An idea for trying out different shapes.

While recently shopping for new skin I discovered many of the skin creators are placing shapes within their L$1 skin demo packages, shapes that best show off the skin. The shapes are labeled "demo" shape, but there is no way to write the words demo all over a shape or to put a floating neon sign above it as in other types of demos.

When I was a lot more of a newb, I bought a shape (around L$300) not knowing I could easily make my own with the sliders. For a while I felt vaguely cheated about this, but lately I've come to realize I've never been entirely happy with the shapes I create myself. I keep making the same choices over and over, and now I think it may be a good idea to buy someone else's shape especially if it's modifiable so I can tweak it a little and make it individual.

My question is -- would buying a few demo skins that include finely crafted shapes be an ethical way for new residents to experiment with different shapes that are probably better than the freebie shapes? Is this a good suggestion for them when they ask about shapes?

(For myself, I just bought a modifiable shape, not one of the demos. It's far better than what I could come up with, but the demo shapes do look good too.)

Yes. This is what they're there for.

However, as you stated, most of these are not modable, so only gives the newbie an idea of what can be done, not how to do it.

I always advise newbies to make thier own shapes. It may take time to get it right (a few months in my case), but the end result is one you're happy with, and proud of, because YOU made it. The demos are good for the meantime though ^.^

~Jessy

if you get a free shape with a skin (even a demo one), and you like the shape, I really can see no problem with keeping that shape! And, so, yes, - it is an excellent tip for newbies.

I would never recommend buying a no-mod shape.

Since invariably people want to make some change.

Trying out shape demos is great. And if they can find one they like thats cool. Just saying that 2 months down the road they might want to make a change.

I have never yet worked out why anyone would want to buy a skin with a shape - as a pair, I mean.

Why would you want to look just like a bunch of other people?

Yeh, I don't get that either. I was thinking they could dispose of the demo skin and just use the shape - maybe use a different skin on it. Different hair, etc.

Wes, that may not be a bad thing. It might just be an indication of your own mental image of yourself.

If you're not making some awful anatomical mistake, maybe you should just listen to your subconscious.

Of course, if you want to play different characters, don't let me stand in your way! One of my friends has so many avatars, I never know what's going to show up when I invite him over for tea.

I created my own shape, here I am sitting on Trout:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/lexxigynoid/2049117044/
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ok, seriously, this here is the shape I made:

http://www.flickr.com/photo_zoom.gne?id=2048329093&size=l

I created a skin set that has a shape with it, it is mainly so that folks who see it in the ad and want to look like the ad, are not disappointed (cuz not all skins look the same on different shapes)

they, by no means, have to use the shape with the skin

the demo skin doesn't have the shape with it, because, well they can see how it looks in the pics hehe

(I placed a pic of it in the new products forum)

guess I should get off my lazy ass and put it on slex and onrez hehe

Creating a shape is like many things in SL. You either 1- Have great ability and learn fast 2- Learn over several months 3- Don't have the skills for it at all.

So, there is no universal way to handle the issue. You just need to know your strengths and weaknesses and act accordingly.

For example, I created my shape in the very first days of my Second Life and did only minor tweaking since. But I just don't have the skills to create clothing.

Get to know yourself

I had actually created my own shape for many reasons, but one of them was that I wanted to be able to have something like a small smile on my face without using one of those creepy "smile . . . don't smile . . .smile . . . don't smile" thingies that cycle through every two seconds.

here is the shape I made, to go with my skins. I am always tweaking with the slider, I have so many versions of one shape it is sad LOL
I might make a small change to the eyes, or the mouth, or the legs, etc and save as a new version heh

anywho did not want to post an ad of the skin, so took a snapshot just to show the shape

I created my shape. I just started as the 'girl-next-door' standard avatar and made minor adjustments to look a bit more athletic and changed the facial features.

The secret is to keep the changes subtle, unless you want to be obese, anorexic, a dwarf or a giant!!

I keep a copy of my shape in each outfit folder - using a version with slightly narrower hips and flatter butt for skirts and dresses to overcome the poofiness factor.

I really like this shape/skin combo - very natural looking. What I've seen a lot of lately are shapes with teeny-tiny waists, almost no hips, and like size HHH breasts! Who thinks that looks good, not to mention bizarre!

Anyway...great job with this, Rhaorth! (BTW...great shoes....where did you get those, please?)

I made the shoes and thank you for the kind words *blush*
I got tired of the barbie doll look (just as you described)
I went for what I wish my shape looked like in RL (and it does, under the fat LOL)

ah if only we could change our bodies with sliders in RL, would make dieting soooo much easier hehe

as for the skin, I wanted a less makeup look, but went a little overboard on the lipstick (my first attempt at skins) and a kind fellow poster sent me a pm, suggesting a more subdued lipstick so working on those now hehe
(well working on the ads)


I got tired of the mimi makeup look (ya know all makeup and no skin)

also my skins are not entirely photo realistic, they start that way, for my base, then I paint the hell out of them LOL so yeah they have a bit of a cartoon look, but. hell I still like em hehe

sorry for rambling, I am kinda proud of what I did with making a skin (only took nearly 2 years LOL)

anywho off to do some RL stuff, have a great weekend all

(please do not flame me, I am not trying to advertise, just damn proud of my accomplishment)

Shoes? I was impressed with the realistic outfit. That's what I was admiring. No, really . . .

If you're selling these, maybe I can get the location from your profile picks then.

yes location is in my profile picks as well as classfieds and in my signature here in the forums
(heh the outfit sadly I did not make)
I make clothes but not as nice as this one outfit

pants were freebies I picked up long ago, shirt I just bought but for the life of me I can not remember who made it (I would log in and check but waiting for my ride)