Graphics Programs Reference
In-Depth Information
Creating Animated 3D Characters with Poser
So far, we have focused on creating vector 3D objects for Flash. Let's turn our attention
to one 3D software package that creates raster images. Poser allows you to sculpt and
animate 3D figures for games, interactivity, or storytelling. You click and drag to pose
body parts, create facial expressions, or change the environmental lighting.
Poser has a unique visual interface (Figure 10.19). A default male figure appears with
each new file. Libraries of figures, props, and poses are located on the right edge of the
screen. You have a wide variety of ethnic males and females to choose from. There are
even 3D figures of animals, robots, and cartoon characters.
Figure 10.19 Poser's visual interface design
Camera controls are represented by hands pointing in different directions. These
symbolize the x-, y-, and z-axes. A trackball rotates the camera view. A drop-down
menu gives you quick access to the different camera views. These include left, right,
top, bottom, front, and back. The camera's position can also be keyframed and ani-
mated over time.
Animators use Poser to create walk cycles for their characters. Drawing a walk cycle is
very time consuming. Poser has preset walk cycles built in that help reduce the time.
This is one of the 3D software's major strengths. Let's “walk” through an example used
to describe a frame-by-frame animation in Chapter 3.
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