DAZ 3D Official Blog

Win $300 in Winter Wonderland Contest

2008-01-04T09:09:00.000-08:00

Ryan writes:

If you are looking for a challenge, try the Carrara Winter Wonderland contest. Judging will be based on both creative interpretation of the theme and artistic skill. All we ask is that you use any version of Carrara. You can try Carrara for free for 30 days, which is just enough time to get in on the contest and maybe win $300.

Good luck, here's a link to the contest:
http://www.daz3d.com/i.x/contests/0/-/?

Ryan Bouche
DAZ 3D

DAZ 3D Christmas Charity Special

2007-12-14T13:06:00.000-08:00

Ryan writes:

Want to help do some good this season?

DAZ 3D will donate half of all proceeds on items included in the
"The Giving Chest - 12 Days of Christmas Sale" to charity.

This Year's Charitable Cause - The Road Home

The Road Home provides support and shelter to men and women from all walks of life and from many geographic locations. Their mission is to move people seamlessly from the cold streets into warm housing, from despair and alienation towards hope and inclusion.

Ryan Bouche

DAZ Studio 3D Basics: 1-Cameras

2007-11-28T14:07:00.001-08:00

Ryan writes:

If you're looking for some help getting started with 3D you can find many quick overviews, and even specific advanced tutorials on Youtube. There are videos for DAZ Studio, Bryce, and even some for Carrara. Just search for DAZ3D. Here's one we made in-house for example.

Ryan Bouche

Featured Published Artist-- Liquid Rust

2007-11-15T12:09:00.000-08:00

As part of a month-long spotlight on Published Artists, Liquid Rust is being featured at DAZ 3D today.

Liquid Rust is best known for his beautiful characters. We wanted to know more about this up and comer.
Here's what we found out:

DAZ: Where are you from?
Liquid Rust: Spring, TX. Not such a small town, more like suburbia. lol

DAZ: How long have you been a Published Artist at DAZ 3D?
Liquid Rust: I just started this year but I've met enormous success from all the generous buyers out there. I wish I could communicate more with my customers to find out what they really want from me though. I keep hoping one day I'll wake up to a flooded inbox full of requests and suggestions for future products, but that never happens. lol

DAZ: How did you get started in 3D?
Liquid Rust: Funny...I got started playing the sims. From there I learned of a whole new world of sims called poserland which turned out to be nothing like it at all. I started doing renders with content just to use for The Sims 2 textures, then slowly got into the flow of things and now look at me, I own a successful store with products I'm proud of. :]

DAZ: What is your most popular product?
Liquid Rust: Brooke 2.0....Lol, I did something right! Wish I knew what, she's still my second
best seller every month after whatever I've released for that month.

DAZ: Is there anything else you’d like to say to the Customers at DAZ 3D?
Liquid Rust: Is there anything else you’d like to say to the Customers at DAZ 3D?
Thank you so very much to everyone who has supported me and my products.
You're putting a kid through college and helping build his future. :]

Regards,
Liquid Rust

Liquid Rust's DAZ 3D Models are here: http://www.daz3d.com/i.x/shop/artistlist/-/?artist=257008

2007-11-15T11:44:00.001-08:00

As part of a month-long spotlight on Published Artists, Faveral is being featured at DAZ 3D today.

Faveral is best known for his carefully crafted models. With such attention to detail we are continually impressed by Faveral's works and wanted to know more about him.
Here's what we found out:

DAZ: Where are you from?
Faveral: I'm originally from France, a small city 45 minutes away from Paris, although my roots are in Brittany, the north west part of France.

DAZ: What is your specialty in 3D?
Faveral:Mainly historical props and sets.

DAZ: How long have you been a Published Artist at DAZ 3D?
Faveral: I've been a PA at DAZ since september 2005

DAZ: Have you studied any other art mediums?
Faveral: No, I've never had any formal art training.

DAZ: What is your favorite project? Why?
Faveral:My favorite project is "Medusa".
The amount of work involved, as well as the end result make it the model I'm the most proud of.

DAZ: What is your most popular product?
Faveral: Medusa

DAZ: Who is your favorite Published Artist at DAZ 3D other than yourself?
Faveral: Choosing a single artist wouldn't be fair to all the great artists in this community.
Stonemason, Moebius, Luthbel, Noggin, AprilYSH, 3D Universe, Uzilite, Redhouse studios all come to mind for the stunning quality of their work.
RawArt, Digital I and Gareee, who are not only very talented artists, but also became good friends.
TheNess impresses me with his meticulous attention to details, and the quality of his modeling.

DAZ: Where do you get your inspiration?
Faveral:Travels, books, the web, and plenty of people in the community who are kind enough to supply me with ideas and reference materials.

DAZ: Is there anything else you’d like to say to the Customers at DAZ 3D?
Faveral: I'd like to thank the community, for their continuous support and encouragements, which allow me to make a living of this job, which I love.

Thanks,
Faveral

Faveral's DAZ 3D Models are here: http://www.daz3d.com/i.x/shop/artistlist/-/?artist=87186

Featured Published Artist-- Blondie9999

2007-11-15T11:44:00.000-08:00

As part of a month-long spotlight on Published Artists, Blondie9999 is being featured at DAZ 3D today.

Blondie9999 is best known for her well modeled and imaginative sets. With products spanning from unusual creatures, to all purpose boots we wanted to know more about this popular artist.
Here's what we found out:

DAZ: Where are you from?
Blondie9999: There's considerable debate about that. One friend swears I'm from the Twilight Zone, while another is convinced that I'm from another universe, and yet another believes I'm from one of the branches of The Addams Family-- probably the same one as Uncle Fester. Take your pick.

DAZ: What is your specialty in 3D?
Blondie9999:I don't really seem to have one yet. I've done quite a variety of things. I especially like doing morphs, but right now I'm more focused on clothing.

DAZ: How long have you been a Published Artist at DAZ 3D?
Blondie9999: Since 2003.

DAZ: How did you get started in 3D?
Blondie9999: I started years ago with a program called Design CAD. Later, a friend got me interested in Bryce, and then in Poser-- and then I started making things to use in Poser, and it went from there. My first Poser model was also my first DAZ product-- the Pacific Seaperch.

DAZ: Have you studied any other art mediums?
Blondie9999: Yes, I started drawing when I was old enough to sit up and hold a pencil. From there I progressed to other things-- watercolor, oil paints, clay, etc. I've also pursued a wide variety of hobbies-- sewing, leatherworking, shoemaking, photography, cabinet-making, furniture refinishing, woodcarving... and they've all come in handy in one way or another in making 3-D products.

DAZ: What is your favorite project? Why?
Blondie9999: My favorite Poser content project? Can't say I really have one-- each one had aspects that were fun, but each one was also a "learning experience"-- and we all know what that's a euphemism for, don't we?

DAZ: What is your most popular product?
Blondie9999: The Fantasy/Sci-Fi Effects.

DAZ: Who is your favorite Published Artist at DAZ 3D other than yourself?
Blondie9999: That's a tough one. In fact, it's impossiible to answer because there are so many good ones, each with a different style and product focus. I'd have to give you a whole list, and run the risk of leaving out half the ones I intended to mention...

DAZ: Where do you get your inspiration?
Blondie9999:That varies entirely from product to product. Gnasher started off as a crude little sketch I made while doodling one day. The SkySystem developed as an offshoot of the Fantasy/Sci-Fi Effects, and I can't remember exactly how those got started. The Fireworks, believe it or not, were inspired by examining how Neftis did the "Mihai" hair. The Sci-Fi morphs for Michael 3 started one day when I was playing around in ZBrush, experimenting to see how much I could distort his head and still have it "work" in Poser. And so on.

DAZ: What can you tell us about yourself that no one else knows?
Blondie9999: If I told you, then somebody besides me would know it.

DAZ: Is there anything else you’d like to say to the Customers at DAZ 3D?
Blondie9999: Yes, I'd like to thank those who have purchased my products, and a special thank-you to those who have taken the time to send me a PM saying they liked this or that product. Also, if you use one of my products and post a picture in a gallery, please do send me a PM with a link-- I always enjoy seeing what people do with my products and how they use them.

Thanks,
Blondie9999

Blondie9999's DAZ 3D Models are here: http://www.daz3d.com/i.x/shop/artistlist/-/?artist=30394

Featured Published Artist-- Luthbel

2007-11-15T11:43:00.000-08:00

As part of a month-long spotlight on Published Artists, Luthbel is being featured at DAZ 3D today.

Luthbel is best known for his meticulously detailed and imaginative outfits, but there is far more to this Artist.

Here's what we found out:

DAZ: Where are you from?
Luthbel: I´m from Valencia (Spain). I´m currently living in Valencia city, and moving eventually to Santo Domingo (Dominican Republic), to visit my couple and his family.

DAZ: What is your specialty in 3D?
Luthbel:I´m not sure what to answer, because I love both to model and texture work, and I try to increase my skills in all the developement process project by project. I feel very comfortable creating clothing and props, and any organic modeling.

DAZ: How long have you been a Published Artist at DAZ 3D?
Luthbel: If I remember well, near 4 years now.

DAZ: How did you get started in 3D?
Luthbel: I began as a game, learning by myself 3DS Max and Photoshop in my free time at the university. I´m modeling for about 10 years.

DAZ: Have you studied any other art mediums?
Luthbel: Yes, I have studied Fine Arts in the Polithechnical University of Valencia, I´m specialist in traditional Sculpture, but the truth is that all my studies related with 3D art are selfmade.

DAZ: What is your favorite project? Why?
Luthbel: Wildenlander for Victoria 3 is my favorite project, I have nice feelings about it, because it was something like an act of love. I meet my couple immediatelly after its release, and I really began to love my work with this one.

