I am working on creating a custom 3D [...]]]> Using Daz Studio 4, 3D artists can create a wide range of characters from just the basic Genesis figure, if they download the Michael 4 and Victoria 4 figures the possibilities go up significantly. Add in the Morphs++ packages and the possibilities seem to be practically limitless.

I am working on creating a custom 3D figure for use in my Mars Station One story. To create this figure I am using Daz Studio 4 and the Michael 4 figure with the Morphs++ morphing tool. I am still a major newbie in working with 3D stuff, so things are going really slow, but I am slowly learning more and more, and Daz Studio makes it really easy to get good results fast. Particularly when I can use ready-made stuff for my work rather than need something specific that I have to try to make on my own.

Don’t create a dark shadowy figure that lurks in the shadows of an alley. Create a real character that watches your hero from the gloomy depths of the alleyway.

Rather than a busty blond or nondescript [...]]]> When you are writing a story, you want to create unique characters for it, not cookie cutter stereotyped characters.

Don’t create a dark shadowy figure that lurks in the shadows of an alley. Create a real character that watches your hero from the gloomy depths of the alleyway.

Rather than a busty blond or nondescript brunette taking your hero’s order in the cafe, maybe their order is taken by a young man that has traces of grease under his fingernails from his second job as a mechanic.

A danger zone is in too much detail, however, which can be just as bad as a character that is too classic a stereotype. Yes it might be stereotyping to have a meek bespeckled librarian, but just as dangerous is to toss out all of the traits of your stereotypical librarian. There should be aspects of the character that, while not what one might expect from the role, are also universally expected.

For example, a librarian might be different in their body builder physique, but they likely still love books or they would not have become a librarian.

A good exercise is to take a sheet of paper and write the kind of character you are creating at the top. Then draw a line down the middle. On the left write everything you think of when you think of that particular type of person, including and especially stereotypes for them. Then on the right side of the paper write all of the things you need for the character in your story. From these two lists you can create a character that has the traits of both what you need and what you expect, and from that you can create a non-stereotypical character or your story.