Jack Tomalin

January News

Jack — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 20:41:25 +0000

A belated Happy New Year everyone!

I hope by now you have all recovered and fully digested those Christmas dinners.

The keen eyed amongst you will notice the forum post and newsletter emails about the Redhouse Studio content being temporarily pulled from DAZ.

This is only short-term, while I look to replace the textures and I will then be relaunching the products as soon as is humanly possible. However, I am unable to give you a definite time-scale, since it will all have to be done in between my usual duties for the Platinum Club (which keeps me busy enough as it is) – as well getting married in May. But I will do my best.

Owners of the original products will of course be granted free updates – so please don’t worry. Whether the original textures will be released separately by Gordana I do not know at this time, sorry.

I would like to just state for the record, there is no conspiracy thoery – I am not leaving DAZ, nor is any of my own ‘Jack Tomalin’ content being affected – just the older Redhouse stuff. All our Platinum content is DAZ-owned, and will remain as-is.

In other, more positive news, a mini-themed set of products has been delivered to DAZ for the Platinum Club, West Park Basement has just been released – and I am currently texturing my next brokered product too. Lot’s on the go, and as always, I’m not allowed to say anything.

And remember, that silence on the site doesn’t mean nothing is happening. No news is good news as they say in that respect. I look forward to being able to unveil more of my work as time allows.

Thanks for reading, as usual, if you have any comments or suggestions don’t hesitate to get in touch!

Cheers!

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Season’s Greetings

Jack — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 16:20:39 +0000

Well, here we are.

Nearing the end of a long and eventful year. The Platinum Club has seen some 30+ products created for it, along with releases of both Sacrament and The Library amongst other things. Next year is shaping up to be quite hectic too, which work has already begun on!

Before I get back to work, a couple of goodies for you all. Firstly, Michael314 over on the DAZ forums pointed me towards a freebie on the 3D World Advent Calender

Secondly, I appreciate most of you are all spent-out now with all the sales and promotions that are on – but here’s a little coupon for you. 30OFFTOMALIN2011 will get you 30% off my stuff either here or at DAZ, so if you wanted to treat yourself you can.

With that, I just want to say thanks for all the support this year and wish you all a Merry Christmas/Happy Holidays/Insert your own celebration here. I hope you all have a good, peaceful and safe time over the festive period.

As always, feel free to get in touch with any comments/suggestions.

Cheers!

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The Library

Jack — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 16:26:09 +0000

The Library is a complete interior scene, which is a mix of Baroque and Gothic architectural styles. The large space is encased by bookcases either side (including books) and features a number of detailed furniture pieces.

The modular set is fully customizable, including preloads to quickly load the set up in it’s entirety. You can also load as much or as little as you wish and the set has also been designed to compliment products such as the Baroque Grandeur and Sacrament.

Additional features include Reality shader support via ASCEL Share (created by Hellboy Soto) as well as DS3 light presets as used in the DS artwork featured in the popups.

Please be aware to use this product in its entirety requires a high-spec PC and a little patience for the rendering times. I’ve done my best to make it usable on lower spec PC’s but it might require a bit more work to get it all loaded in.

Click on the arrows on the image below to step through the images to see The Library in action, or simply click on a thumbnail underneath to view it.

Click here to view Quicktime Panorama (Quicktime required)

Click to view Features

34 Figures (.cr2 and .obj and .daz)
9 ‘Section’ Preload Figures (.cr2 and .daz)
- !Pre_Books
- !Pre_F_Table
- !Pre_Fplace_S1
- !Pre_Fplace_S2
- !Pre_Frames
- !Pre_Lights
- !Pre_Room
- !Pre_Seating
- !Pre_Table
Grouping to allow figure elements to be hidden
Additional Features:
- Poser and D|S Material presets
- 4 DS 3.1.2.32 light presets
113 High Resolution Textures (up to 4096×4096)

Click to view the Readme

Poser Quickstart:

In the Runtime\Figures\Library folder load one of the!Pre cr2 files to preload the building section of choice. If you wish to add the complete set, load all of the !Pre_* files. Any additional elements can be added by loading their respective cr2 file.

DS Quickstart:

In the Content\Environment\Architecture\Library\Scenes folder load one of the!Pre daz files to preload the building section of choice. If you wish to add the complete set, load all of the !Pre_* files. Any additional elements can be added by loading their respective cr2 file.

Detailed Instructions:

The Library is made up of separate sections, which when loaded up will create a 360 degree interior. Due to the high poly count these sections can be loaded individually, or in parts to maximise resource usage.

Breakdown and explanation of preload cr2′s:

!Pre_Books

This loads both sets of books in situ for each of the bookcases.

