How to Make a 3D Picture Using Cartoon Software

3D characters are used in virtually every form of media from televison and movies to video games and comic books. There are many different programs that are used to create this images, ranging from the complex and expensive (like Maya and Cinema 4D) to the simple and free (like Daz Studio). If you would like to start creating your own 3D pictures of cartoon characters, then Daz Studio is a good program to begin with.

Instructions

1. Go to Daz3D.com and download and install the freeware version of Daz Studio (see Resources). Also go to either Daz3D or Renderosity and purchase a 3D cartoon character or props you would like to use. You should also check out the free areas of both sites to see if there is something you can use. Install any items you download to the Daz Studio libraries (the install files will automatically see your Daz Studio installation and folders).
2. Open Daz Studio. If a default scene with a character loads, select "File" and click "New" to open a new blank scene. Go to the Daz Studio libraries on the left and browse through the folders to find the 3D cartoon character that you installed. Click on it and drag it into the scene.
3. Browse through the library folder to find any of the other items (props) you installed. Then, drag each of them into the scene. Use the 3D Positioning tool to place each item where you want it in the scene.
4. Select the 3D character in the scene by clicking on it. Now go to the "Poser Pose" panel on the right of the interface. You will see a 2D abstract figure with selectable parts. Select a body part in the panel that you would like to pose in the 3D character, using the to mouse to position the part.

5. Click on the "Render" tab at the top. In the settings, set the size and quality settings to what you want them to be. Remember that the higher you set the quality and size, the longer the render will take. Once you have them the way you want, click "Render" to render your image. Save the result as a high-quality JPEG.