How to Create Animated 3D Characters

A 3-D character.

Create animated 3-D characters easily and without expensive modeling software or specialized artistic training with a fully functional 3-D virtual world and 3-D avatar generator. Online 3-D virtual worlds have 3-D avatar generators available as part of the experience for users to create their own 3-D characters. The programming associated with the site animates the 3-D characters automatically, without any knowledge or effort on the user's part. The 3-D avatar generators associated with sites like Second Life, Moove, Teen Second Life and IMVU include a wide variety of hair styles, facial features and wardrobes to choose from and users of these sites contribute their own creations to provide an even greater variety of options for the look and dress of the avatars.

Instructions

1. Browse the various 3-D virtual worlds and decide which site to use in building your 3-D character. Choose the right site based on a comfort level with the site's content and artistic presentation, as each site and its avatars have different looks.

2. Decide whether to create a male or a female animated 3-D character, then select a skin tone and face shape.

3. Add the hair and facial features to the 3-D animated character by choosing the color, length and style of the hair, the shape, color and placement of the eyes, nose and mouth, and adding any age lines or facial marks.

4. Clothe the 3-D animated avatar in a mix of the tops, bottoms, shoes and outer wear available from the generator, or explore the stores associated with the virtual world. Most sites allow users to earn or buy additional outfits for their avatars, and browse the site and user created options available for purchase.

5. Accessorize with jewelery, hats, scarves, stockings and props such as cigars, cigarettes, balls, skateboards, bags and even pets.

6. Save the avatar so that it is able to move into the site's virtual world and interact with other avatars, or so the user can use the avatar in other instant messaging and email programs.

References

• Second Life
• Moove
• Teen Second Life
• IMVU

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish