesis-clothing-accessories
http://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/19756/P405/#348804
http://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/19756/P405/#348849
Keira For Stephanie 5 http://www.daz3d.com/keira-for-stephanie-5
http://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/19756/P360/#344676
Lady Elf Hair For Genesis http://www.daz3d.com/lady-elf-hair-for-genesis
http://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/19756/P360/#344129
(Many Posts- Cassini Wears It) http://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/19756/P360/#345475
http://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/19756/P405/#348519
Le Village Tree Pack http://www.daz3d.com/le-village-tree-pack
rectangular planter: http://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/19756/P555/#367304
Lycan Hunter http://www.daz3d.com/lycan-hunter
http://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/19756/P405/#348904
http://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/19756/P420/#348911
http://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/19756/P480/#355007
http://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/19756/P495/#359372
Magna Hart For Genesis http://www.daz3d.com/magna-hart-for-genesis
http://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/19756/P360/#345475
http://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/19756/P375/#346062
Medieval Barn http://www.daz3d.com/medieval-barn
chicken crate/ rope/hay fork: http://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/19756/P555/#367304
ladder: http://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/19756/P555/#367641
Millennium SubDragon http://www.daz3d.com/millennium-subdragon
http://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/19756/P480
http://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/19756/P480/#354499
http://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/19756/P495/#359372
Morphing Fantasy Dress For Genesis http://www.daz3d.com/morphing-fantasy-dress-for-genesis
http://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/19756/P555/#367737
http://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/19756/P555/#368223
Noggin's Dragonfly http://www.daz3d.com/noggin-s-dragonfly
Nordic Hair http://www.daz3d.com/nordic-hair
http://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/19756/P525/#363908
Opus Magnum http://www.daz3d.com/opus-magnum
bookcase & jars: http://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/19756/P495/#360417
some props: http://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/19756/P495/#360763
Pajamas For Genesis http://www.daz3d.com/pajamas-for-genesis
bookcase & jars: http://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/19756/P495/#360417
http://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/19756/P495/#360763
Paul Hair For Genesis And M4 http://www.daz3d.com/paul-hair-for-genesis-and-m4
http://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/19756/P225/#324033
Pharoahs Of The Sun For Genesis Female http://www.daz3d.com/pharaohs-of-the-sun-for-genesis-female
headdress: http://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/19756/P540/#366155
Pharoahs Of The Sun For Genesis Male http://www.daz3d.com/pharaohs-of-the-sun-for-genesis-male
Sandals: http://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/19756/P555/#367304
Posed For Victoria 5 http://www.daz3d.com/posed-for-victoria-5
tested on V5 & V6: http://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/19756/P495/#358248
V5: http://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/19756/P495/#358475
Pure Hair: Bubblegum For Genesis http://www.daz3d.com/pure-hair-bubblegum
http://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/19756/P510/#362818
Pure Hair: Crazy For Genesis http://www.daz3d.com/pure-hair-crazy
On Sofia: (Scroll, entire section) http://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/19756/P285/#336969
Review: http://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/19756/P525/#362902
Pure Hair: Retro For Genesis http://www.daz3d.com/pure-hair-retro
http://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/19756/P525/#363447
Pure Hair: Space For Genesis http://www.daz3d.com/pure-hair-space
http://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/19756/P510/#362626
Pharaohs Of The Sun For Genesis Female http://www.daz3d.com/pharaohs-of-the-sun-for-genesis-female
Necklace: http://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/19756/P225/#324866
Pred Pack- Grass One http://www.daz3d.com/pred-pack-grass-one
http://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/19756/P240/#330458
Raiver For V4 A4 Elite http://www.daz3d.com/raiver-for-v4-a4-elite
pants: http://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/19756/P255/#331446
Riley For Stephanie 5 http://www.daz3d.com/riley-for-stephanie-5
http://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/19756/P210/#323291
http://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/19756/P255/#333128
(With Hooded Cloak (Genesis) Won Honorable Mention: http://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/19756/P300/#340681
Royal Stairs http://www.daz3d.com/royal-stairs
http://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/19756/P555/#367737
SciFi Bunny For Genesis http://www.daz3d.com/scifi-bunny-for-genesis
Kit Bashed: http://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/19756/P375/#346533
Selene For V4 http://www.daz3d.com/selene-for-victoria-4
http://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/19756/P405/#347891
Sensibility For Victoria 4 http://www.daz3d.com/sensibility-for-victoria-4
