Corey In The House, SL Avatar Statue Builder

 

By Bixyl Shuftan

 

I recently heard about someone in Second Life who makes quality statues of avatars, Corey In The House (jjws888 Resident). 

 

My friend Nydia sent me to a teleport to his place in the Dog sim. After initial greetings, "Welcome to Agora II," he told her, "You should check out the museum while you're here Nydia." We went into a building with a sign "Agora Sandbox." "Welcome to the Agora sl history museum" someone greeted. Among the items there was "The Linden World Gem," created in the days of the Beta Grid, in October 2002. There were also some older maps. Someone commented there was also some "genuine fetted inner core stuff." I heard Corey speak at one point, "Oh, (name) this doesnt belong in the museum, but I'm putting it down to get people to come inside the museum."

Eventually, Nydia, Corey, and I left the others behind and headed to  a skybox in Collaborative Build, BaikUn. It was a gray globe around a gray platform. "Okay," he told Nydia, "pick out your pose for me while I switch viewers." "Okay," Nydia responded, "Is this hair okay, or remove it?" Corey answered, "Unfortunately its flexi-prim hair so we cant keep it. You will have to add it (to the statue) after the fact if you want to use it." I asked, "What can be done about the hair?" Corey told me, "Well the model will come out normal and she can place the hair on the model, like putting a wig on it, as this technology doesnt work well with flexi-prims, semi transparency, or super thin and small objects. The whiskers will have to go too for example."

Then Nydia found another problem, "Aw crap, this head doesn't had a hud." "You talking about the blinking?" "Yeah." "It does use an old form of animation that doesnt freeze when i pause the world, so if you could turn that off it would be great. But I can carefully work around it if you can't." "Yeah, no hud to stop the blinking, sorry." "It is what it is. We can work around it. Remove your whiskers for me and get in your pose and we can begin." "Whiskers?" Nydia facepawed. "You have very tiny whiskers on your face." "Damn!" "If you cant get rid of them then its not a huge deal either." I cammed over, then commented, "Just BARELY noticable as I cam around." "I can always edit them out," Corey spoke. "Sorry," Nydia responded, "I am neither a builder OR a modder. I know JUST enough to ruin things." "Okay are you happy with your pose then?" "Yessir." 

 

"Okay now we move out of the photo dome so it's only Nydia," Corey told me, then turned back to the vixen, "Nydia please refrain from typing in local as your mouth still moves since it's animated the old way as well.  Okay Nydia, IM me your opinion on this (image link)." After about half an hour, "Okay we're all done here." "Thank you Corey," Nydia spoke, "Bix you may want to talk to him Now while you have him *laughs*"

 

I would have a few words with Corey, "It;s not all the time but sometimes a lot of time is spent in what I call pre-production, where we have to make subele changes to the avatar to get it ready for (the) photoshoot." "It's understandable different avies would take different amounts of time," I responded, "especially if there's small complications like the hair." "Nydia isn't like a usual client with new mesh stuff, so we have to account for her old-style animated head and her flexi-prim hair. They also removed their flexi-prim parts for the photoshoot so they could add them on later. It's a rare circumstance for sure. But I do what I can."

 

"I'll spend about 20 minutes taking photos from a bunch of different angles," Corey would say about the process, saying Nydia needed, "219 images takes. Nydia's (appearance) is simple so we didnt need to break 300." I asked how many pictures would an avatar need, and he answered, "(It) depends how much clothing, you tail size, height, etc. It's a bunch of different things, but the more detailed the more pics it usually takes."

It was about this point he asked me to pause the conversation, logging off to switch viewers, and we ended up teleporting to a racetrack where friends of his, furry and human, were having a friendly competitive race, "OK now I'm available. I just have to play the waiting game while the model gets generated." 

 

I then asked how he found out about Second Life and what brought him here. Corey answered, "My friend in high school was a hardcore furry and told me about it. He told me you could have sex and make money and I thought that sounded pretty sweet. But I stuck around because I realized the depth of the customization options. I could do so much and implement my talents so quickly into the virtual world by uploading stuff. That's basically it." 