DAZ: What is your most popular product?
Luthbel: Both Wildenlanders for Victoria 3 and Michael 3. I love to see images of the community using these products. Even being old products, its popularity seems that never stops :)

DAZ: Who is your favorite Published Artist at DAZ 3D other than yourself?
Luthbel: Stefan Morell (Stonemason) is my favorite PA. He´s an excellent 3D artist because he does his best on each project, additionally, he´s a really nice person.

DAZ: Where do you get your inspiration?
Luthbel:Everywhere, but specially in videogames and movies. I try to watch everything, from a fence in the street, to a friend´s jewell to get inspiration. I use to take a look to vogue tendences, to study desingns and patrons too.

DAZ: What can you tell us about yourself that no one else knows?
Luthbel: Heh, I suppose there´re a lot of things. I love to read, see movies and play videogames, but I suppose that the more visible feature of myself is that I love to be a helpful person when it is in my hand.

DAZ: Is there anything else you’d like to say to the Customers at DAZ 3D?
Luthbel: THANK YOU SOOO MUCH. I began to produce 3D content in a really hard moment of my life, and the fact that I was accepted in the community is really special for me, That´s the reason I´m really thankful with the community, my costumers, and DAZ.

Best Wishes
Luthbel

Luthbel's DAZ 3D Models are here: http://www.daz3d.com/i.x/shop/artistlist/-/?artist=30061

2007-11-09T19:50:00.000-08:00

As part of a month-long spotlight on Published Artists, Sarsa is being featured at DAZ 3D today.

Sarsa is best known for her amazingly detailed textures. But do we really know this fabulous artist? We did some investigating and here's what we found out:

DAZ: Where are you from?
Sarsa: A large refrigerator called Wisconsin.

DAZ: What is your specialty in 3D?
Sarsa: Texturing.

DAZ: How long have you been a Published Artist at DAZ 3D?
Sarsa: Hmmm.....5 or 6 years now....time flys when you're having fun!

DAZ: What is your favorite project? Why?
Sarsa: It's something I'm working on now....can't say what it is, ;) but the reason it's my favorite is because I'm learning a lot from it.

DAZ: What can you tell us about yourself that no one else knows?
Sarsa: I sweep my house nearly ten times a day. I have all wood floors, and if there is a crumb or a dog hair laying somewhere, it makes me uncomfortable, lol That probably falls somewhere along the lines of OCD....but I cannot stand walking on a floor that stuff sticks to my feet. Am I nuts? Probably. lol :)

DAZ: Is there anything else you’d like to say to the Customers at DAZ 3D?
Sarsa: Thank you for your support! With the 3D markets and community expanding like it is, I will continue to challenge myself in my content creation, to make it worthy of all the fantastic artists out there that use it.

Best Wishes
Sarsa

Sarsa's DAZ 3D Models are here: http://www.daz3d.com/i.x/shop/artistlist/-/?artist=18831

2007-11-09T19:45:00.000-08:00

As part of a month-long spotlight on Published Artists, Thorne is being featured at DAZ 3D today.

Thorne is best known for his whimsical characters, but there is far more to this Artist.

Here's what we found out:

DAZ: How long have you been a Published Artist at DAZ 3D?
Thorne: My first product for DAZ was Ziza for the Mil Girl PT back in 2001.

DAZ: Have you studied any other art mediums?
Thorne: Long before I could write I was drawing and painting, and my parents encouraged me strongly in that as a young child. I studied fine art (the non-CGI kind) and sculpture in college, and piano for about 10 years or so. I also enjoy photography as a hobby.

DAZ: Who is your favorite Published Artist at DAZ 3D other than yourself?
Thorne: Really I have lots. My partner Sarsa of course, who makes the most beautiful textures ever, and the other artists I work with regularly: Mada is one incredible modeler, and Handspan Studios who makes unique and gorgeous characters. Besides those, I like Capsces, Stonemason, Faveral, and 3DUniverse just to name a few. All of the artists I mentioned do wonderful work which speaks for itself.

DAZ: Where do you get your inspiration?
Thorne: Inspiration is everywhere and can appear from anywhere- in dreams, on TV, movies, books, music. Anything that makes you think outside of yourself is inspiring, and always urges me to create something.

DAZ: What is your favorite project? Why?
Thorne: I like working on the combination sets best, such as our Rumplestiltskin for Matt, the Mama Pookling/Mother Goose set, the Fairytale Giant, Harliekins for Aiko, and Hurdy Gurdy Man for the monkey. I really like the challenge of working with other artists to pull all the pieces together and create something greater than the sum of its parts.

Best Wishes
Thorne

Thorne's DAZ 3D Models are here: http://www.daz3d.com/i.x/shop/artistlist/-/?artist=6366

2007-11-08T11:13:00.000-08:00

As part of a month-long spotlight on Published Artists, Uzilite is being featured at DAZ 3D today.

Uzilite is best known for his incredibly detailed outfits and clothing packs. We wanted to know a bit more about this high profile artist.

Here's what we found out:

DAZ: How long have you been a Published Artist at DAZ 3D?

Uzilite: I started with Daz 3D in March 2003.

DAZ: Have you studied any other art mediums?

Uzilite: I have an academic background in Motion Graphics and Film Making.

DAZ: What is your favorite project? Why?

Uzilite: One that I don’t have to do most of the work so there’ll be more time to play

DAZ: What is your most popular product?

Uzilite: Why, they are all popular, of course! ;)

DAZ: Where do you get your inspiration?

Uzilite: Occasionally I would go to a near local supermarket and stare at the isle with the largest stack of Baygon.

Uzilite

Uzilite's DAZ 3D Models are here: http://www.daz3d.com/i.x/shop/artistlist/-/?artist=22739

Featured Published Artist-- Noggin

2007-11-08T10:36:00.000-08:00

As part of a month-long spotlight on Published Artists, Noggin is being featured at DAZ 3D today.

Noggin is best known for his wonderful 3D critters. But there is much more to this great artist.

Here's what we found out:

DAZ: Where are you from?
Noggin: I'm from the UK, specifically in the county of Wiltshire close to the city of Bath.

DAZ: How did you get started in 3D?
Noggin: I started using Bryce way back with it's first version. I was fascinated by it's ability to create realistic environments but found I wasn't able to easily create the scenes I had in mind without complex messing about with Booleans. So I began modeling with Rhino, creating household items and putting them in surreal scenes! As I got more proficient with Rhino I tackled more organic forms such as insects. I've always loved Natural History and have enjoyed the challenge of trying to reproduce subjects in 3d and the challenge of making them move naturally. I've moved over to ZBrush for most of my modelling but still resort to Rhino and sometimes Silo when needed.

DAZ: Have you studied any other art mediums?
Noggin: Well I've always loved photography and this helps with texture creation for my models. I'd like to think I've transferred my painting skills to Photoshop. (In pre-computer days my hobby was botanical art/illustration)

DAZ: What is your most popular product?
Noggin: My most popular product has been the crows perhaps followed by the owls. I love birds and have a few 'possibles' on my wish list. The modeling and rigging is pretty challenging and I've had a break from them with the recent 'swarm' series but I'm hankering after another bird challenge!

DAZ: Where do you get your inspiration?
Noggin: I get my inspiration from the nature and wildlife around me but I'm also an avid collector of natural history and photographic books_ in fact most of the income that modeling generates for me gets recycled in that direction!

DAZ: Is there anything else you’d like to say to the Customers at DAZ 3D?
Noggin: I'd like to take this opportunity to say thank you to one and all for the support you've given me over the years and the generous feedback given. Nothing gives me more pleasure than seeing someone use one of my models to create an image that they are proud of. I realize that 'critters' are somewhat of a niche in Poserdom but I'm a great believer that they help enrich this little branch of art and expression.

Noggin

Noggin's DAZ 3D Models are here: http://www.daz3d.com/i.x/shop/artistlist/-/?artist=6695

2007-11-07T10:36:00.000-08:00

As part of a month-long spotlight on Published Artists, Ken Gilliland is being featured at DAZ 3D today.

Ken Gilliland is best known for his amazing Songbird Remix series, but there is a lot you may not know.

Here's what we found out:

DAZ: How did you get started in 3D? How long have you been a Published Artist at DAZ 3D?
Ken Gilliland: I started in the digital world with a TI-99/4a computer in the early 1980's and immediately started creating art and animation with a very limited graphic range in hexadecimal code (16 colors, 256 shapes). I eventually became a published artist for Asgard Software and a year later when out on my own to form "Notung Software" which became on of the most popular TI Software companies.After making my switch to the PC, I started with Sketcher (the precursor to Painter) and even owned Fractal Design's "Poser 1". I didn't start seriously playing with Poser until Version 3 came around. With the advent of Poser 4, I began by creating textures and became a brokered artist at Vista Internet Products where I created my first bird model. After almost a year with Vista, I decided to go out on my own and briefly revived Notung Software. At Siggraph 2001, I had lunch with Dan, Chris and Chad and was asked if I'd be interested in being a brokered artist for the newly formed "DAZ 3D". Of course, I said yes and here I am.

DAZ: Have you studied any other art mediums?
Ken Gilliland: I paint social commentary in oil, draw nature in various mediums and photograph native plants and birds. The Orlando Gallery in Los Angeles represents me in those mediums.

DAZ: What is your favorite project? Why?
Ken Gilliland: Without a question, my two endangered birds packages, With these packages, I not only get to create birds which I'm very passionate about but also hopefully get to educate people about extinction and irreversible trends man is causing that can lead to our own extinction.

DAZ: What is your most popular product? Where do you get your inspiration? Where are you from.
Ken Gilliland: Songbird ReMix, of course. It's not hard to get inspiration when all I have to do is walk out on my front porch. From the hundreds of quail to almost deafening at times birdsong, it's easy to be inspired. My wife and I purchased as of the vacant land around our property as we could afford to protect it from development. We've restored the properties with over 500 species of endemic native plants and created an "eco-tone", This "eco-tone" or urban oasis has brought bird, mammal and insect species not seen in our area in a decade including the endangered Least Bell's Vireo and California Gnatcatcher.

