DAZStudio Plugin?

Does there exist a DAZstudio plugin which will export SL clothing?

I am trying to match up some complex patterns in Photoshop and it's driving me insane! The pattern is too complicated and it's going to take me too long too do. I'm using the body templates, from Robin Wood, which help allot but if you've got a pattern that overlaps and is complex it's pretty impossible.

So I've downloaded DAZ hoping it has some features that will help make this process easier. Ideally what I would like to do is dress my model in DAZ using several pattern images imported from photoshop. Layer these images on top of my model, and then from DAZ export 1 targa file that flattens and merges all the patterns that my models is wearing and lays them out correctly on the body templates. Whatever is 'on' her top area is exported in a targa file for the 'top,' whatever is on her lower half, will go on either a skirt or pants template . . .

I hope what I am describing is making sense. Is there something that does this? Perhaps even a Photoshop Action?

Ama

Why bother doing the layering in DAZ|Studio? Photoshop can support literally as many layers as you want. Simply apply a garment texture to the model in DAZ|Studio, and open the same texture in Photoshop. If you want to layer another garment over the top, just slap it on in the Photoshop document, hit Save in Photoshop, and reload the texture in D|S. Now both garments will appear to be on the model at the same time.

You can do that as many times as you want, and when you're done, just save the Photoshop document to TGA, and upload to SL. The only role D|S need play is that of a viewer. There's absolutely no reason to want to export any imagery from it.

Or, to make things faster and simpler, upgrade your Photoshop to version CS3 Extended. Y'll then be able to open the avatar model (OBJ) right inside Photoshop. You'll see the changes appear on the model instantly, every time you hit Save. That way, you won't need to keep flip-flopping between two programs.

Yes, I know how to layer in photoshop. The problem I am having is matching up the seams on the sides with a complex pattern that should look seamless. I'd like for something to take a repeating pattern and apply it to the templates so it looks seamless on the model, since the model is curvy it's hard to take a flat complex pattern and make it look right . . .

Ama

Yes, it's hard. That's why most people are not texture artists.

It takes a lot of practice to learn properly how to think in 3D as you're painting in 2D, especially when trying to make things seamless. There's no way around that. For each part you want to make seamless, pay attention to where each UV edge is, and make sure the corresponding edge on the matching part is painted in exactly the opposite way. With time and experience, you'll learn to get good at it. Just don't expect overnight success.

If you want to use a 3D paint program like Zbrush or DeepPaint3D, you can. But be warned, they don't necessarily make everything easier. Some things get easier, and somethings get harder. And none have the diversity of brushes and tools you're used to from Photoshop.


In any case, DAZ|Studio will not be of any help in this area. It has no texturing tools in it. Its primary function is animation. It's more coincidence than anything else that it also happens to work well as a previewer for SL clothing & skin textures. (The avatar happened to have been based on a Poser model, and D|S happened to have been created to be an alternative to Poser.)

Thanks.

I think I'm making it harder than what it needs to be. I went to some of the higher end clothing stores in SL and their seams are good but not completely perfect if you look close. Most that used patterns over the seams were a pattern that would blend together without much trouble.

I was trying to do a basket weave pattern with different areas of fabric overlapping each other, that probably shouldn't have been my first top ever made! So I'm starting more basic, maybe later I'm come back to it. It would just be really nice if I could take my little stamp and blend tools and blend that seam right together on the model!

Ama