"Sounds like your first days were eventful, and you kept finding more to do." "I managed to get introduced to this guy who made sculpted furry heads, and he asked me to design a logo for his new furry club called YIFF. The club is still open and they still use that logo. So, I'm a little proud of that." 

 

"I see on your profile, you call yourself a 'former SL hobo'?" "Homeless and living the backpacking lifestyle. I still rock the look sometime but I have an SL home now. So it wouldnt be fair to continue to call myself a true SL hobo, not any more anyway."

 

Asking if the club logo led to more work, Corey's response was, "Not too much more. I hung out with the furries of SL for many years, taking month and years long breaks while playing Second Life. I learned to make my own models when mesh became a thing and made a little money. But it's not like riding a bike. I totally forgot most of what I learned to make totally original mesh. But with what I do now, I'm in blender an awful lot."

 

"So, when did the idea of making statues come about?" "It was a few years ago. I was in this sandbox called Candlewood, now known as Sandbox Not Found, (and) there was this girl who was trying out 3D scanning objects in real life like flowers and other plants. Then she tried doing the same with in-world objects like linden bears and people's avatars. They didn't come out well, but I saw so much potential in it. So I experimented for several months, trying different techniques and softwares and just experimenting, seeing what worked and what didn't. 

 

"Eventually I became confident enough I just went up to people and asked if I could make them into statues. They weren't very good at first, lots of holes and errors I didn't know how to fix. But I needed the practice. Eventually someone asked if they could pay me for one, and I said of course. Once I got paid for that first statue, that's when i realized I could make this into a thing. And I became (to my knowledge) the first person to use 3D photogrammetery, a technology used for physical spaces in the real world, with the virtual spaces of Second Life. I just had to make sure the camera of SL mimicked the specs of a real camera, and the software picked it up like if the avatars were real physical objects. 

 

"I just kept doing it and the word spread. Most of the feedback was very positive, I've only had two examples of people reacting negatively about it. Well, to my face anyway. I've heard stories of people thinking what I do should get me banned, someone even approached Linden Lab about it in one of their round-tables, and as long as I wasn't copybotting or ripping anything there wasn't much reason to do anything about me. What I do follows the TOS in regards to photography, as that's basically all I'm doing." 

 

"Banned? For making statues of people with their permission?" I asked. "Ignorance is a powerful thing, some people just have very strong opinions about things they know very little about." "They didn't know you were doing so only with permission?" "Copybotting is a Second Life taboo, one of the few that can get you in actual trouble anymore. And people would assume that's what I was doing. One creator of a mesh head even approached me, someone told them i ripped their work. Once I explained what I did and showed them an example, they immediately understood it wasn't that. And we had a nice conversation about it. I've only ever gotten one Karen who told me I was reported and I was gonna get banned and I deserved to be sued. I tried to explain to her what I did, and I think at once point she understood. But her pride was too strong that she ended up blocking me instead of admitting fault in any way. As it only happened once, I look back on it with humor."

 

I then asked how many statues he made, "I think about that a lot, and I believe I've done about 150 at this point. Maybe more, maybe less, but in that ballpark. I used to only be able to do one photoshoot a day and take about three days for a model. But since I learned so much doing so many, I can do multiple shoots a day and have a simple model ready within a day."

 

Corey stated there are three options of model available, "based on how difficult each one is to do. A low-prim statue captures the basic shape and look of an avatar, but I don't spend time doing close-ups of detailed accessories, so it only takes about 10 minutes to do a photoshoot of that. It's the option for people who want a statue cheaper or with reduced land impact. The Deluxe statue option is me trying to cram as much detail of your avatar into my photos, so I take extra photos to capture small details as well as big. The third is the same as the deluxe, but I pose your avatar in a t-pose and rig it so it's fully animated. That one takes the most effort, I completely taught myself how rigging works in blender, and when people give me glowing reactions to their finished animeshes, I know that effort was worth it." Of the prices, Corey would say, "It's 3500 for a low-prim model, 8000 for a deluxe model and 12k for an animesh."