http://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/19756/P435/#351965
Sexy Silky For Genesis http://www.daz3d.com/sexy-silky-for-genesis
http://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/19756/P375/#346571
Silvermoon Hair http://www.daz3d.com/silvermoon-hair
http://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/19756/P210/#323291
Skull Cove Island http://www.daz3d.com/skull-cove-island
skydomes: http://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/19756/P255/#331563
Sofia For V4 And Genesis http://www.daz3d.com/sofia-for-v42-and-genesis
Using Pure Hair: Crazy For Genesis http://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/19756/P285/#336969
Stephanie 5 http://www.daz3d.com/stephanie-5
http://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/19756/P360/#344662
SubDragon Textures http://www.daz3d.com/subdragon-textures
http://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/19756/P480/#354499
http://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/19756/P480/#354802
Summer Casuals Fitted Sundress http://www.daz3d.com/summer-casuals-fitted-sundress
http://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/19756/P225/#324094
Review: http://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/19756/P360/#345917
Summer Dress For Genesis http://www.daz3d.com/summer-dress-for-genesis
http://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/19756/P510/#361300
Summer Edition Josh http://www.daz3d.com/summer-edition-josh
With Taylor Hair http://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/19756/P300/#340683
Morphing Him With Others (MANY posts) http://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/19756/P300/#340805
Summer Halter Dress http://www.daz3d.com/summer-halter-dress
http://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/19756/P435/#351959
Taylor Hair http://www.daz3d.com/taylor-hair
http://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/19756/P300/#340683
The Priory http://www.daz3d.com/the-priory
http://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/19756/P300/#339082
Toon Amy For Genesis Accessories http://www.daz3d.com/toon-amy-for-genesis-accessories
http://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/19756/P360/#345475
http://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/19756/P420/#349855
Udane Hair http://www.daz3d.com/udane-hair
http://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/19756/P495/#358639
V4 Elite Texture: Maya http://www.daz3d.com/v4-elite-texture-maya
http://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/19756/P225/#324866
Victoria 5 Elite Ponytail Hair http://www.daz3d.com/victoria-5-elite-ponytail
Tested on V6: http://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/19756/P540/#365275
Vianne For Victoria 6 http://www.daz3d.com/vianne-for-victoria-6
http://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/19756/P480/#358134
War Dog For Genesis http://www.daz3d.com/wardog-for-genesis
http://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/19756/P480/#354499
Way Of The Shinobi For Genesis http://www.daz3d.com/way-of-the-shinobi-for-genesis
http://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/19756/P270/#334757
http://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/19756/P270/#334850
http://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/19756/P405/#348381
Willow Spring http://www.daz3d.com/willow-spring
lion head fountain: http://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/19756/P510/#361300
Wood Fairy V4 http://www.daz3d.com/wood-fairy-v4
Comes With Tree! Tree only: http://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/19756/P405/#348904
L'atedolce Opus Studio
From The Beginning:
http://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/19756/P1155/#407596
http://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/19756/P1155/#407842 (3 posts)
http://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/19756/P1245/#410947 (3 posts)
http://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/19756/P1245/#411006
http://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/19756/P1245/#411013 (2 posts)
http://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/19756/P1275/#412460 (5 Posts) WIP
How to Pose the Science Fiction Pistols
Okay, so how to pose the guns? Let’s talk about the Beam pistol, since that’s my favorite, and one of the easiest to pose and also to illustrate firing. (Each pistol may require adjustment due to character size and shape, but the same method should apply).
First, the beam pistol is smartpropped for M4. If you have m4, you really shouldn’t have any trouble, but for Genesis users, especially if you use an oversized guy like Mr. Sarge in armor, you’ll need to adjust things to fit the hand.
I’d suggest if the character is in a pose already to zero the character’s pose out, and apply the pistol. (It is easier to pose when the character’s pose is zeroed). The pistol will parent to the hand. Once you click the pistol it will appear very close to where it is supposed to be on genesis. You have a couple of options here. 1, if you have the Pose set
ACTION MEN POSES for FREAK 5 and M5
http://www.daz3d.com/actionmen-poses-for-freak-5-and-michael-5
you are made in the shade. This set includes a premade pose set for both this pistol and the hand. There is also a few more pistol poses in this set, that you might use for these guns, so I’d experiment and try. Since the poses aren’t listed by gun type, you have to go by the tiny pictures to see which gun pose might work but beam gun is there so choose the image that matches the gun.
After the gun is applied it’ll look something like picture 1.
Now for the fun! Sarge and a new recruit have graciously volunteered to demonstrate this procedure. .
Image 1: As you can see in image 1, the gun is slightly outside of the grip of the recruit, and very shiny. If you are a daz user mats must be applied, so make sure to go back into your Science Fiction Pistol Studio CF folder and apply them, otherwise your guns will have the wrong texture. (although, it might be nice in some scenes to have a pearly gun, I am not going for that look here).
Image 2: Now you have to pose the gun prop. If you don’t have Action Men, you must use x-tran y-tran and the other dials to fit the pistol in the palm of the hand. Then use Pose control on the hand to grip the pistol. Make sure to raise the trigger finger properly on the trigger. Check from all angles because what looks good from one angle may look bad from another.
If you use Action Men, apply the hand and pistol poses to fit the gun to genesis. Check for grip adjustment. Some gloves and bodysuits may need a bit extra tweaking because of hand thickness.
A tip for smaller or bigger character is to increase or decrease the scale of the gun if you can’t get it to fit the hand properly.
Image 3.
I now have it almost right but the bodysuit is a bit pudgy and I must adjust to avoid painful finger clipping and awkward hand movements. Make sure to adjust all fingers. There is still a problem here with the pinky and index finger. LOL, didn’t see that. This is why it must be adjusted from every angle.
Image 4
You can now add a nice point light just ahead of the beam pistol’s tip, paint it bright red, and parent it to the gun for the ‘just about to shoot’ look. You can uncover your eyes now Sarge!
You can use a number of postwork techniques to make the gun fire. Ron’s war brushes are a favorite of mine. Because these are futuristic guns there are no set rules of beam/ray/plasma these can pack which is good. I am still learning to create a nice look with them.
If you have techniques for illustrating gunfire/laser/plasma fire I’d be interested in hearing/seeing them. I am just exploring techniques for this now.
Image 5 Shows how the pistol technique can work in a render.
Hope this is useful to those who like science fiction action scenes. I really like the SCIENCE FICTION PISTOL SET and use it often.
My L'atedolce Opus Studio
Photo 1
Of COURSE the scales are where you should put your brushes! We'll put some IN the glass cabinet, but why not take advantage of artistic furniture arrangements? I love this idea! Just remember that scale is tipped due to weight, so what you put ON the scales must make sense.
Photo 2
When laying objects on a surface, go below with your camera angle and shoot from the bottom up, and from different angles. I'm checking the brush on the scale.
Photo 3
Here's the top view with the brush in the scale.
Photo 4
Place a stray brush on the shelves, artists have them everywhere. That brush is the one used for the powders. No respectable artist mixes gouache, acrylics, and oil brushes!
Photo 5
Adding more interest to the scale. Stack brushes, don't have them side by side. This means you'll need to use rotation to tip brushes up and down. Watch that the tips don't go through the surface.
My L'atedolce Opus Studio
Photo 1
We have brushes on the shelves and in the scales, (didn't show you every single brush) so let's changeover the white tablecloths and benches to compliment our new colors in the window. Spot render to see the shader preset for the window. (Our "bricks.")
Photo 2
When you use the Surface Selection Tool (the three black sheets of paper by the Universal Tool) and click on the surface you are changing, it will outline with an orange line. Go into Surfaces tab. Only that surface should be selected. You can hold down CNTRL and pick more than one surface, or just select them in Surfaces. Be sure ONLY what you want is selected! We're putting green in the Diffuse and removing the white. I am doing the table cloths, side table, chairs for the table, and the bench to keep them as matched sets.
Photo 3
Now the bench has a green hue similar to one of the "bricks" of the window. Depending on what happens with the rest of the room, it can be tweaked.
My L'atedolce Opus Studio
Photo 1
To answer the mystery of why the room MUST be enlarged-
Did you forget that I made the glass cabinet into a LEDGE? (I didn't. Remember I'm showing you options.) And here's yet another one- have the ledge cabinet WITH SHORT SHELVES ON THE END. Look closely. However, I like the option better with the scales and brushes (a full surface like a regular cabinet, with shelves below) so we will expand the wall back out then scale the glass cabinet to fit. No problem! Again, remember you need to hold down CNTRL and click all the objects so you can move/scale at the same time.