Thanks,
Ken Gilliland

Ken Gilliland's DAZ 3D Models are here: http://www.daz3d.com/i.x/shop/artistlist/-/?artist=5154

Featured Published Artist-- Valea

2007-11-07T10:21:00.000-08:00

As part of a month-long spotlight on Published Artists, Valea is being featured at DAZ 3D today.

Valea is best known for her wonderful characters and versatile hair. Let get to know a bit more about this popular Artist.

Here's what we found out:

DAZ: Have you studied any other art mediums?
Valea: I have some self-taught experience in the traditional mediums and I’ve done a lot of oil paintings and watercolor paintings a few years ago – but I have never really studied any of these mediums, apart from the work in my arts classes in the last years at school. The only thing I have ever studied related to art is arts history.

DAZ: What is your favorite project? Why?
Valea: It’s Bijou... and I think that is because the whole package is quite complete and it is the project that has surprised me the most when it was finished.
Ever since I have started with characters, I wanted to give them their own hair to make them appear more like human beings, just like everyone is born with their own hair.
I wanted something that really belongs to the character, not any hair from my library but something that would fit the whole concept.
I have spent hours browsing through my hair library to get the right look, when I had to do promo images and sometimes it was hard get it right, even though there are so many great models available.
So this time with Bijou, it was just what I wanted – something close to a complete human being. And aside from that, I have just spent a lot of time with this package…

DAZ: What is your most popular product?
Valea: That should be Chocolate Hair – I don’t know why, but I guess it’s because it can be worn by the girls and the boys.

DAZ: Where do you get your inspiration?
Valea: Well, inspiration comes from quite anything – a movie, a book, a certain image or mood... but at the moment it is most often coming from the extensive reading of fashion magazines…;-)

DAZ: What can you tell us about yourself that no one else knows?
Valea: Uh... apart from wearing cow patterned slippers at home...? Not easy…
Ok, let’s just stick with hair – it may be strange, but I think that not many people know the true color of my own hair. I guess that this is something that only my mother knows for sure – it’s a dark ash blonde, something we call “Straßenköterblond” here in germany. I think that the translation would be stray dog blonde… and it is the reason why I have dyed my hair ever since I was 12 years old.;-)

DAZ: Is there anything else you’d like to say to the Customers at DAZ 3D?
Valea: Ok, this is not very original – but I want to take this opportunity to simply say thank you all very much for your support. It is very, very much appreciated and it makes me work harder with every new project.:-)

Thanks,
Valea

Valea's DAZ 3D Models are here: http://www.daz3d.com/i.x/shop/artistlist/-/?artist=87825

Featured Published Artist-- Harvey Mann

2007-11-06T11:28:00.000-08:00

As part of a month-long spotlight on Published Artists, Harvey Mann is being featured at DAZ 3D today.

Harvey is best known for his meticulously detailed hair and wonderful Worldbase sets, but there is far more to this Artist.

Here's what we found out:

DAZ: Where are you from?
Harvey: I am from New Zealand originally, I was a musician who toured and played in bands and I have eventually settled in Australia where I now live.

DAZ: What is your specialty in 3D?
Harvey: I suppose my speciality is hair; although I like building many other things as well, back in the Metacreations days I used to build Sci Fi worlds with complex machines and do animations, the Alien Wingman was chosen by them and shown at Siggraph in the days when ray Dream studio was still around, before it became Carrara. So in the future I want to get more back into clothes and buildings and worlds, and do more in that area.

DAZ: How long have you been a Published Artist at DAZ 3D?
Harvey: Several years...right back to when Daz 3d just started, I am not sure how many LOL!!

DAZ: How did you get started in 3D?
Harvey: I bought Ray Dream Studio in the pre Metacreations, Eovia days and started to muck around on that and had a lot of fun and it went on from there, I also used Max and other more hi end apps, but I always liked the lower end of the market apps cause they were a little more simple and not so many bells and whistles!

DAZ: Have you studied any other art mediums?
Harvey: Yes I was a professional mural artist many years ago, mainly with airbrush, I muraled shopping centres, vans, guitars, surfboards...you name it, I did that for many years, painting large scenes by hand.

DAZ: What is your favorite project? Why?
Harvey: Thats a difficult question, probably the World Base Extreme kit because it lends itself to so much developing (for myself and others) but I havent gotten onto that yet, but I will. I really feel custom worlds within Poser and Daz Studio is a pretty cool thing. Other than that I also like the Celestial Armour and some of my newer hairs as well.

DAZ: What is your most popular product?
Harvey: Thats another difficult question...the last 2 or 3 hairs I have built have sold amazingly well, and have set a new level in sales for my products, so that has been amazing. Also Ultimate hair has sold very well and Vicky 3 new Generation, both those products along with Allura, Destiny and Embrace hair.

DAZ: Who is your favorite Published Artist at DAZ 3D other than yourself?
Harvey: I definitely like Stonemason, he's in a class of his own, you can tell he is an enthusiast, he has a great eye and he does amazing work... period, so he is my favorite. But there are so many talented artists at Daz in all areas, clothes, characters and many other areas as well.

DAZ: Where do you get your inspiration?
Harvey: I get it from all areas I dont like to make my sources too narrow, anything gets stale after a while, you have to keep fresh water running thru the small pond otherwise it stagnates, so I think that you have set new challenges for yourself, move out of your comfort zone and avoid re using once successful formulas over and over, you have to keep moving otherwise artistically speaking you will paint yourself into a narrow corner.

DAZ: What can you tell us about yourself that no one else knows?
Harvey: Mainly that I am a musician first and foremost and my main thing is recording and engineering (hard to fit it all in) I play guitar as well...you can hear one of my small clips on www.lollarguitars.com ..on the sounds page, I programed and played everything on that clip and thats what I do, it sounds like a band ...but its really just one person (and a fair amount of gear), so that is my main business. Most of the productions I do a more detailed than that one, that was a pop out, but it will give a little idea what else I do...when I have time LOL!! Actually I build guitars also..currently I am building a few electrics (Fender style) and an electric sitar (thats been on the bench for a year or two collecting dust ha ha!!)

DAZ: Is there anything else you’d like to say to the Customers at DAZ 3D?
Harvey: Thank you, thank you and thank you!! Without people buying my products I would not be able to keep trying things out in 3d. I really appreciate and want to thank everyone at Daz that has bought my products over the years, you are the wheel that turns the machine and without you guys there would be no published artists and so on. Also I would like to thank Kevin for being such a good broker and taking care of so much, and the people in the art dept and Dan Farr and all the testers and others at Daz, you all do a very difficult job, and you do it well.

Best Wishes
Harvey

Harvey's DAZ 3D Models are here: http://www.daz3d.com/i.x/shop/artistlist/-/?artist=3623

Featured Published Artist - Morris

2007-11-06T10:03:00.000-08:00

As part of a month-long spotlight on Published Artists, Morris is being featured at DAZ 3D today.

Morris creates amazing characters and textures, though we were sure there was more to her than that.

Here's what we found out:

DAZ: Where are you from?
Morris: I was born in Minnesota but I have lived in Colorado most of my life.

DAZ: What is your specialty in 3D?
Morris: Human skin texturing.

DAZ: How long have you been a Published Artist at DAZ 3D?
Morris: 4 years

DAZ: How did you get started in 3D?
Morris: I started in Bryce, when it was owned by metacreations. I stumbled along a few Bryce galleries on the internet and was fascinated.

DAZ: Have you studied any other art mediums?
Morris: Yes a few classes in college, mostly charcoal and colored pencil.

DAZ: Who is your favorite Published Artist at DAZ 3D other than yourself?
Morris: Honestly I could never choose a favorite, the talent at DAZ is mind-blowing ;-)

DAZ: Where do you get your inspiration?
Morris: When making human skin textures, I get my inspiration from the photos themselves. Especially when CANTROS sends me a new set. Her Photos are so detailed and the models have been beautiful and very photogenic. I can't wait to see what their skin will look like in 3d form.

DAZ: What can you tell us about yourself that no one else knows?
Morris: Well it might not be a very big secret, but I had a baby girl a year ago, and she is the light of my life. I love being a new mommy! ;-)

Morris' DAZ 3D Models are here: http://www.daz3d.com/i.x/shop/artistlist/-/?artist=12175

Featured Published Artist - Luthbel

2007-11-05T10:04:00.000-08:00

As part of a month-long spotlight on Published Artists, Luthbel is being featured at DAZ 3D today.

Luthbel's best known for his fantastic outfits. We caught up with this 3D costume designer this week for a quick chat.

Here's what we found out:

Featured Published Artist - Dreamlight

2007-11-02T09:02:00.000-07:00

As part of a month-long feature on Published Artists, Dreamlight is today's er... spotlight (pardon the pun).

Dreamlight exploded at DAZ 3D a year ago with amazing light sets for DAZ Studio. We wanted a behind-the-scene look at the man.

Here's what we found out:

DAZ: What is your specialty in 3D?
Dreamlight: Composition, speed and light. And the most important one: Patience! ;)

DAZ: How long have you been a Published Artist at DAZ 3D?
Dreamlight: Just about a year now.

DAZ: What is your favorite project? Why?
Dreamlight: My favorite project must have been Mood Master. By that time, I assembled a great team of people, that helped me develop and test the product. The team also added some fantastic ideas and solutions to problems that were faced. We had great fun!

DAZ: Who is your favorite Published Artist at DAZ 3D other than yourself? Why?
Dreamlight: Stonemason without a doubt. He makes some incredible, detailed and easy to use props and buildings. Light is nothing without structure and form – and his props are adorable to work with.

