(Frequently Asked) Questions & Answers

Q: What software will I need to follow the courses?

A: For the 3D modeling we recommend grabbing Blender (it's free!) - it's what we both will be using during our tutorials, so it will be easiest to follow. If you have relatively strong background in other package (like Maya or 3DS Max) most of techniques we show should apply with little modifications, as, at the end of the day, it's all polygons. Shana uses Max/Maya professionally so if you're unsure please poke him.

Some advanced lessons might use Zbrush for some sculpting and nifty features of the software, but it will always be optional content, that you can also often replicate just using Blender sculpting.

Texturing process will be done in combo of Photoshop (for more precise 2D work and image processing) and Substance Painter (for most of general texturing work). We really recommend obtaining at least Painter (Photoshop can be replaced with Photopea or GIMP in a pinch) because it doesn't have real alternative.

Other software you'll see us using is of course FFXIV TexTools for putting your things in game and occassionally small utilities like PureRef for gathering references.

If there's enough interest we can cover cloth design & simulation in Marvelous Designer.

Q: But I want to mod for Bibo/TBSE/Lalafell/Namazu NPCs. Is this course for me?

A: Yes, absolutely. We teach techniques and workflows that are universal, just load devkit from your favorite body mod and you can follow our videos just fine. We use Pythia as an example for simple reason of us being creators of the body! Of course we'll be honored if you decide to continue your modding journey using Pythia as a base.

Q: What about changing/hopping tiers?

A: Of course you can! We follow Patreon rules, please refer to https://support.patreon.com/hc/en-us/articles/360000126286-Changing-your-tier. Please remember that due to Patreon rules you can't downgrade an annual membership to a lower tier.

Q: What if I need fast help?

A: Our Patreon help channels work on a first come-first serve basis, but if you're on apprentice and higher tier please ping us and we'll try to help out ASAP. Please mind that we're living in Europe and sleep from time to time;)

Q: What I won't learn from your lessons?

A: We're not really covering making custom face sculpts (although with enough normal 3d knowledge that we teach you shouldn't have much of a problem doing it), animation and VFX (in a case by case basis Shana can help in 1:1 lessons - if you really need your custom made necklace to jiggle and be on fire - but our main content is focused on modeling/texturing character assets). Generally look at our modding portfolio - if we made something, then surely we can teach how to make it! They're on https://xivmodarchive.com/user/526425 and https://xivmodarchive.com/user/327141.

Q: How do 1:1 lessons work?

A: It's just an appointment system - on Protege tier you get 2 one-hour private lessons via Discord voice/video chat per your monthly billing cycle where one of us is just for you for all things 3D related to what we teach - we can show you some techniques specific to your project, answer questions, supervise/critique your work - it's up to you. We have a Trello board where you can do bookings first week of your billing cycle.