Photo 2
Here's a view down the wall, showing you how much additional space we gain. This will be nice when we add back in easels and some of the NECESSARY clutter such as blank canvases and finished works.
Photo 3
Top view of the expanded area. Everytime I see that garrish wall I'm reminded how this overhaul is coming along. Don't worry, we'll fix it.
Reminder: You can CNTL click and then go to Create>Group and the objects will all be nice and neat in a group.
Photo 4
The slightly scaled down version of the cabinet. Pay attention to your details- my shelf still has the three brackets to support it and keep this realistic to hold weight! Little nuances which make the difference. LOOK CLOSELY at the shelf where it touches the garrish wall. The bracket is there.
Photo 5
A spot render to test the window tile and the placement of the glass cabinet (haven't done the surface setting for the glass yet) and to see it with the wall material. Coming along nicely I think! Hope you're enjoying the makeover.
SereneNight, you mentioned "Some gloves and bodysuits may need a bit extra tweaking because of hand thickness," do you ever hide the glove, then pose the hand but leave a bit of room- or do you get a better fit by trying to manipulate the entire bulk?
Sarge looks downright stoic in those photos- I ALMOST feel sorry for him with the newbie. That recruit looks like maybe he could hit the broad side of a barn.
Just a heads up that two more posts have been filled in with the L'artdolce Opus Studio tutorial. Go back up several posts from this one.
I think you probably have to pose em with the gloves, at least once the initial pose has been achieved otherwise you're going to cut into that trigger finger or the grip on the gun when you put them back on.
Yes, that Newbie is a challenge, but Sarge has had a lot of experience with raw recruits. =-)
I'm liking what you are doing with that art studio project. It's really coming together. =-)
Here's a fun one which I just bought int he Platinum Club sale which is so cool and awesome.
VIVANA FLYING MACHINE
by Daz 3d and Petipet.
http://www.daz3d.com/vimana-flying-machine
I really love the way it renders and has actual movement blurring material preset What a nice little detail. There are poses for pilots and passengers too, although mine is unmanned.
Here I rendered it over a wheatfield.
One thing that is a bit confusing is that the actual vehicle is listed with the words material on it, so don't let it fool you. I'll put in a bug report when I get a chance, but this is a cool little gem and fun to work with.
Oh, and if I haven't suggested it, subscribers might want to check out morguefile which is a place you can download royalty free pictures like this wheat field. It is a useful place to find graphic images for your renders backgrounds.
http://www.morguefile.com/
Thanks, hadn't heard of it. Wonderful that it is free.
Cute flying machine you have there. I don't remember seeing that rendered before.
It really annoys me that things aren't labeled what they are- the studio one doesn't even have a palette labeled a palette. Kinda important for an artist studio.
Wait a minute- how is that done?
...has actual movement blurring material preset...
not to be duh, but I am- the part of the machine has the blur attached to it and it's semi transparent? I can see it in the image but always assumed that was postwork when I saw it on other products. Wonder if some of those have this too.
The forum is not letting me post. When I submit a post it is taking me to my account page. Argg.
Anyway, hopefully this will go through. They are transparent disks with gray circles in them. When rendered they look like whirling blades.
1:20am New sale just went up, but the pages are as usual 404 Not Found. Tricky little promo- when you buy three things the extra 20% off is on the STORES, not the promo items- at least that's what it says. I can't check it because it's 404 not found. Just watch what you're getting a discount on.
SERIOUSLY- four out of six of the stores are bikini promo shots. Need some creative thinking.
There is a 220 expressions for Genesis that may be interesting.
http://www.daz3d.com/stalker-girl-guns-for-genesis
Since SereneNight just featured weapons- Take a look as it has 22 poses that come with the guns. I guess I'll try it since I have some of the stalker girl items and I can always use poses..
http://www.daz3d.com/bad-guy-for-genesis
I've used these clothes a lot. They have nice details. The jeans look good (to me), very realistic. Not like skin molded latex!
HEADS UP PLATINUM CLUB MEMBERS- you should have received a code (which due to it being PC I am NOT posting) that will give you an additional $6 off a $30 purchase. I went ahead and got 3 items (yeah, I know, I got swimsuits. But NOT bikinis.) so I would get more discounts as there were things I had wishlisted. PLUS got the additional $6 off. My email came Friday around 1:10am. It will say "24 Hour Event Platinum Club Shocker and More."