DAZ: Is there anything else you’d like to say to the Customers at DAZ 3D?
Dreamlight: Stick to what you are good at and find fun to do. Develop that side of yourself – and you will produce some truly amazing art! Don´t bother if others dislike what you do. The only thing that matters – is what YOU think! Every artist has that something within them… Something that makes them unique.

As you grow, so will your confidence in your own art. And step by step, you will be able to touch the borders and enter new worlds…

My motto is simple: Have fun or don´t do it!

I want to thank each and every customer at Daz, for their outstanding support & kindess. For all your input, time and devotion. Also, a BIG thank you to Daz 3D, and all the incredible and skilled people working there and making all this possible..!

Thank you,

Waldemar Belwon

Dreamlight's DAZ 3D Models are here: http://www.daz3d.com/i.x/shop/artistlist/-/?artist=257762
Dreamlight's personal site is: http://www.dream-lounge.com/dreamlight

Featured Published Artist - AprilYSH

2007-11-01T08:31:00.000-07:00

As part of a month-long spotlight on Published Artists, AprilYSH is being featured at DAZ 3D today.

April's best known for her great hair styles, but we wanted to get to know the modeler behind the hair.

Here's what we found out:

DAZ: Where are you from?
April: I live in the Pilbara region of Western Australia.
Very dry and hot place unless there's a cyclone!

DAZ: How long have you been a Published Artist at DAZ 3D?
April: I've been publishing at DAZ since June 2003

DAZ: How did you get started in 3D?
April: Like a lot of people, I progressed through pencil sketching, painting, digital painting then 3d modeling. It takes me a lot of time to model the things I do, so these days I don't have much time for those other media, unfortunately.

DAZ: Where do you get your inspiration?
April: I mainly get my product ideas from seeing people just as I go about my day. Since I have focused on poly hair modelling, it's not hard to find references. Most real live people come with some hair. :D Then of course I go on bouts of fancy where I have to get swirly, pretty images out of my head, like with Kione Hair. That sort of idea came from a combination of fantasy and anime type images I've seen in movies, tv and online art galleries.

DAZ: What can you tell us about yourself that no one else knows?
April: I prefer constructive criticism over praise because I'm incredibly shy about my own work and can't handle compliments. With constructive feedback I can find something to respond to and work on. I'm not too shy any other way, just that. It may be silly but I think it's a common trait. Or at least I hope it's normal!

April's DAZ 3D Models are here: http://www.daz3d.com/i.x/shop/artistlist/-/?artist=994
April's personal site is: http://aprilsvanity.com/

Halloween at DAZ 3D

2007-10-31T18:00:00.000-07:00

Ryan writes:

It's Halloween at DAZ 3D. You know there's going to be costumes and we've got the pictures to prove it.

Halloween day began early, I had to make sure I got in before Drew did. But that's not where this story starts.

Two weeks ago I woke up late and, as many men are prone to do, grabbed a baseball hat in lieu of fixing my hair. I walked in to work nonchalantly, trying not to make eye-contact, and sat down behind Brian. "Hi Drew," he said without looking up.

"Huh?" I answered.

He turned around. "Oh, I thought you were Drew with that hat on." And with that the seeds of a grand idea began to sprout. Thanks to Brian, two weeks and $12 later I was the proud owner of a Boston Red Sox hat and a pair of reading glasses that didn't hurt my eyes too much. Those matched with a long sleeve shirt from my closet, a pair of cargo shorts, a lanyard, and a pen in my pocket, and I was the spitting image of Drew.

I got in to work just before 8:00, set up my laptop at Drew's desk and waited. I worked away for a good hour before he finally came in. He came around the corner and thought he caught me doing something on his computer. "Hey! What're you doing?"

As straight-faced as I could, I slipped on the reading glasses and turned to face him. "What do you mean? This is my desk."

"What're you..." he stammered for a moment. Slowly the mirror image in front of him came into focus, like someone finding their long lost twin. "You.. You're me!"

Red Sox Hat: $5
Reading Glasses: $7
Throwing Drew into an existential quandary: Priceless.

See the "Day of the Two Drews" and all the great costumes around the DAZ 3D offices here: http://www.flickr.com/gp/8527933@N05/chtzT3

Ryan Bouche

DAZ Studio Updated

2007-10-26T07:56:00.000-07:00

Ryan writes:

DAZ Studio moves ever closer to version 2.0. Downloads for DAZ Studio 1.8 are available today at:
http://www.daz3d.com/i.x/software/studio/-/download?

NEW FEATURES

- Added Pixel Buffer support on OSX.
- Added support for multi-layered images.
- Added interface for rendering to RIB files.
- Made improvements to the DAZ Script IDE interface.
- Made new slider label settings available to DAZ Script.
- Updated Scripting and SDK docs.
- Added compatibility for Layered Image Editor Plug-in

NEW FIXES

- Fixed random crash issues when rendering with 3Delight.
- Fixed bug with OpenGL that could cause conflicts when another application using OpenGL was run.
- Fixed bug with scaling conformed items that caused the slider value to jump to -200%.
- Fixed issue that was causing the 'Parent in Place' setting to have no effect.
- Fixed bug with timeline pane buttons being outside the frame in some styles.
- Fixed bug in Scene and Surfaces tab that the sorting order was not memorized.
- Fixed bug with scaling DForm avatars that was not applying the setting.
- Fixed bug that did not update the size of docking areas when a larger tab was docked.
- Fixed bug that moved the window when 'Always on Top' was changed.
- Fixed bug with importing Poser props that have the same name.
- Fixed dialogs that were being hidden behind DAZ Studio when 'Always on Top' was enabled.
- Fixed problems with sliders when the limits were the same.
- Fixed problems with the Render Settings entry fields.
- Fixed problems with the free shader presets.
- Fixed a hang condition when incompatible poses were imported.
- Fixed crash bug when creating List View Check Items from DAZ Script.
- Various UI improvements and bug fixes.

And you can read about the new features and bug fixes in our forums:
http://forum.daz3d.com/viewtopic.php?t=69479

Ryan Bouche

To postwork or not to postwork, that is the question.

2007-10-20T16:47:00.000-07:00

Ryan writes:

photoshopped (adj.) "editing of an image using a computer program," 1992, originally in ref. to Photoshop, a bitmap graphics editor trademarked and published by Adobe, released in 1990.

Recently I've been playing around a lot with the 3D Bridge photoshop plugin, but I'm in awe of people who can turn out a render perfectly. It's also fun to try and guess what was been "photoshopped" and what's not - I'm often wrong. I saw this comic yesterday on xkcd.com and decided to adopt this position in the future. Hope you enjoy it too.

Ryan Bouche

Breast Cancer Research

2007-10-19T08:46:00.000-07:00

Ryan writes:

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month in the USA, and I wanted to highlight this for everyone today.

Several Published artists at DAZ 3D have created a special free product dedicated to Breast Cancer Awareness:

Breast Cancer Research Egg, by KymJ, RosettaStone, LiquidRust, and pdxjims, with help and advice from the Daz Published Artist community.

This continues the Russian Egg series started by pdxjims.

In lieu of payment the artists involved in the project ask that you make a donation in the amount you feel is appropriate to a Breast Cancer Research organization. We suggest any of the following:

American Cancer Society
The Breast Cancer Research Foundation
Susan G. Komen for the Cure

Or another of your choosing.

Thank you for helping us fight for a cure, and join us in more discussion in our forums.

Ryan Bouche

DAZ 3D announces a streamlined, economical version of Carrara

2007-10-17T19:55:00.000-07:00

DAZ 3D Press Release:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DAZ 3D announces a streamlined, economical version of Carrara
Explore the World of 3D Art with the expansive Carrara 3D Express tool set

Draper, Utah -- October 17, 2007 --

DRAPER, Utah – October 17, 2007 – DAZ 3D, a leading developer of professional quality 3D models and software, has announced the release of Carrara 3D Express. This streamlined version of the popular Carrara product comes at just a fraction of the cost of its standard and Pro versions. Carrara 3D Express gives 3D novices a great overview of the software, introducing them to creation of 3D portraits, animations, and landscape art.

"Carrara 3D Express gives users a taste of everything 3D has to offer with its extensive feature set,” said Dan Farr, president of DAZ 3D. “Its easy interface and ready-to-use presets make this package an easy choice for those wanting to give 3D art a try.”

With Carrara 3D Express, users can build their own models and create natural environments, gain access to DAZ 3D's catalog of thousands of ready-to-use 3D models and accessories, and render professional-quality imagery. This software benefits from the research and development poured into Carrara's advanced environment, animation, modeling, and rendering tools, delivering sophisticated results at a price point attractive to everyone.

“Once you have you have your characters and props created or placed as you like, you can create environments within the very same tool,” said Chris Creek, executive vice president of DAZ 3D. “For example, with the landscape wizard, you can create any natural surrounding you’d like — mountains, rivers, skies, plants, oceans — you name it, you can do it in Carrara 3D Express.”

Carrara 3D Express is compatible with all the latest Carrara Pro plug-ins for extended capabilities and performance, and it's upgradeable to Carrara Pro when users are ready for that next step. Features include: support for all DAZ 3D content, scene and landscape wizards, realistic skies, plant modeler, terrain modeler, 3D text modeler, and an advanced rendering engine. In addition, any scene or content created in Carrara 6 Pro can be imported into Carrara 3D Express and rendered, even if it makes use of features not available in Carrara 3D Express.

Pricing and Availability
The standard edition of Carrara 3D Express has an MSRP of $89.95, and is available to Platinum Club members for a limited time at just $19.52.