!Pre_F_Table

This loads up the folding table, books, book stand and candle holders.

!Pre_Fplace_S1

This loads the fire basket, logs, flames and candle holders for the top fireplace (at the arches end of the room)

!Pre_Fplace_S2

As above, but for the lower fireplace (at the back end of the room)

!Pre_Frames

This loads the mirror and picture frames for placement in the room

!Pre_Lights

This loads the central ceiling lights and standing lights

!Pre_Room

This loads the bookcases, flooring, fireplaces, back walls and arches

!Pre_Seating

This loads all of the double and single seats

!Pre_Table

This loads the main table, chairs, table lamps and candle holders

Each sections each have their own figure groups to maximise versatility. The doors are fully articulated also, allowing each to opened individually, or removed completely.

Lights:

There are several D|S 3 light sets included to accompany the preloads, which can be found in the content\Environments\Architecture\Library\Lights folder. They use the UberAreaLight Spheres due to the increased control which they offer.

If they are all loaded in together by default it will take a while to render due to the calculating the shadows for *all* the lights. To speed up up render times, but sacrificing quality, you can turn shadows off and lower the light samples.

There’s no real shortcut unfortunately though. Alternatively, if you wish to up the quality for the lights simply increase the shadow samples for each light .

Fireplace_Lights

This loads the lights for the top fireplace (to accompany !Pre_Fplace_S1)

Fld_Table_Lights

This loads the lights for the folding table (to accompany !Pre_F_Table)

Lights

This loads the lights for the room (to accompany !Pre_Lights)

Table_Lights

This loads the lights for the table (to accompany !Pre_Table)

Materials:

In addition to the Poser defaults in Runtime\Materials\Library, there are D|S specific MAT files included in the Runtime\Materials\Pose folder.

Notes:

Unless otherwise stated the promos were created in D|S 3. Using either Reality/Lux Render or UberEnvironment natively in D|S 3. Those not created in D|S were created using Lightwave 10.

If you haven’t done so already, please sign up to my newsletter on my website! You’ll be the first to hear about upcoming news and releases, gain access to exclusive offers as well as freebies and much more: http://www.jacktomalin.com/subscribers

Thanks:

My thanks and gratitude go out to everyone who supports my products..thanks and enjoy.

The Library is compatible for both the PC and Mac. The multi-file zip version is ideal for limited download speeds and comprises of 5 files in 50mb parts. Alternatively there is a single zip available which is 212mb.

Price: $34.95

Multi-File Zip Download:

Single Zip Download:

If you have any questions or comments, feel free to contact me.

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Say hello to my little friends

Jack — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 11:04:22 +0000

A lesser known side-project of mine is as part of the Cornish Knocker Company.

It’s based loosely around the old legends and folklore of Cornwall – and features characters such as piskies, yaargs, knockers, mermaids and much, much, more. If you’re new to it all and are wondering just what I am babbling on about, be sure to check out the Knockerpedia which will explain all!

As well as 2D illustrations, we also provide a unique 3D perspective on the Knockerverse and that is where I come in. It’s worlds apart from my usual architectural offerings, being totally bonkers and far less uniform that I’m normally used to it is a nice departure from the day job. It’s actually a lot harder than it appears to take a 2D illustration and turn it into something 3D, while keeping the original look and feel, but we’re all pleased with the results so far – and have a lot more stuff in the pipeline too.

If this is your thing, or you would like to find out more, be sure to check out our site at www.cornishknockers.com. There are both Facebook and Twitter accounts to keep up to date too, so be sure to join up! Want to support us? Head on over to our Zazzle store where you will find all manner of wonders: prints, posters, t-shirts and more.. ideal for Christmas and birthday presents.

I will be posting more details of up and coming Knocker projects too, so stay tuned!

Cheers!

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November?!?

Jack — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 10:49:41 +0000

I can’t believe we are already in November.. where did the year go?

I read online somewhere something along the lines of ‘Time goes so fast nowadays that when I look at a calendar I feel like a bewildered time-traveller’ and that sums it up perfectly.

November, like October, is going to be quite an eventful one. There is a lot going on which I’m sure I’ve told you all about enough so I won’t bore you again just yet. But please, check back regularly since there are going to be at least one thing which is going to be just a 24 hour event.

It will be across both here and DAZ, so whatever the weather you shouldn’t miss out.

Thanks to everyone who supported and enjoyed the Platinum Club Anniversary stuff. You’ll be pleased to know we’re already thinking about next years plan

Oh and hello to all the new subscribers – don’t be shy, feel free to drop me an email and say hi if you wish.

For now, cheers!