Ocean Swimsuit $5.57
Ocean Monokini $5.57
Atlantic Ocean $6.97
Pacific Ocean $6.97
SG HeadDresses for Genesis $9.95
Fire and Smoke for DAZ Studio $8.95
Stalker Girl Hair $8.95 (love the way it can be brought forward so nicely. We'll see!
Stalker Girl Guns for Genesis $11.95 (this is all SereneNight's fault)
Now look at the total- $64.88
Discount $20.94 PLUS -$6= -$26.94
Grand Total $37.94 for 8 items, or about $4.75 apiece.
Hopefully you got the email. If not, contact an admin and maybe they can help you.
Already installed and loaded up the items, Ocean Swimsuit went on Chiara (Genesis 2 figure) perfectly, no tweaking needed. The suit is only one material zone for the main part though- with the belt and the clasps being separate. I rendered the black and white version for you
Here are SCREENSHOTS of the Ocean Swimsuit using The Fabricator>Totally Bazaar> South Pacific. Note you can not do separate material zones on the main body of the suit. I did not change anything except the main body- no clasps, etc were changed. You can change the belt to different colors and the clasps.
Hmmm, Ocean Monokini is supposed to be for Genesis 2. It came on Chiara horribly and said "unsupported figure." Will not let me click any of those dropdowns in the popup box.
I agreed to try and fit the "unsupported" (!!!!) figure. See the results.
So this is what I got when the swimsuit was attempted on a Genesis 2 figure, which this is advertised for. As you know, my Chiara breezes through swimsuits without any problems. My version 4.6 is funky, but not with swimsuits not having the right figure identified and stating they are unsupported. You may see what you get?
Am fixing with the PBM Hip size (Parameters>Actor>Lower Body) fixed the area by the ties. However, even going into each submenu, the closest thing was the right pectoral and none of the scales would make the piece lengthen. It only increased (as expected) the front pectoral. There are no morphs to address this issue that I can find. Morphs are not in abundance- the "Morph Loader" only has one option (breast implants), the Widen Breast under "Style" made the front go DOWN and not around. Any of the Full Body distorts my figure.
This isn't working. I may reload it tomorrow, but it's 4am and I've never had an issue with swimsuits going on Chiara, ever, so I"m done for now. I am not distorting her figure to get that side piece to fit, and I have gone into every submenu, every Parameter setting (Actor, full body, style, tie movement, etc) It's always possible I am missing something though, I'm tired, so will try again later. If you are able to use it, be sure and let us know- however- don't plop this on a FLAT chested person and tell me it works lol. Of course it would! But I would LOVE to figure out what I did wrong if anything. I'm tired so will allow for that.
Are you sure you have Genesis 2 selected I had the same problem the other day and realised that I was actually trying to fit the item to another item not the Genesis figure.
I think I found out what triggered the "unsupported figure." Do not load the swimsuit onto a posed figure. When loaded onto the T pose, it came on just fine. The Ocean Swimsuit did fine either way, but perhaps the Monokini is more "sensitive." (At least it was for me.)
Thanks for the suggestion though :) Chiara was THE only figure in the scene. (see screenshot)
Well, I guess you can't see if Chiara was selected, but you can see Cassini is turned off in the Scene. I did this twice and both times it was the posed figure that made the "unsupported" box pop up. So I learned some clothes are more sensitive than others when loading, because I load clothes on Chiara all the time without even having to make adjustments (like the Ocean Swimsuit!)
See the nice fit, below. In T pose. Now I can get some sleep.
Well now it's loading fine with the SAME pose. This is making me doubt my sanity- I know I checked that Chiara was selected before loading the suit! However, if it's loading fine onto the posed figure, I am going to say it MUST have been Cassini that was selected. So I think you are right! (And I probably did it twice.) Anyway, it's nice to know it works. Appreciate the input S.D!
Had to check one thing- the Stalker Hair ROCKS!!!! You want a ponytail with great movement- this is it. There is a "tail" that you add to the base hair, and it has sections that can be moved by translation, rotation, etc. If you're going to take advantage of this sale and need hair, I'd give this one a try. Use it without that long strand too!
http://www.daz3d.com/stalker-girl-hair
This will show you some of the swing. It's fun!