About DAZ 3D™

Founded in 2000, DAZ 3D, Inc, a privately-held company located in Draper, Utah, is a market leader in 3D software and digital content creation. The company's model library is renowned for its high-quality 3D content at the industry's most competitive prices. DAZ 3D also develops powerful software applications that support its content, including Bryce®, a 3D environment and animation package; Carrara™, a complete 3D modeling, animation and rendering solution; DAZ Studio™, a free 3D digital art creation tool; Hexagon™, polygonal modeling software for the creation of 'ready-to-render' 3D models; and Mimic™, a lip-synching application. For more information, visit www.daz3d.com.

© 2007 DAZ 3D, Inc. All rights reserved. DAZ and the DAZ 3D logo is a Registered Trademark of DAZ Productions, Inc. All other brand names, product names, service marks or trademarks belong to their respective holders.

For more information, press only:
Steve Kondris
Marketing Communications
+1 (801) 495-1777 x764
steve@daz3d.com

Reader contact:
DAZ 3D, Inc.
12637 South 265 West Suite 300
Draper, Utah 84020
(800) 267-5170 (Toll free)
(801) 495-1777
(801) 495-1787 (Fax)
www.daz3d.com

DAZ Studio Progress

2007-10-12T14:39:00.000-07:00

Ryan writes:

DAZ 3D has seen a lot of software coming out recently, and there's even more planned for this month. What I am most excited to see are the updates that keep going into DAZ Studio. I know I'm supposed to like DAZ Studio, I work for DAZ 3D. But who doesn't like seeing continual updates on a piece of free software? Last month we released the 3D Bridge for Photoshop. Today a special sneak peek at a new feature went out for the Platinum Club Celebration: the Render Editor-Album. Work is still going forward towards DAZ Studio 2.0. That will be a cool milestone for this not-so-little-anymore, free program.

Random DAZ 3D Trivia: Millennium "Fill in the Blank"
-Because she was released just in time for the new millennium, Victoria 1.0 got the nickname "Millennium Woman". Since then, DAZ 3D has used the prefix "Millennium" on many models to indicate they were of higher quality or more robust than models you would find anywhere else.

Ryan Bouche

DAZ 3D Website Updates

2007-10-11T10:39:00.000-07:00

Brian writes:

Updates to the website are posted regularly in the forum. We've recently added faster navigation, links to RSS feeds and new themes. You can follow the thread here: http://forum.daz3d.com/

Now you can select from one of three web themes, including two brand new ones!

We would like to congratulate the four artists - Janek, ojocaliente, TheWingedOne, and CWRW - whose artwork was selected for the themes, and who each received $100! The themes will change out regularly, where we’ll continue to pull from the gallery.

Thanks for your suggestions, your art, and your commitment to DAZ 3D, making our site truly a community work in progress.

Brian Berthold

3D Bridge for Photoshop

2007-09-24T08:09:00.000-07:00

Ryan writes:

Just this morning Download.com updated the listing for the 3D Bridge Beta with the new version I submitted Friday that works in Photoshop 7, CS, CS2, AND CS3. We're pretty excited at DAZ 3D about the plugin because it opens up 3D to almost all photoshop users. I've posted some videos on Youtube about how it works. Best part, of course, is that it's free.

Here's the link to the videos:
http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=22CE5675532144DD

and here's the plugin page on our site:
http://www.daz3d.com/3dbridge

Or just download it here:
http://www.download.com/

We hope people enjoy the plugin, I have so far.

Ryan Bouche
ryan@daz3d.com

DAZ 3D Favorite parts of Siggraph

2007-08-17T11:50:00.000-07:00

Ryan writes:

SIGGRAPH 2007 ended a week ago and we've had time to get back in the rhythm here at the office now. Back to emails, back to meetings, back to getting Carrara 6 ready to go out. Here's one more video from the convention, where everyone chimes in on their favorite things from SIGGRAPH.... sorta.

A cool thing about the convention was seeing all the new technology. Dan and Chris mention it in in the video, but it's hard to picture just how many motion capture displays were really there. You couldn't turn around without seeing one. And there were so many different ways to go about it - with sensor ball suits, with color-coded suits, without suits at all (no, not naked...).

Imageworks hosted figure drawing classes where your canvas was a t-shirt that you then got to take with you - that was cool too. New production level software was big as well. You could watch the latest from programs like Lightwave, Massive, and Houdini on giant screens.

My favorite thing though, was getting to meet some PA's and the R'osity team. I've been at DAZ 3D since 2002 and this was my first chance to meet the people there in person. I enjoyed that a lot.

Thanks to everyone who could make it, and a special thanks to Steve Whitcomb and Brian Foley for their help at the booth.

Favorite part of SIGGRAPH

And here's the new promotional video we put together this year.

Ryan Bouche
Web Services Manager
www.DAZ3D.com

DAZ 3D Fact of the Day - Get with the Program

2007-08-17T11:07:00.000-07:00

DAZ 3D acquired Mimic in 2002, Bryce in 2004, and Carrara and Hexagon in 2006. DAZ Studio has been developed in house from the beginning.

DAZ 3D Fact of the Day - What's in a name?

2007-08-15T18:24:00.000-07:00

The literal translation of "Aiko" from Japanese is "beloved/loving-(ai), child-(ko)" , it's not an uncommon name actually. "Hiro" is a common prefix/suffix in boy and girl names. It's used to mean "broad, widespread, or wise". "Hiromi", a girl's name, means "widespread beauty". "Yoshihiro", a boy's name, means "abundant goodness". It's a common nickname, and it helps that it sounds like "hero".

Victor / Victoria (cont.)

2007-08-14T07:11:00.001-07:00

The Stephanie 3D model first appeared as the "Mystery Model" with the release of Michael 2.0. The figure was actually modeled from the same mesh as Michael as a proof of concept for what would later become known as the 'Unimesh'.

DAZ 3D Fact of the Day - A Beginning

2007-08-13T07:11:00.000-07:00

DAZ Productions was formed in 2000. They broke away from Zygote to focus on Poser models after the success of their first female 3D model, Victoria 1, which was released in February 1999. Michael 1 followed in September. In 2007 DAZ Productions, Inc. officially changed it's name to DAZ 3D, Inc.

DAZ 3D SIGGRAPH 2007 User Party

2007-08-10T17:40:00.000-07:00

Ryan writes:

On Tuesday night, DAZ 3D hosted a meet and greet at SIGGRAPH. It was attended by employees, users, business partners, and friends of DAZ 3D. It was a blast to talk to PA's most of them I met in person for the first time. Even the Rendo gang and our old friends from Zygote were there. I know Chris and Dan enjoyed it and I hope everyone there did too.

Light was low, so camera quality isn't the best at times, but here are the highlight videos:

Part 1 - A special presentation to the Carrara Dev team, the DAZ Raffle, Kevin Peterson comedy hour, and Chris Creek tries to get Will Dupre to choose a bag of pig's ears in Lets Make a Deal.

and Part 2 - Ken Gilliland finishes up Lets Make a Deal, Chris Creek waxes sentimental, and Dan Farr talks for a while about what's going on at DAZ 3D. Especially the Optitex plugin for DAZ Studio.

Ryan Bouche
Web Services Manager
www.DAZ3D.com

DAZ 3D Fact of the Day - The Old Guard

2007-08-10T10:55:00.000-07:00

Dan Farr, Chris Creek, Eric Allen, Steve Kondris, Chad Smith, Micah Henrie and Tony Bradt are the original Zygote employees who started DAZ 3D. 7 years later, only Micah Henrie is not at DAZ 3D now, though he still makes plugins for DAZ Studio.

DAZ 3D Fact of the Day - What'd You Say?

2007-08-09T08:35:00.000-07:00

DAZ 3D employees speak at least 8 different languages including: English, Spanish, French, German, Russian, Romanian, Japanese, and American Sign Language. We don't count "Canadian", "Texan", or "Pig Latin".

DAZ 3D SIGGRAPH Carrara News - New Features / Price

2007-08-08T10:15:00.000-07:00

Looking for news on Carrara? Here are the features we are announcing here at SIGGRAPH. For release date news, you'll want to sign up for our newsletter at https://www.daz3d.com/i.x/account/0/-/?

We're counting down each week now. Here was our last one:
http://www.daz3d.com/newsletter/2007/dn/newsletter8_2_07.html

DAZ 3D^TM Announces “The Next Dimension in 3D Art”

Version 6 proves Carrara will be in every 3D artist’s suite of tools for years to come

DRAPER, Utah – August 7, 2007 – DAZ 3D, Inc., a leading developer of professional quality 3D models and software, announced today the upcoming release of their popular 3D software, Carrara. This latest version will allow users to choose from an unprecedented array of tools while exploring new dimensions in 3D creation. Carrara 6 provides 3D figure posing and animation, modeling, environment creation, and rendering tools within a single application. Robust, advanced, and easy to use, Carrara 6 is recognized as the complete, all-in-one 3D solution for digital content creators in many industries including magazine, comic book, newspaper, TV and film — to name a few.

“I think that users will be amazed when they see what Carrara 6 will do for them,” stated Chris Creek, executive vice-president of DAZ 3D, Inc. “Now that the entire DAZ 3D library of content is compatible with Carrara’s advanced features, 3D artists everywhere will discover a whole new dimension of possibilities.”

Historically, Carrara has been known for its broad set of 3D tools including modeling, rigging, animating, terrain-building, and rendering. With the aforementioned addition of the full support for its huge content library, as well as other major features, DAZ 3D believes Carrara 6 is taking a quantum leap forward from its previous versions.

“Carrara 6 fills what has been a long-time void in the 3D industry,” says Dan Farr, president of DAZ 3D, Inc. “Never before has there existed a single solution for realistic figure posing and animation combined with advanced modeling, terrain-building, physics, and rendering that was readily compatible with such a large array of 3D assets.”

