Getting my Shape right (male)

I am very new in SL and am trying to get a decent (male) avatar before I go exploring.

I am trying to get a sensible 'shape' first. Most of the free shapes I have found seem to resemble Arnold Schwarznegger (sorry if I spelled it wrong).

I'm not a feeble wimp but I dont have massive shoulders and rippling stomach muscles.

Should I design my own shape using the appearances button ?

Or are there any free shapes out there for ordinary men like me ?

Oxy_M

Why? Like Pep says below, this IS a fantasy world after all.

You *do* know this is a fantasy world don't you?

Pep (Has broad shoulders and a six pack in both worlds . . .)

Yes. It's actually fun. At first you'll probably create a kind of caricature shape (and for some of us, that's what we're attempting anyway), but over time you can tweak it until it's the perfect "you"--or, well, perfect enough, given the limitations of the SL avatar.

Don't listen to them

I think it's very pleasant to see a male who look naturally muscular. Go for a "swimmer body" instead of "Steroid Hulk" body.

Ok my English isn't the best, and I write in between domestic chores, but I'm sure there will be more ladies here applauding the lean look.

Your muscles are painted on the skin. The shape is the frame you stretch the skin over. If you buy a skin with very detailed six-pack, it will not disappear even if you make a big belly with your appearance sliders. Buy skin demos and study it before you buy a skin. Most skins have well defined muscles, but not all. I seem to remember that Fleur has less bulgy muscles.

But since you ask about shape, don't use freebie shapes you find boxed up in a huge pack in freebie islands and dungeons. They are mostly unnatural and ugly. Your library (scroll down to the bottom of your inventory) has a shape called "Boy next door". You can tweak it yourself until you find a good shape.

SYD (Style Your Destiny) has some 1L shapes. It's a good one called Brian or Bryan. Well, it's a shape that I like.... a good one for my preferences. It's still broad shoulders but not the worst I've seen. And I like the face; I think it's handsome.

If you aren't happy with your own attempt to make a shape and will buy one, remember to buy a shape that you can modify. I think Redgrave sell good shapes, and good skin too. Not the cheapest shop, but not the most expensive either.

Yes - best to get a freebie shape that's modifyable and start tweaking. I used to just hit the randomize button until I got something close, then modified from that. You can get some pretty wierd shapes that way though.

Anyone wanting to spend a LOT of time tweaking and needs a quiet place to be unclothed is welcome to use my changing room at Amberaldus (7, 247, 301). I'm almost never there, certainly not this weekend.

You may find a decent free shape, but I strongly suggest tweaking your own. Like others said it IS fun! Also, since the sliders don't tell you how tall you are, I suggest stopping by a place that has a height measure thingy, like The Shelter in the Isabel region.

Does size *really* matter in sl though?

Pep (Alan Ladd had a box)

Seconded!

Hi!

I'm working on my first male skinline. That line has got more subtle muscles than what U R used to in SL.

Since I feel REALLY generous today I'm sending you one of my DRAFTS for free.

And also one of my modifyable male shapes that isn't that 'hulky'.
You can modify it, but take a copy before you start.

Let me know what you think