I then asked about the challenges of pre-mesh avatars. Corey responded, "After doing so many statues,I learn what I can do and what I can't. The way SL hair used to work before mesh hairs were an option don't mimic how real hair works, it creates the illusion of hair using many small paper-thin flexi-prims. And just because it fools our eyes, doesn't mean it fools a computer. So I have to take each person and view them like a computer would, adjusting things accordingly." "What's the best remedy for that?" "I run into all kinds of issues with people's avatars, each one requiring some little or big changes. Sometimes I have to say no to people with too many things that aren't compatible.But when you run a boutique business, you have to have some rules. I do my best to include everyone who wants a statue though, and I haven't turned away many people at all."

 

I would ask whom among his clients stood out. Corey responded, "Well I attracted the attention of Madpea over a year ago and have done statues and animesh for a few of their quests. They were using NPCs with models that didn't really fit into the SL artstyle. Once I showed up and showed them I could make NPCs using real avatars, they were immediately interested. I haven't done work for them in a while, but their heist quests are filled with my work. I've also done work for the owner of the Crack Den and a few other RP sims to create AI-powered roleplay NPCs that remember who you are, which I think is a perfect use of what I do"

I asked, "So what else do you imagine you'll be doing with this in the future?" He responded, "I'm just happy people like what I do and enjoy the end product I made them. So I'm happy to make them as long as people want them. It certainly looks interesting on a resume."

When asked if there was anything else he wanted to add, Corey answered, "The funniest thing about my rise was how I advertised. Before anybody knew who iI was or what I did, I would set up illegal stalls in big shopping events. I would attach a ramshackle stall to myself along with a few examples and just stand in an empty spot where a seller would go. People would come by, ask questions about what I did and such, I did this at every shopping event I could get access to. Got banned a few times, but it's all part of the hustle. The biggest sucess I had was at Abnormality, the furry shopping event. The owners let me stay probably because they thought it was funny or clever. But I haven't had to do that for a while. I get pretty regular work from word of mouth alone. Of course, happy to share what I know with people."

Not long after the interview, Corey would finish Nydia's statue. Nydia was so impressed, she would order a second one, this time of the character with her name in the "Switched Destinies" novel. Both can be found at the Happy Vixen Beach Club. If you have tags disabled, you might think it's really her. With real life often keeping her away from the club, Nydia would comment it's one way she can always be around. Her partner Brandi Tungsten would also get a statue, setting hers up at Club Squeaks.

 

So if you want a statue of yourself, get some Lindens together and message Corey.

 

Bixyl Shuftan 

Sunnny Awards Night at Cutlass

By Bixyl Shuftan (and Becky Shamen)

On the night of April 22, the Sunweaver community held an event to honor several individuals whom have distinguished themselves for their efforts to help out the community. The ceremony took place in the middle of the usual Friday night dance, DJed by Cynthia Farshore, which was briefly put on hold.

"People can I have your attention, please?!" Rita spoke up, then began reading from some notes, "Dearly Beloved, we are gathered here to join this man and this women........wait a minute....oops .....wrong ceremony. We are gathered here to award to some very deserving individuals the very first ever SUNNY Awards." After a couple chuckles from the audience, the white bunnygirl continued, "This award was inspired by the deeds of a certain individual who went way above the Call of Duty, to others and in the opinion of many of us deserves this award and more! Our own Sha, Becky Shamen designed it, so kudos to her for her work, on this and much, much more."

"Since we only set aside 15 minutes for this, let's get rolling. Perri Prinz, please step forward and stand beside the box and the center column, please." Perri moved, but was having a little trouble with lag, "Perri? Behind the column, please. Center one. Thank you." Perri would be receiving the first award on behalf of her partner RECoyote Mines, whom sadly wasn't there at the ceremony, but busy with his trucking job in real life.

"RECoyote is the inspiration for the SUNNY Award, it has been his over the top generosity, too so many, that it has to be recognized and honored. The wonderful part is he did it without being asked, he just saw the need and helped! That is a rare quality in today's world and so that needs to be appreciated and nurtured. The Sunweavers are like that, we are family! Now while most of us can't be as helpful as RECoyote was, many of us have stepped up in the past and done what we can, when we could, with what we had. Really no one can ask for more.

