A while back I had a project where I needed to draw a person in a specific pose. Usually when I’m confronted with this kind of situation, I try to find a stock photo or some other image with a person in the desired pose and use that as a source. In this instance, the pose that I needed was very specific and I couldn’t find the correct angle that I needed. I tried drawing the pose without a model, and I just couldn’t get it right. I needed a model.
I thought back to the little wooden poseable figure that I used to have. Although somewhat useful, they have their obvious limitations. For one thing, my pose had a focus on the hands. This guy’s hands are ovals. I would have thought that artist model technology would have improved since I was a kid.
You can't tell, but he's flipping the bird
In my search for a physical model, I did find this metal “poseable human artform” made by Mark Ho which is pretty bad-ass. I would get it if I could afford it, but since the price is only available by demand, I have a feeling it’s a little out of my range.
I am contemplating the frailty of human beings
So I started a hunt for some sort of computer program that would give me a 3D poseable human figure. Poser by SmithMicro Software is the obvious choice, but at $250.00, it was more than I was willing to spend. It took some searching, but I eventually found just what I was looking for. The program is called DAZ Studio. The best part is that you can download the basic program for free. Anyway, this program has just what I needed. The current version of the program comes with the Genesis model which can be manipulated into any pose. The body form can also be changed to be man or woman, child or adult, fat or skinny. You can even change the expressions on the face.
Yes, they come with skin and clothes, but genitals will cost you extra
I admit that there is a learning curve when first using the program. That may be partly due to my lack of experience with 3D applications. But after some practice, I found that I could make realistic poses with the figure. Since it’s 3D, you can also choose any angle you like.
I recommend that any artist that reproduces the human form should at least take a look at DAZ 3D and see if they find it as useful as I have.
I really want that sweet metal man. I would buy him all the coolest tiny clothings and hats! Oh the hats I would buy him!