Body shapes...

Hi

I asume that's a basic question to some, but I couldn't really find any info about how to make/change the body shapes of sl avatars.
I am thinking here more about changes on the vertex level, not the ones we can do in "edit appearance".

I see there are shapes to be bought inside of sl. How are they done ? And what are the limitations , issues with those.

any pointing into the right direction is greatly appreciated.

thanks

rhi

The shapes you see in world for sale are created with sliders. To my knowledge, that is the only way to make avatar shapes unless you resort to using prims.

Indeed, it's slider placement, enhanced by nothing other than the addition of textures to the body, and for any blatant deviations from the human form, it's the attachment of prims to the body.

If you want yourself a custom vertex-mapped avatar, attaching sculpted prims would be your only way to go.

I was wondering, if there was a way to mathematically figure the "perfect" body shape. Ie, one that has the best compatibility with clothing. Or, if all these shape-makers really just sit around and experiment all day.

Hm. Thanks for the replies.
I was hoping to build a quadped avatar with the existing geometry by pulling points.

I have seen facial animation though, basic smiles and such, so there must be some way of shape animation and therefor deformation built into the system.

How are those being made ?

Smiles (and other facial expressions) are built-in animations that can be triggered through scripts, or probably through gestures as well.

To animate the joints of the avatar (to make someone crawl on all fours, for instance), you need to create and upload an animation. Check the animation forum for information on that.