"So RECoyote from ALL of US to you we present you with the very first SUNNY Award and to top it off, we also present you with a statue of your mangy coyote self, so pigeons can poop on you daily! We do this cause WE LOVE YOU!" There were a number of cheers and claps and a "huzzaaaaaaaaaaahhhhh" animation, "Thanks for your deeds REC."

Perri spoke, "Since REC couldn't be here for unavoidable reasons, it's my honor to accept this award on his behalf. I'm sure he'll appreciate it and be long reminded of the love that comes to those who do good." Becky commented, "REC is the reason I made the award. It is designed to radiate JOY. The statue was a co-build with Rita." Shockwave spoke, "One of the nicest folks I've known. ... was worried about Perri and Ny.  A class act all the way."

"Thanks to him, living here just got a little easier for all of us. Those fees (to Linden Lab) weren't cheap. Neither were those tablets." "And he is helping with my transmission." "He also paid my family out of a ... debt. ... Pretty much saved our lives." "And he is helping with my transmission." "A very very generous soul." "There's a place in heaven for him." "Not soon I hope." "We bring heaven to earth by helping others."

After a few more comments, Rita continued, "Next up, Shockwave Yareach and Cynthia Farshore, please step forward and stand next to your awards, please." Sockwave pretended to be worried, "I didn't do anything! The tape lies!" Once they were at their places, the white rabbitgirl continued, "Shockwave has been with me since Day One, he has been my right hand Wolf, also pissing on my foot and chewing on the furniture, never totally housebroken." After a pause for chuckles, she continued, "Still if you need some building done, something sripted, a renter's temper soothed, a glitch in the club's media system, or running the Sunday Night Movies, Shockwave is right there. I don't think SL would be half as much fun without him. The greatest compliment I can give him is to call him my friend both here and in RL. So you deserve this Sunny award Shockwave. Enjoy it!" There were then a number of cheers, followed by Shockwave saying, "Thank you very much."

Rita then turned her attention to Cynthia, "Cynthia Farshore, I don't know you as well as Shockwave, but Shockwave likes you and since you keep a smile on his face and keep him out of the gutter, that has to account for something. On a more serious note, Cynthia has repeatedly, let us use her SIM to host Air shows for the RFL, she is also half of our dynamic duo build team for the Sunbeamer campsites. She has put out alot of her own money to get things done. She also loves to DJ. She is a valued member of our community, so you are deserving of this award Cynthia, Enjoy!" There were more cheers.

Rita then looked to Becky, "Becky your turn, park your tushie next to your award." Becky did, then Rita resumed, "The fourth person is our own Sha, Becky Shamen, the bouncing Bunny, who decorates the dance pole,here at Cutlass,during our dances. She also designs and makes all the clothes for the Sunbeamer RFL team. Sha also runs things here on Sunweaver Bay for me, taking in strays, mentoring new people, building stuff, ...  Sha is like my own bunny clone on the sim. She keeps things running smoothly here so I can goof off. Supreme Bunny is LAZY! Becky enjoy your award you earned it!" There were more cheers and congratulations."

Rita was a bit hesitant in speaking about the fifth award winner, "The last person on the list to get an award is me, but I am not going to blow my own horn, as they say, I'll leave that to others. If they wish." Shockwave spoke first, "Rita started this mad house.  Paid for it with her own money for years and years.  Kept us together when many other groups had fallen apart." Becky added, "Being a useful member of this community is one of my greatest joys. I am thankful and I insisted that our beloved Big Moma should also receive this award. She is the core of Sunweavers." Cynthia spoke, "I was still rather shy when I found this place but Rita and Shocky here help me to be more open."

Becky told Rita, "Take your place on stage, Chief." The white rabbitgirl did, "It has been a real pleasure to lead ths freak show, I LOVE YOU ALL!" Shockwave smiled, "We love you too, chief freak." Cynthia mused, "So for our chief freak I bring you ..." and the music resumed, then so did the dancing as the people on stage got down.

The coyote statue made in honor of RECoyote Mines would later be placed in the Sunweaver Estates, somewhere in Sunweaver Bay.

Pictures by Becky Shamen, Story by Bixyl Shuftan

Bixyl Shuftan