An Avatar is Born
Avatar creation is a sexy business and we always dress to impress. With the release of me, Angela 3D, we are showcasing our latest and greatest — 3D avatars for mass consumption. Some very smart folks have spent a lot of time rendering my 3D curves in the confines of Flash, allowing me to look great but still be interactive. I'd love to get your feedback about me. So drop us a line or leave a blog comment. Thank you!
These Avatars need to nod affirmatively - head moving up and down - NOT side to side. Side to side says you don't believe what you are saying in the american culture. There is a whole body of knowledge on the impact of facial expressions on how people are believable - see the book Blink.
Posted by: Michelle LaBrosse | October 25, 2006 at 12:07 PM
The 3D look is very impressive , but Angela 3D seems to have a "deer in the headlights" look.
Most of all though, I am still put off by all of the avatars lack of emotion. More to the point, they don't smile.
It will always be a tough sell to have the digital face of a retail business not be able to put on a consistantly happy face.
Posted by: Steve Hurley | October 25, 2006 at 12:18 PM
Hey there Angela :o)
Posted by: Adrian | October 25, 2006 at 12:19 PM
Angela looks good but is still very stiff. Can she smile? Nod up and down? How about a dimple? ;)
Posted by: jeff | October 25, 2006 at 12:45 PM
I agree with Steve Hurley's comments on "Lack of emotion"... The only emotion we can control is coming from voice, which in our case, I recorded my own voice.
Michelle brough up a point I did not think about... the side to side motion versus an "Affirmative" nod.
A friendly smile would indeed be nice...
Posted by: TM | October 25, 2006 at 12:53 PM
Avatars are creepy.
Posted by: Baba Booey | October 25, 2006 at 01:05 PM
The scene "waves" and ripples as you move your mouse, and her eyes are very cold. The smile is a must, without it she's just a droid. I wouldn't use her.
Posted by: cathie | October 25, 2006 at 01:19 PM
Here's what I think the problem is. The 2d girl that I make use of the most is captivating (I know, that's my personal problem). The new 3d girl is a big step forward in animation and a true accomplishment, but as you raise the "reality" bar you raise our expections. I really like what you are doing, but the improved animation requires a broader range of expression. I can see you adding, someday, a new "expression" variable with choices for Sad, Happy, Excited, Come-hither, etc. (my problem again). This current iteration leaves Angela acting like ARNOLD's girlfriend. Good work so far.
Posted by: Keith | October 25, 2006 at 01:57 PM
Yes the smile needs work. Also, I hope you will have some whiter skin Avatars.
Posted by: AL Anderson | October 25, 2006 at 02:05 PM
Hi Al,
Actually you have complete control as to how light or how dark you want your Avatar to be. Angela has a nice tan,but you could customize that feature. What I suggested at one point was more options on Hair styles and accessories.
Posted by: TM | October 25, 2006 at 05:21 PM
It seems she is after a good crying session. Maybe it's the lighting direction fault.
Also, she blinks a lot (maybe she has contact lenses).
In general she is pretty, and fit her position assuming she is a seller in Dracula web site and Dracula has just woke up extremely hungry...
Posted by: Angela Age | October 26, 2006 at 02:57 AM
Thanks for all of your comments, folks! This is very helpful... keep them coming!
Posted by: Charlie | October 26, 2006 at 10:03 AM
I am German so I like that she doesn't smile.
She looks very realistic. I see pornography in your future.
Posted by: Ilja | October 28, 2006 at 02:01 AM
The photorealistic effect just can't survive the choppy lipsynch. Better to stick to more cartoonish 3D characters.
Posted by: Jonathan Brody | October 30, 2006 at 09:18 PM
shes scary
Posted by: tracey | November 05, 2006 at 09:47 AM