As mentioned a couple of days ago, the virtual man burn yielded a wonderful opportunity to drop in and check out some of the brilliant fashions that Second Life (SL) participants created for their virtual regional.
Now, let’s consider what it must be like to craft virtual fashions. Virtual and non-virtual crafting though seemingly different, share the same fundamental intention: to assist in the creation of an experience for you and those who interact with you.
While there are many similarities, let’s now consider some immediately obvious differences. In the non-virtual world, materials conform to environmental constraints automatically. A long black strap will naturally hang down a certain way for instance. In the virtual world, these normally unconscious reactions must be accounted for and the incorporation of such a response then becomes part of the crafting process. Taking this a little further, we quickly see how programming in the way a material folds, responds to different types of movement, lighting, and numerous other environmental factors paves the way for some intense crafting.
Acting upon brilliant inspiration remains the genesis, manifesting a detailed & beautiful extension of the character is still the goal, but much of what must occur in between is worlds apart. An interview with Second Life fashion designers is in the works. If this interests you, click the Subscribe links to the right and stay tuned.
