February Update
🕑 Added 2020-01-30 08:48:51 +0000 UTCFebruary Pledge Charges
Pledge charges will resume on February. This will mean I will create new content per tier on top of all other content I am behind on. I haven't got to messaging all other delayed content since I am focus on getting back on track.
Delayed Content
I want to explain how I'm planning how to do this. If you subbed back in October and haven't come back. I'll message you the link for all the content I wasn't able to delivery on time. Once I am caught up with all the delayed content, I'll message all in one go. I think it'll be a somewhat complicated process, but I've been looking forward to delivering on the content for your amazing support.
If you've been supporting me on and off throughout the months where I've been lagging behind, I appreciate you a for sticking around and supporting me!
Progress
February is almost here. I was not able to complete all delayed comics within the month of January, but I am making good progress. I am starting to gauge my render output. Some days are really good where as I can optimize my whole day. Other days I come across new obstacles that I need to find a workaround to render faster. It's all a balance to find what works best and get things rolling.
There are many things I have learned this month.
- Experiment with more post work special effects. (Such as fluids, background effects, adjusting lights)
- Figured out linear 360 turntables animations. (No ease in/ease out)
- Using different light setups to have better control over lighting.
- Understanding how surface works.
- Convert scene to iRay mats seems to be a big game changer. Some products I use are old so they aren't optimized or aren't using the iRay uber mats.
- Using the AI denoiser seems to help a ton. (I didn't want to rely on it since I've had bad experience with it, but I'm starting to put it into good use as I gain a better understanding.)
- Use Blender better to create custom morphs. (I can now mask the arms. Before I used to import two different models and while it worked, it was a clunky process. Learning to mask certain parts of the object improved this workflow immensely!)
- Learning how to pose figure faster.
- Use jpg instead of png to save file space. (This was a duh moment. I only rendered in png, but starting to see that jpg can offer the same quality. I'll still use png for transparent stuff, but jpg works just as good at the same time saving space in the long run.)
These are some things I can think on the top of my head. I am no where near being an advance Daz3D user, but if y'all have any questions, go ahead and shoot them at me. I'll try my best to answer.
Now there are somethings I really want to learn/improve!
- Blender. I want to invest sometime learning this program so I can begin to create custom content.
- Daz3D. I need to learn more in and outs of this program. I feel like I'm only scratching the surface. Having a strong grasp of this program can help me improve my workflow overall. Knowing what works and what slows down renders can help save a ton of time.
- Writing. Yeah, I still make lots of typos. The world of writing is so vast too! Only limited by your imagination. I'm looking into resources and books to improve my skill in writing. I want to create diverse worlds with interesting characters. Having each story overlap into each other and have impactful moments. I think this is something that gets better with more practice.
A Year in Review
For 2019, I was able to complete approximately 1,294 renders for comics. I was able to complete 13 comics. The year was quite rocky around the summer, but I'm looking at a good year in 2020 despite all the negative events that's been popping out lately.
Closing Thoughts
This has been overall a good start to 2020. Thank you each and everyone of you for your support and reading the stories I create. Your support allows me to keep creating this type of content and explore new boundaries. I can't express it in words. All I can do is give my best for 2020.
Thank You!
AstralBot3D
P.S. New profile pic is a character I put together on the side. Sara. A bounty hunter maybe. Someone strong and independent. Dat revolver tho! Here are two 4K wallpaper of her.