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Sacrament

Jack — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 11:23:48 +0000

Sacrament is a highly-detailed Gothic-influenced ecclesiastical interior. Fully modular in design, it’s 27 individual parts form a rich and versatile backdrop.

Preloads have been included for ease of use and with a little imagination these parts can be further extended to enhance versatility.

Additional features include Reality shader support via ASCEL Share (created by Paolo Ciccone himself) as well as DS3 light presets as used in the DS artwork featured in the popups.

Click on the arrows on the image below to step through the images to see Sacrament in action, or simply click on a thumbnail underneath to view it.

Click here to view Quicktime Panorama (Quicktime required)

Click to view Features

27 Figures (.cr2 and .obj and .daz)

15 ‘Section’ Preload Figures (.cr2 and .daz)

!Pre_Altar
!Pre_Bk_Wall
!Pre_Clabra_Bk
!Pre_Clabra_Sd_L
!Pre_Clabra_Sd_R
!Pre_Confess_Sd_L
!Pre_Confess_Sd_R
!Pre_Ground
!Pre_Pew_Sd_L
!Pre_Pew_Sd_R
!Pre_Sd_B_Wall_L
!Pre_Sd_B_Wall_R
!Pre_Sd_Wall_L
!Pre_Sd_Wall_R
!Pre_V_Ceiling

Grouping to allow figure elements to be hidden

Additional Features:

Poser and D|S Material presets
Reality shader support via ACSEL
4 DS 3.1.2.32 light presets (for the candlabra and candlestick preloads)

76 High Resolution Textures (up to 3584×3584)

Click to view the Readme

Installation:

The product is packaged as a multipart zip file. To open I recommend either using Winzip (PC) or Stuffit Expander (Mac). Both are free, please ensure you are using the latest versions.

The product contains both Poser Runtime and DS Content folders. If you use Poser, simply copy folder the Runtime to your existing Poser Runtime folder. If you use DS, copy the Content folder to your existing DS content folder and then copy the Runtime folder into the Content\Runtime.

If you use both, copy them to their own respective folders and then make sure DS has the Poser Runtime folder added to corresponding Directories setting.

For example these can include (if installed in their default locations):

C:\Program Files\Curious Labs\Poser
C:\Program Files\Smith Micro\Poser
C:\Program Files (x86)\Smith Micro\Poser
C:\Program Files\DAZ\
C:\Program Files (x86)\DAZ\

If you are unsure where these folders exist, try a folder search for ‘Runtime’ and/or ‘Content’ and it should pick it up.

Note for DS users:

If you receive an error along the lines of ‘Unable to find file for storable’ make sure the DS data files in the zip are copied over to the right location in your DS Content folder. DS2 data files are located in Content\Data, while DS3 data files are located in Content\Data\3_0 and DS4 is located in Content\Data\4_0.

Poser Quickstart:

In the Runtime\Figures\Sacrament folder load one of the!Pre cr2 files to preload the building section of choice. If you wish to add the complete set, load all of the !Pre_* files. Any additional elements can be added by loading their respective cr2 file.

DS Quickstart:

In the Content\Environment\Architecture\Sacrament\Scenes folder load one of the!Pre daz files to preload the building section of choice. If you wish to add the complete set, load all of the !Pre_* files. Any additional elements can be added by loading their respective cr2 file.

Detailed Instructions:

Sacrament is made up of separate sections, which when loaded up will create a 360 degree interior. Due to the high poly count these sections can be loaded individually, or in parts to maximise resource usage.

Breakdown and explanation of preload cr2′s:

!Pre_Altar

This is the altar loaded up in position on the top of the steps complete with candalabras and candlesticks.

!Pre_Bk_Wall

This is the back wall section, including the glass windows, entrance walls, arches and doors. This can be rotated 180 degrees to cap the other end of the interior off as well.

!Pre_Clabra_Bk

This loads up the candalabras for the back wall section of the interior.

!Pre_Clabra_Sd_L

As above, but for the left side section.

!Pre_Clabra_Sd_R

As above, but for the right side section.

!Pre_Confess_Sd_L

This loads two confessionals into the recesses of the left wall sections.

!Pre_Confess_Sd_R

As above, but loads into the recesses of the right wall sections.

!Pre_Ground

This loads the ground planes for the interior.

!Pre_Pew_Sd_L

This loads in 10 pews on the left side of the scene. These can be duplicate to create more rows of pews.

!Pre_Pew_Sd_R

As above, but on the right side.

!Pre_Sd_B_Wall_L

This loads the back wall section for the left side of the scene. It includes the walls, windows and wall bracket elements.

!Pre_Sd_B_Wall_R

As above, but on the right side.

