FAQ | Q: What did you use to make the Flaris Norns? A: The models were built using Blender. The UV wraps (the skin/patterns on parts like the arms, legs, body and head) were painted in Photoshop. Post rendering (cleanup, mostly) was also done in Photoshop.
Q: How did you get so good at Blender? A: 80% Stubborn determination, 5% Artistic talent, 15% Wailing and tears. Okay, more realistically ... it was 20% wailing and tears. >.> Also, I'm not that good at Blender. Seriously people. You should check out some of the *real* artists in the Blender forums.
.... Alright, if you want more specifics... Here we go. I got into 3D modeling because I wanted to make a metaroom. It was called Arboria, and I still haven't finished it. I was having no success making trees and similar things in Photoshop, and I decided that it would be easier (HAH!) to do them in a 3D application. Well it is easier... once you know what you're doing. Learning to use *any* 3D app is a bit like learning to ride a bike or swim or do algebra... there's no equivalent skill so you have to learn it all from the ground up. Certain other skills do help, particularly a good understanding of 3D space and other high end programs (things like layers and attributes are a big part of Blender.) My first usable object (after quite a number of failures and a month of poking things at random) was a triple vendor done with NURBS. I quickly moved onto Polygon modeling (which I found easier to learn) but each new project brought with it a host of problems - all sorts of things happened that I couldn't replicate, or happened that I flat out didn't want! I'm not going to sugarcoat it. Learning Blender was *tough*. It was hands down the hardest computer application I've ever had to work with. Was it worth it? Absolutely. Q: Can you teach me to make models in Blender? A: People far more skilled than I have written some excellent stuff for beginners. In particular, I recommend Blender Underground's Video Tutorials and the Wikibook Blender: Noob to Pro for those who can't see videos easily on their computers.
Q: When are the Flaris going to be done? A: Short Answer: I don't know. A: Longer Answer: When I get enough time to finish all the parts and ATTs required for them. I guesstimate that I've already put in over 100 hours on the breed, and there's probably another 100 to go before there's a usable download at the end. Maybe more.
Q: Can I Alpha/Beta/Preview the Flaris Breed? A: If/when I need testers, there'll be a post for them on Creaturetopia and the other major CC forums.
Q: What kind of genome do the Flaris have? A: The Flaris are currently running a standard ChiChi CFE genome. When the breed nears completion I'll be looking for a good genengineer to do some modifications to their genetics.
Q: Well then can you tell me about what they're going to be like? A: Flaris Norns are slightly larger than their ship-bred counterparts, with longer arms and legs. They stand about half a head taller than your average ChiChi or Bengal. The females, as you may have noticed, sport long manes of hair and are the more aggressive of the two genders. They are protective parents and won't hesitate to strike back at something that hurts them. Despite this, Flaris in general are fairly laid back and calm. They are very social and quite unhappy if kept alone. They do well in large groups. Flaris are carnivores, though they can eat regular food they get the best nutrition from meat or critters. You can find a more complete breakdown on the Genetics page. |