Human Figures

[garystan]

Hi, everybody :

I'm currently using version 7.1 of Sketchup. I'm wondering how to create a human figure. I've been told about some software, including Poser. But, Poser has a cost of $249 (?). Also, most software that I've looked at only creates human figures, renders them in photo-style pics, and cannot be exported to other programs. The models in Sketchup CAN be exported to other software. I've tried creating human figures in Sketchup, but, it's kinda hard. With all the curves in the human anatomy.
garystan

[solo]

Try sculptris or Daz studio.

Sketchup is not suited for this type of modeling.

[garystan]

Try sculptris or Daz studio.

Sketchup is not suited for this type of modeling.

If sketchup isn't suited for this type of modeling, then how come I can import models from the 3D Warehouse ?

garystan

[solo]

Maybe because they were made with other apps and converted to Sketchup.

[Alan Fraser]

If you keep your eyes open, you can find free version of Poser. I've even had one off a cover DVD in an old copy of Computer Arts. There may be others online. You can export to 3ds from Poser, then import into SketchUp...which is probably where most of those models originate in the 3D Warehouse. The problem is that they are humongously heavy on poly-count and will slow SU to a crawl.
It's also illegal (to distribute them on places like 3DW) because...as you state...the program is designed to produce renderings; the meshes themselves are copyrighted and are not for distribution...even having been edited. There is, however, nothing to stop you exporting them for your own use...that's why the export facility exists.

Producing usable human figures from scratch in SU is very tricky. Not only is is difficult dealing with the organic forms, but the main problem is keeping the face-count to something sensible...like about 2,500 faces...whilst still managing to make the figures look realistic.. Many new users (and quite a few old ones) would produce more faces than this just modelling a screwdriver.
It is possible, though. Some of us make our living from largely doing exactly that.
Link

[garystan]

Maybe because they were made with other apps and converted to Sketchup.

Solo :
Sorry about the attitude.........It's just kinda frustrating trying to find this type of software. I don't mean to sound like e "penny-pincher" either. But some of the software IS expensive, even though those are the ones that work the best.

garystan

[garystan]

If you keep your eyes open, you can find free version of Poser. I've even had one off a cover DVD in an old copy of Computer Arts. There may be others online. You can export to 3ds from Poser, then import into SketchUp...which is probably where most of those models originate in the 3D Warehouse. The problem is that they are humongously heavy on poly-count and will slow SU to a crawl.
It's also illegal (to distribute them on places like 3DW) because...as you state...the program is designed to produce renderings; the meshes themselves are copyrighted and are not for distribution...even having been edited. There is, however, nothing to stop you exporting them for your own use...that's why the export facility exists.

Producing usable human figures from scratch in SU is very tricky. Not only is is difficult dealing with the organic forms, but the main problem is keeping the face-count to something sensible...like about 2,500 faces...whilst still managing to make the figures look realistic.. Many new users (and quite a few old ones) would produce more faces than this just modelling a screwdriver.
It is possible, though. Some of us make our living from largely doing exactly that.
Link

Alan :
You're VERY right about the copyrights. I do it for the pleasure, and showing friennds and family what can be done, artisticly, using "this medium". Most of the time, I use Sketchup to create custom furniture to import into Turbo Floor Plan 3D. I'll have to check around for that "free version" of Poser.
Anyway...........thanks for your input.

garystan

[McGyver]

I've never exported a Poser figure to SU, but you could try importing a lower resolution version using the free version of DAZ Studio 3 (or 4)... (and it probably still has free base figures as well)... DS has a LOD function (Level of Detail-which reduces the mesh resolution by different level increments) that is used by some to export to SecondLife or other similar programs...
I imagine you would set up and pose your figure, then adjust the LOD settings and export an OBJ... then either using the trial Pro version of SU or one of the free ruby OBJ Import plugins bring the model into SU... I don't know how well it would work, and I imagine the scale of the figure would be WAY off... But it should PROBABLY work... with a bunch of trial and error.
You could ask about the LOD function at DAZ's Forums... There are many nice and helpful people there, especially in the "Welcome" and "New Users Help Forum"...

[dsarchs]

Sketchup isn't ideal (by a long way) for creating characters but there are some pretty cool video tutorials here (giantMONSTERblog) if you want to have a go anyways.

A better solution might be MakeHuman, which exports into Blender and from there can go wherever you want.

[garystan]

Try sculptris or Daz studio.

Sketchup is not suited for this type of modeling.

solo :
I just checked out Sculptris. Seems nice enough. But, I couldn't find information on the formats that are used in the SAVE or SAVE AS function.

garystan

[solo]

I believe it exports to .obj

[Khai]

OK poser or DS are not going to model for you. they are not modeling apps, but pose and render apps.

to model, you'll need a modeler. now, for free you have a few choices. Hexagon (over at Daz), Wings3D and Blender come to mind right off.

all three save to OBJ - which is the basic format for DS and Poser on imports. (only Poser Pro will import DAE files)

[garystan]

Thanks guys................

garystan