The extensive support for DAZ 3D content includes handling of morph targets, the conversion of Surface Materials and complete Rigging, and Enhanced Remote Control, which allows users control over multiple translation and transform dials simultaneously.

Notable upgrades include Non-linear Animation, giving users the ability to create clips of animation that can be reused and combined on multiple tracks of animation; Dynamic Hair that allows artists to style, cut, brush, and drape the hair; Displacement Modeling where the user can paint detail on a model using free-form brush tools; and Symmetrical Modeling that allows content creators to edit both sides of a symmetrical object at the same time using a variety of editing tools.

Pricing and Availability

Carrara 6 is scheduled to be released for sale on the DAZ 3D website in August 2007 with a special introductory discount being offered to DAZ 3D customers. The standard edition of Carrara 6 will have a MSRP of $249, and Carrara 6 Pro will have a MSRP of $549.

About DAZ 3D^TM

Founded in 2000, DAZ 3D, Inc, a privately-held company located in Draper, Utah, is a market leader in 3D software and digital content creation. The company’s model library is renowned for its high-quality 3D content at the industry’s most competitive prices. DAZ 3D also develops powerful software applications that support its content, including Bryce^®, a 3D environment and animation package; Carrara™, a complete 3D modeling, animation and rendering solution; DAZ Studio™, a free 3D digital art creation tool; Hexagon™, polygonal modeling software for the creation of ‘ready-to-render’ 3D models; and Mimic™, a lip-synching application. For more information, visit www.DAZ3D.com.

© 2007 DAZ 3D, Inc. All rights reserved. DAZ and the DAZ 3D logo is a Registered Trademark of DAZ Productions, Inc. All other brand names, product names, service marks or trademarks belong to their respective holders.

Reader contact:

DAZ 3D, Inc.
12637 S 265 W Suite 300
Draper, Utah 84020

(800) 267-5170 (Toll free)
(801) 495-1777
(801) 495-1787 (Fax)
www.DAZ3D.com

DAZ 3D Fact of the Day - School Ties

2007-08-08T09:16:00.000-07:00

Five Employees at DAZ 3D- Jarom Schow, Eric Allen, Ryan Bouche, Kevin Peterson, and Vicky Tolonen- all graduated from Mountain View High School in Orem, Utah. Three of them in the same year. Tony Bradt is married to another MVHS graduate.

DAZ 3D at SIGGRAPH DAY 1: Overview

2007-08-07T20:16:00.000-07:00

More videos are on their way, but I've only got a half hour to get the camera set up to catch the most behind the curtains scene you'll ever see of DAZ 3D and it's co-founders. The DAZ 3D user gathering is starting at 9:00 and I won't spoil anything for those coming, but there will be a Zoot suit involved.

First Day at SIGGRAPH was awesome. There is a huge senses overload in the convention hall. Yes, the big boys booths were cool, but the smaller booths sometimes let you get a closer, hands-on look at some cool technology. Motion capture systems of all variety, I saw at least 4 different methods. You can find a giant thunder-dome shaped lattice of lights sensors and cameras. Two 3D printers. Right accross from the DAZ 3D booth is a rig that works like a professional film camera that you can use to film 3D environments.

I did get to sit in on a LucasArts session on procedural motion animation in the Indiana Jones Game. Computers knowing how a person would really move when they walk, fall, or crash into something.

And the swag, free stuff. Some booths got smart and started giving out bags with their logo so you can carry everything. LucasFilm has Clone Wars playing cards, Pixar has Ratatouille posters, EA Games has lanyard buttons, it goes on and on. Even at the DAZ 3D booth we went through boxes and boxes of calendars and DAZ Studio disks. We couldn't open them fast enough.

More videos to come tomorrow, and hopefully some useful news on a certain software as well. Stay posted right here.

Ryan Bouche
Web Services Manager
www.DAZ3D.com

Siggraph 2007 Backstage Pass:

2007-08-07T15:50:00.000-07:00

Ryan writes:

On Monday, booths were going up everywhere you looked. Just walking in the doors I was excited for Day One to start to check out some great demos and some cool looking new technology. I thought maybe you could share the excitement with me. Check out the Backstage video here:

Thats Jarom Schow, Steve Kondris and Tony Bradt from DAZ 3D. And a special thank you to Brian Foley(Bryce) and Steve Whitcomb (Carrara) for their help in setting up and giving demos.

Ryan Bouche
Web Services Manager
www.DAZ3D.com

DAZ 3D at SIGGRAPH DAY 1: Reveille

2007-08-07T11:29:00.000-07:00

It's time to head out. I've got my pass and my expo card. I can swipe the card at booths to enter contests and sign up for newsletters. I checked out the LucasFilm schedule and have my times picked out to see the Indiana Jones Demo this afternoon. I saw 3 cool motion capture booths on the first row, so I might as well start out there. More to come during the day.

Ryan Bouche
Web Services Manager
www.DAZ3D.com

DAZ 3D goes to SIGGRAPH

2007-08-07T09:50:00.001-07:00

Ryan writes:

It was a long day, but we've got the booth set up in what some might say is record time. Check it out here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=avco21qEHqQ

Ryan Bouche
Web Services Manager
www.DAZ3D.com

DAZ 3D Fact of the Day - Southpaw

2007-08-07T07:13:00.000-07:00

When working at Viewpoint, DAZ 3D Exec Vice President, Chris Creek, was taught to model using the computer mouse left handed.

Siggraph - Day 0.1

2007-08-06T19:57:00.000-07:00

Ryan writes:

It's 6:00 in the morning and Steve Kondris, Tony Bradt and I have just finished loading the display boxes into the truck. Britney and Darlissa are right behind us. The sun is already up. I said goodbye to my wife and sleepy-eyed sons, and we're headed up to the airport to SIGGRAPH 2007. I'll be posting updates from the convention every day, so stay peeled for videos, interviews, and more.

If you're in the San Diego area, make sure you stop by, or visit with us one on one Tuesday night at our DAZ 3D mixer. Tuesday at 9 pm at :

San Diego Marriott Hotel and Marina
333 West Harbor Drive
San Diego, CA 92101
Telephone: (619) 699-8213

Ryan Bouche
Web Services Manager
www.DAZ3D.com

DAZ 3D Fact of the Day - Victor/Victoria

2007-08-06T07:30:00.000-07:00

"Victor" was suggested early on as a name for the Michael 3D model.

www.DAZ3D.com

I’m a Little Geeked

2007-08-05T20:25:00.000-07:00

Tony Benjamin writes:

It’s an exciting time…

OK… OK… I’m not Chris. I’m not Dan. Frankly I don’t work out enough to be Chris, I’m too short to be Dan, and I doubt I’m intelligent enough to be either one. But I was asked to write a blog and so here it is… now where was I? …. Oh yeah…

…It’s an exciting time at DAZ 3D. For those of you who have been around for a while and watched the list of Bios on the website grow, you know we’ve been growing rapidly over the past year. But even you don’t know how fast. A small fraction of all the changes have shown up on that page.

In the last several months we have added seven additional people to our R&D team in Utah. That doesn’t even count the people we’ve added to our California office. DAZ’s army of programmers now includes former employees of Adobe and at least one of the original developers of Bryce, not to mention the best fresh talent in the country. They’ve come from as far as Michigan to join our Salt Lake Team, and from other continents to join our California team.

Brian Wagner, our new Director of R&D, Utah, was the person who originally wrote the render engine for Bryce. Wow, is he talented! Since his arrival, DAZ’s whole operational structure around software development has been revamped. Under his direction, we’re getting rid of “DAZ Soon” and replacing it with “DAZ Wow”. You wait and see what happens over the next year with DAZ software, and you’ll be past your current status of “impressed” and land on “Holy Cow.”

Of course it would be silly to overlook Charles Brissart, our Director of R&D, California. In addition to the recent update of Hexagon, his crew has been working for over a year on Carrara 6. Charles’ crew is also extremely talented. It’s exciting to have Carrara in the family, and if you’re a DAZ fan, you’re going to want Carrara 6.

… OK, now I can hear some of you already moving to the forums to drop a line about how “marketing” really wrote this and that I’m just a pawn under the total domination of the propaganda writers of DAZ… The reality is that I’m excited. DAZ is opening doors to places no one in the industry has been before. A year from now, not only will we be bigger but our content will be more dynamic and advanced than ever before.

I have to admit, I’m a little geeked.

Tony Benjamin
Director of Operations
www.DAZ3D.com

Dress Code pt. 2

2007-07-09T10:59:00.000-07:00

Ryan writes:

You can't say we're not all about equal opportunity here. Along with Business Dress day last Tuesday comes Beachwear on Friday. Seems like we had a lot more participation this time around ...

Left to right, first row: Jonathan Hoffman(lying down), Britney Cozzens, Cindy West, Randy Carter, Steve Gregerson, Drew Daniels, Kraig Hausmann
Top row: Ryan Creek, Chris Creek, Nathan Miller, Rob Whisenant, Amanda Johanson, Allen Renfeldt, Kevin Peterson, Eric Allen, Brian Berthold, Daniel Gomez, Tony Benjamin, Steve Kondris (in tree)
Not Pictured: ME. (Someone had to take it...)

In the background you can see the outside of DAZ HQ. Our windows got an upgrade this spring, with Victoria, Aiko, the Millennium Dragon, and even Mr. Finnegan. Yeah it looks cool, but the real up-shot is that it's a lot easier to tell people how to find our building. ;)

Ryan Bouche
Web Services Manager
www.DAZ3D.com

Go Figure...

