Character Creation

I'm the kind of person who likes to be able to picture what my characters look like so I can better visualize them in my writing. Only problem is that my drawing skills aren't the best. I was wondering if anyone has come across any kind of good 'character creator' type thing that I could use. Esspeically if it includes

• A good degree of detail
• Somewhat realistic looking features (no super stylized anime type things)
• Free and perferably not need to be downloaded
• Includes both male and female characters
• A variety of clothing options would be cool too

I don't really care if it's a 3-d program or if it's more like a digital paper doll like thing. Either way, I'd really appreciate it.

edited 19th Dec '12 12:47:01 PM by TheMuse

Sims 3 is a fun romp if you're looking for customization in the smaller areas. Not free though.

Have you tried the Google? It's free to use, in case you didn't know.

edited 19th Dec '12 3:12:11 PM by MrAHR

'the google'? If you mean trying to search online for programs, I haven't had much luck so far.

Then you're not going to get much. There is a gaia based on but it's not realistic. Doll makers and the like are hard. Especially if you're looking for something for free and non animé. And you're NOT going to find something realistic unless it has the processing power of something like the Sims, because of how many varieties there are in realism.

Our own page on Virtual Paper Doll programs lists many that come packaged with video games. I have found myself occasionally wanting a character visualizer with options that make them look at least somewhat similar to what I have in mind, but such programs just don't exist. Programs like that are hard as hell to make and there's not much demand for them in the first place. I find that what free programs do exist are better suited for getting quick visuals rather than accurate facsimiles.

edited 19th Dec '12 8:23:35 PM by CrystalGlacia

Get drawing skills :D

Or make friends with someone who has them. I'm sure if you search around on DA a bit you can find someone who'll be happy to do some sketches for you.

I get where you're coming from but I'd be kind of wary about basing your characters on anything out of a dress-up type thing. If your character looks like a paper cutout in your mind, they'll probably act like one too, it's better to bring them to life in some other way.

edited 21st Dec '12 2:22:13 AM by Kesteven

I wish I could draw the characters I come up with, damn dyspraxia.

The closest thing to advice I can think of would be to use character creation programs in games or those Virtual Paper Doll things. However, I honestly no longer rely on those methods as I find that I can never get it quite right. Now I just prefer to keep the image of the character in my head. I'm a very visual-focused person (which has led to trouble with my poor descriptions in the past), so it's quite easy for me to come up with a character's look, expressions and movement.