2007-07-05T08:20:00.000-07:00

Chris writes:

So I’ve been collecting ideas for Dragons and decided that I would meander down to Tony Bradt and Daniel Vest's office for further inspiration. You see Tony and Daniel are the kings of the "doll" collections. I call them dolls just to get a reaction from them. I believe they refer to them as "figurines", or "action figures" or something less child-like. But I like "dolls". I think I counted 18 dragons on and around Daniel's desk area. Spawn dolls, most of them, though he and Tony have many, many other dolls of curious workmanship, such as super hero types and half dressed women dolls with big swords holding heads of slain men and spooky monsters made of plastic trash and such. A cornucopia, or ambrosia, or plethora of doll treasures and collectibles can be found there. When we have an occasional tour come through the place, people are fascinated by the many dusty dolls when they visit this product imagery room.

But ya know what? Many others here also collect dolls or what ever they choose to call them. Ryan Bouche collects the "StrongBad" plastic guys and oriental men that magnetize on the wall and Lindsay collected some kind of Tim Burtonesque zombie dolls. Kevin Peterson collects all things associated with B.Y.U. and an assortment of other dolls. Britney Cozzens collects any thing to do with Betty Boop. Cindy West collects images of the cool dude that played Batman. He was the guy that was also in the movie Reign of Fire, I forget his name. Rob Whisenant has his collection of motorcycle choppers (not dolls). And finally Steve Swenson and Kraig Hausmann both have their little plastic guys. I’m still probably leaving employees out here but you get the picture.

I myself do have an Incredible Hulk "FIGURE" on my desk, not a doll and certainly not a collection, but I have thought about starting one up. I've always liked the "Rat Fink" character from my youth. I love that lil' monster in the muscle cars. Takes me back for sure.

Anyway I did find the looks that I wanted for the Dragon and that was encouraging.

Chris Creek
Executive Vice President/Co-Founder
www.DAZ3D.com

Non Casual Tuesday

2007-07-03T14:42:00.000-07:00

Ryan writes:

Dress code at DAZ is more... well let's just say there are more levels than Business and Business Casual. On any given day, you might find deeper layers such as Business Band Tour, Business Hawaiian, or even Business Harley.

So it actually takes a concerted effort to get a Business Dress Tuesday here at DAZ. Even still, Tuesday might be too recurring a word. It may lead some people to believe it will happen again this decade.

Regardless, here are the team members we could get/remembered/owned a necktie to participate:

From left to right, front to back: Amanda Johanson, Britney Cozzens, Allen Renfeldt, Cindy West, Steve Swenson, Kraig Hausmann Second Row: Ryan Bouche, Chris Creek, Kevin Peterson, Ron Ross, Steve Kondris, Brian Berthold, Steve Gregerson, Drew Daniels.

So many new faces here means it's time to update our employee bios.

Ryan Bouche
Web Services Manager
www.DAZ3D.com

Shake Hands with a 3D Model

2007-07-02T13:47:00.000-07:00

Ryan writes:

I spotted this story on slashdot.org: "A system that makes three dimensional images solid enough to grasp has been unveiled by Japanese firm NTT. It could let businesspeople shake hands from across the globe or allow museum visitors to feel precious exhibits that are normally out of reach, the company says."

You can read the full article here.

You may have seen ads for 3D printers before, which I think would be pretty cool to have. My geekier hobbies include collecting chess sets, and the Millennium Dragon model would make a great piece for the knights... It should be known that I have non-geeky hobbies as well. Really.

So now we can shake hands with a 3D model like Michael, or pet the Mellennium Cat. Already you can buy clothes in 3D in Second Life. But forget just shaking hands or browsing clothes, how much longer before we have full interaction with 3D models? What happens when Victoria starts talking back to you? It certainly looks like our virtual experiences will get more and more third dimensional every year.

Ryan Bouche
Web Services Manager
www.DAZ3D.com

Chadley's Word of the Day pt. 2

2007-06-22T14:46:00.000-07:00

Ryan writes:

Chad Smith offers us his word of the day for June 22nd: "Widgy-Prim"

[wid-jee-prim] n. Definition: Chad would have you believe that 'widgy-prim' should be clear to anyone. According to him, it's obviously a contraction of widgets, and primitives.

Overheard in an actual sentence, "Apart from all this widgy-prim functionality, what else do we need to go over in DAZ Studio today?."

Perhaps Chad was tired of the programmers in the DAZ Studio status meeting getting to use words no one else understood.

More to come, you can count on it. ;)

Ryan Bouche
Web Services Manager
www.DAZ3D.com

LeBron James: Basketball Star, 3D artist?

2007-06-14T07:51:00.000-07:00

Ryan writes:

DAZ3D is always trying to spread the word to find new 3d artists, like this story on www.digg.com:

"Daz3d has released the previous version of the 3D renderer Bryce 5.5 for free... read more"

The response has been great so far, over 20,000 downloads. But apparently, releasing Bryce 5.5 for free wasn't enough exposure, we had to take it one step further. Some of you may be following the NBA finals. Breaking news today indicates that there may actually be a hidden basketball fan / 3d artist demographic out there. A press release like the one below might appeal to them...

[Caution: Parody ahead]

****************

DAZ3D wins bid to choose the first name of Cleveland Cavaliers star LeBron James' new son. Bryce Maximus James was born June 14th at 12:51 a.m. local time at Cuyahoga Falls General Hospital, near his father's hometown of Akron. He weighed 8 pounds, 6 ounces and was 21 inches long.

Many other names were bid for, including: Ichiro Koji-James, and in the case of a girl, Aiko Posette LaRoo.

"The bidding war was intense," says DAZ3D President Dan Farr. "But we were confident in the value of the exposure that in the end it was worth it to get the first name."

In addition to the advertising royalties, Bryce will also receive free Bryce upgrades for life.

****************

Yes loyal readers, that is actually his name. A whole new world of marketing is suddenly open. :)

Ryan Bouche
Web Services Manager
www.DAZ3D.com

Top Ten things to do after Midnight at DAZ

2007-06-11T09:59:00.000-07:00

Ryan writes:

The web team will be rolling out a new site design overnight at DAZ3d.com, so what are the top ten highlights of being at the DAZ offices after midnight?

10) Update Artzone profile page while new files copy over.

9) Use empty hi-speed internet connection to download gigabytes of lolcat images, plaster office walls with them.

8) Raid good drinks from "Visitor's Only" refrigerator.

7) Learn new phrases from overseas artists on Artzone Chat.

6) Crown a new magnetic darts champion.

5) Write script to end world energy crisis during Mountain Dew-induced enlightenment, but forget to add comments to the Perl code. Can't remember how it works now.

4) Post Carrara 6 release rumors on forum. (Made you click . . .)

3) Get Layne's profile image the top spot on Artzone Most Viewed Gallery.

2) Create world's geekiest podcast.

1) Forget "business casual" - work comfortably in motion capture suit.

Ryan Bouche
Web Services Manager
www.DAZ3D.com

King Kevin

2007-06-07T07:40:00.000-07:00

Drew writes:

Kevin Peterson is a hoot to work with. Kevin is the Publishing Manager here at DAZ and, as such, works closely with our published artists. Every morning we get together to review new submissions from artists that can potentially be sold in the DAZ store. There’s always something crazy going on in and around Kevin’s office.

He normally wears shorts,even in the winter, but showed up the other day in a sweet suit with a tie and everything. There was no explanation at all. He was just mixing it up.

A legendary BYU football fan, he showed up with his hair dyed BYU blue a few weeks ago. He was just mixing it up again and doing something different.

What I really like are the company meals Kevin seems to initiate. One morning Kevin and friends took up the spatula and mustered up a DAZ breakfast complete with omelets, eggs, bacon, and toast. That was followed several weeks later by the sushi (not my personal favorite) lunch. It smelled like fish around here for hours afterwards. There’s literally never a dull moment with Kevin in the office.

Drew Daniels
Director of Marketing Communications
www.DAZ3D.com

What'd you say?

2007-06-04T20:51:00.000-07:00

Ryan writes:

There are a lot of acronyms you might come across on the DAZ website or in the DAZ forums. This list might help you sort out what's what :)

3D/2D - 3/2 dimensional
A3 - 3D model Aiko (Anime) version 3
AO - Ambient Occlusion
AZ - www.ArtZone.com
B6/5.5/5 Bryce version 6... (DAZ)
.bvh - Motion capture file (Biovision)
.cr2 - Character File (Poser Format)
.crz - Zipped Character File (Poser Format)
CS3, CS2, CS - Adobe Creative Suite version 3... (Photoshop, Illustrator, Flash, Dreamweaver, etc...)
D|S - DAZ|Studio
D3 - 3D model David version 3
DAZ - Digital Art Zone
.daz,.dso,.dsd,.dsv,.ds,.dsb,.dsx,.dsh,.dau - DAZ|Studio Files
EMC - Extended Morph Control
ERC - Enhanced Remote Control
ExP - Extensible Paramaters
EULA - End User License Agreement
FBM - Full Body Morph
.fc2 - Face preset file (Poser Format)
.fcz - Zipped Face preset file (Poser Format)
FS/FSP - Face Shop / Face Shop Pro
H3 - 3D model Hiro (Anime) version 3
.hd2- Hand preset file (Poser)
.hdz- Zipped Hand preset file (Poser)
HDRI - High Dynamic Range Image
.hr2- Hair file (Poser)
.hrz- Zipped Hair file (Poser)
IBL - Image Based Lighting
INJ - Injection file
JCJ - Joint Controlled Joint
JCM - Joint Controlled Morph
JNT - Joint Pose file
LE - Lite Edition
.lt2 - Light preset file (Poser)
.ltz - Zipped Light preset file (Poser)
.lwo - 3D Object file (Lightwave)
M3/M2/M1 - 3d model Michael version 3...
MAT - Material Pose file
MCJ - Morph Controlled Joint
MOR - Morph Pose file
MM - March Madness
NVIATWAS - Nude Vicky in a Temple with a Sword
.obj - 3D vector Object file (Wavefront)
.obz - Zipped 3D vector Object file (Poser)
P7/P6/P5/P4 - Poser version 7...
PA - Published Artist (DAZ)
PBM - Partial Body Morph
PC - Platinum Club
.pp2 - Prop File (Poser Format)
.ppz - Zipped Prop File (Poser Format)
PP - Poser Pros / Poser Pro Pack
PS - Adobe PhotoShop
.psd- Photoshop layered file
PSP - Paint Shop Pro
PTB - Powers That Be
.pz2 - Pose preset file (Poser Format)
.pzz - Zipped Pose preset file (Poser Format)
.pz3 - Poser scene file (Poser Format)
REM - Removal pose
RL - Real Life
RR - Reduced Resolution
S3/S1 - 3D model Stephanie Petite version 3...
SGGSGSGTSS - Sword, Gun, Gun and Sword, Gun-Sword, Gun That Shoots Swords
SOW - Sphere Over Water
SP3 - 3D model Stephanie Petite version 3
TOS - Terms of Service
V4/V3/V2/V1 - 3d model Victoria version 4...
WIP - Work in Progress
WWMFD - What Would Mr. Finnegan Do?

Know any more? Post them in the comments and I'll update this list.

Enjoy your newfound literacy!

Ryan Bouche
Web Services Manager
www.DAZ3D.com

DAZ... Studio?

2007-05-30T12:16:00.001-07:00

Ryan writes:

In addition to digital creations, we find need for a lot of real life photography here on site and occasionally some filming as well, so last week we made some additions the garage. Dan sees the truss framework as a place to hang curtains, lights, and mo-cap cameras; but I see the beginnings of something a little more creative...

You'd think I'd keep handy something better than a friend's camera phone to snap pictures of things around the DAZ Office, regardless, here's the set up crew.

View the whole set on Flickr

Ryan Bouche
Web Services Manager
www.DAZ3D.com

Memorial Day

2007-05-28T13:32:00.000-07:00

Ryan writes:

Fact of the day: DAZ has over 650 active duty military personnel and thousands of retired servicemen and women among our registered users. I wanted to wish a happy Memorial Day (US) to all of you, as we take a day to remember your sacrifice and the sacrifice of those who went before you. This image is from Robert Whisenant's Artzone gallery. Rob served in the Navy before he came to DAZ in 2002.

Departing (2001-2002)

Thank you all,

Ryan Bouche
Web Services Manager
www.DAZ3D.com

More Lunchtime Hijinks: DAZ visits Sweden

2007-05-24T11:28:00.000-07:00

Ryan writes:

Many of you may never come in contact with the 8th Wonder of the World that is IKEA, and we thought we never would either. Until now....

The hype surrounding the construction was Hollywoodesque. When the Grand Opening day arrived, roads were closed down and freeway exits were backed up for miles. Swedish furniture enthusiasts traveled from across the state to say they were there first.

Only a mile from DAZ, we could see the migration from our office windows. The last thing any sane person would try would be to wade into that mass of humanity. Nothing could make us do that. Nothing that is, except the promise of a new restaurant to sample. The conversation may have gone something like this:

Ryan: "Hey Jeff, Look at all those people out there. They gotta be crazy."
Jeff: "Oh yeah, hey, we're headed to lunch.You in?"
Ryan: "Where to?"
Jeff: "IKEA Cafe."
Ryan: "Let's go."

So we set off, Jeff, Layne, Devin, Ryan and Matt (who was already there, apparently shopping). One hour later we had wound our way through the back streets, parked in a dirt field, pressed through the police lines, got lost on the first floor, jumped a shortcut on the second floor, waited in line in order to wait in another line in order to get our food, waited in line to pay for the food, ate our Swedish meatballs, pushed back out the store - apparently backwards and against the tide, and wound our way back to DAZ.

"Was it worth it?" is what you're wondering right now. Well... it was new. :) We had a lot of fun on our figurative 3 hour tour; I spotted some chalkboard-shelves I want for my kid's room; we had a very different lunch, cafeteria though it may have been; and Jeff has a new idea in implementing the new site navigation (just kidding!).

Swedish? Lunch

Little Billy would be proud.

Ryan Bouche
Web Services Manager
www.DAZ3D.com

Chadley's word of the Day

2007-05-22T14:22:00.000-07:00

Ryan writes:

Chad Smith offers us his word of the day for May 22nd: "Incentivization"

[in-sen-tiv-i-zay-shun] n. Definition: Only Chad knows for sure, but either some really great incentives, or something that is motivating.

Overheard in an actual sentence, "That's a really good incentivization for people to upgrade when Carrara comes out."

More made up words to come .... thanks Chad ;)

Ryan Bouche
Web Services Manager
www.DAZ3D.com

Cool Tutorials Feature

2007-05-14T14:17:00.000-07:00

Ryan writes:

I wanted to spotlight a tutorial today and I thought I'd start with one accessible to as many people as possible, so here's "Custom morphs in DAZ Studio with D-form plug-in". Submitted by a user named Kattey

It uses the free DAZ|Studio

The Spuggles model from the DAZ3D Free Archive

And lastly, the $19 D-Form Morph Plugin for DAZ|Studio, I know thousands of you have it, but if you don't, you can get it for free with this coupon code: DFORMBLOG - Expires 5/31/07

Enjoy!

Ryan Bouche
Web Services Manager
www.DAZ3D.com

All around the world...

2007-05-10T10:25:00.000-07:00

Ryan writes:

The other day I was chatting via IM with a community member about categories in our store and I realized suddenly that we were an ocean away from each other (He was in Australia), but we could both look at the same thing, online of course. This week I decided to test that out with a real store.

My brother needed to pick out a TV and wanted to know what features/size/etc... to get so we both headed down to a certain 'big box' store with our cell phones and started walking down the aisles, he in Orem, UT, and me in American Fork, UT. Not only did they have the exact same TVs, most of them were in the exact same place.

I guess I just took for granted that I can be in, say an Artzone chatroom, and post a link to some profile page and talk about it simultaneously with a dozen other people all over the world. (Topic is Rob Whisenant, renaissance man? Discuss...)

Ryan Bouche
Web Services Manager
www.DAZ3D.com

Nickel Tour

2007-05-08T08:57:00.000-07:00

Ryan writes:

The plumber was waiting outside when my carpool pulled up in the morning so I let him in and gave him the grand tour of the DAZ restrooms. He spotted the leaky one immediately, it was the one with the out of order sign on it.

On the way down to get his tools, we walked by the convention banners we have up in the stairwell and the inevitable question came as soon as we reached the bottom... "So what do you do here?" I give lots of different answers when people ask me that. Most people don't know what a 3d model was, or a texture map, or anything. And how do I explain the sales appeal between realistic figures like Victoria and anime figures like Aiko? He seemed like a nice enough guy, and truly interested, so I avoided the technobabble and went with, "We make the computer models you see in pictures and movies."

"Cool," he said. He asked a couple good follow up questions so I think he got it. With all the CGI in movies now, it's getting easier for people to understand. Next time I won't underestimate a plumber ;)

Ryan Bouche
Manager of Web Services
www.DAZ3D.com

With great power, comes noxious fumes...

2007-05-04T07:04:00.000-07:00

Devin writes:

Seems like everything is dying around here. First Ryan's wireless mouse, then Kevin's UPS, and now my whole computer has given up the ghost. The fumes from my burnt out power supply are driving everyone away from my cubicle. So, here I find myself narrating a blog.

Last night we went to the midnight showing of the new release of Spider-man vs. Every Bad Guy a $200M CGI Budget Can Muster. We've been to several first-day/midnight showings here: Superman, X-Men(s), Serenity, Star Wars, LotR(s), etc... Anything with flashy CGI will catch our attention and draw a big DAZ crowd. What I'm really trying to say here though is that I was up till 3:30 it won't be long until I completely crash too.

Ok, since it's another 30 minutes till Best Buy is open, I'm off to see if I can get Mimic to lip-synch my "Cartman" voice to the Millennium Gorilla on my laptop. :LOL: "You will respect my authoritay!!"

Devin Stockwell
Web Development Specialist
www.DAZ3D.com

New Month, New Galleries

2007-05-02T15:33:00.000-07:00

New gallery images at DAZ get posted every month. Vice President and Co-Founder,Chris Creek, goes through the gallery submissions personally and picks out his favorite 30 or so, and they all get vouchers to the DAZ Store. I think Chris really enjoys the break from 'being the boss', but don't tell him I said that.

The May galleries just went live, and here are some of my favorites

U.14
by: dlf

To be like Marilyn
by: Janek

Unleashed Fury
by: VinnyMac

Ryan Bouche
Web Services Manager
www.daz3d.com

Lunch Time Conspiracies

2007-04-30T10:42:00.000-07:00

Ryan writes:

We keep the fridges pretty well stocked here, but sometimes you can't take any more frozen burritos and you just have to get out. The web team members-- Jeff Cemer, Matt Wallace, Devin Stockwell, Layne Shipley, Amanda Robinson, and now Chris Miller and Braden Anderson -- have their loudest arguments whenever food is involved, but one place we usually agree on is the Rock Creek Pizza up on 1300 East. It's a little farther away than most places, but it's got free wireless. So, it makes a great place to off site and simultaneously keep working on the new web features and design while taking advantage of all-you-can-eat, stuff-your-gut pizza.

I think the staff might be catching on though, the last time some of us were there, Layne said the wireless went down right at 2:00, the end of the lunch buffet. The conspiracy theory part of my brain says that pimply kid behind the counter figured the wireless should only last as long as the pizza… or maybe the regulars were freaked out by the nerds hiding behind their laptops in the corner.

Ryan Bouche
Manager of Web Services
www.DAZ3D.com