!Pre_Sd_Wall_L

This loads the main wall section for the left side of the scene. It includes the walls, windows and column elements.

!Pre_Sd_Wall_R

As above, but on the right side.

!Pre_V_Ceiling

This loads the ceiling sections for the interior.

Each sections each have their own figure groups to maximise versatility. The doors are fully articulated also, allowing each to opened individually, or removed completely.

Lights:

There are several D|S 3 light sets included to accompany the preloads, which can be found in the content\Environments\Architecture\Sacrament\Lights folder. They use the UberAreaLight Spheress due to the increased control which they offer. If they are all loaded in together by default it will take a while to render due to the calculating the shadows for *all* the lights. To speed up up render times, but sacrificing quality, you can turn shadows off and lower the light samples. There’s no real shortcut unfortunately though.

!Lights_Clabra_L

This loads up the lights for the candalabras on the left side of the scene.

!Lights_Clabra_R

As above but for the right hand side.

!Lights_Clabra_Bk

As above but for the back wall section.

!Lights_Altar

This loads the lights for the altars candalabra and candlesticks.

Materials:

In addition to the Poser defaults in Runtime\Materials\Sacrament, there are D|S specific MAT files included in the content\Environments\Architecture\Sacrament\Mats directory. Reality specific materials have also been created by Paolo Ciccone himself. For instructions on how to load these please refer to the ACSEL section of the Reality User Guide.

Notes:

Unless otherwise stated the promos were created in D|S 3. Using either Reality/Lux Render or UberEnvironment natively in D|S 3. Those not created in D|S were created using Lightwave 10.

Thanks:

My thanks and gratitude go out to the following people:

Laurie at DAZ
Paolo at Pret-a-3D

Sacrament is compatible for both the PC and Mac. The multi-file zip version is ideal for limited download speeds and comprises of 3 files in 50mb parts. Alternatively there is a single zip available which is 142mb.

Price: $39.95

Multi-File Zip Download:

Single Zip Download:

If you have any questions or comments, feel free to contact me.

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Platinum Club Anniversary is GO!

Jack — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 12:23:16 +0000

The Carnival has finally come to town!

This theme has been in production since March and is a culmination of months of hard work from everyone involved at the Platinum Club towers. We decided then to go for a 1930′s Carnival, complete with a worn-out depression era look.

My own personal contribution included a large part of the architectural pieces. From the Entrance, to the Big Tent, Midway stalls and Carousel, it was a massive project over a long period of time. These sort of projects you come to loathe after looking at them for so long, so it was nice to finally get it released and see the enjoyment that everyone gets from them.

For more details, teasers and news on the rewards associated with the Platinum Club 9th Anniversary celebrations check out the DAZ forums

Here are the promo images I made to accompany the release:

And here is an animation showing the carousel in full swing.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=51rg0Gh8LaM

There are still loads of things which we can add to this and I dare say we will in the future. Like most ‘themes’ I work on (West Park, GIS, Curious) they are never final. So stay tuned – and if you have any suggestions of what you would like to see then get in touch.

Thanks and enjoy!

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Beach Cliffs and Caves

Jack — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 15:35:58 +0000

Beach Cliffs and Caves is a set of high resolution images which can be used in lots of different ways. This includes backdrops for renders, photo references, texture map creation or even digital scrap-booking. Each image is 5634×3753 pixels or 3753×5634 depending on the orientation.

There are 4 packs available to purchase, or if you wish you can download all 4 as a discounted bundle. In total there are 137 images (35 in Packs I, II and III, 32 in Pack IV) with each pack containing a thumbnail index too.

Click on image to see the full size contact sheet.

Pack I:

Pack II:

Pack III:

Pack IV:

Click to view the Readme

This is a pack of high resolution image stock featuring a mix bag of beach cliffs and caves.

All images are taken directly from the camera, minor colour adjustments where necessary, lens profile corrections applied and resaved as jpg files.

If you are interested in obtaining the files in the original RAW format please get in touch.

Fair use applies to these images, you can use them commercially providing you alter them enough so that they are visually different (e.g used as background in a render, or elements used as a texture map on a model) but you may not resell them as stock images (just changing the colour etc), offer them as prints or redistribute them in any way. If you are in any doubts please contact me first.

Thanks and enjoy!

Pack I (77.2Mb)

Price $3.99

Pack II (110.2Mb)

Price $3.99

Pack III (96.8Mb)

Price $3.99

Pack IV (78.2Mb)

Price $3.99

Super Bundle (All 4 Packs)

Price $12.99

If you have any questions or comments, feel free to contact me.

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Woodlands Flora and Fauna

Jack — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 21:38:29 +0000

Woodlands Flora and Fauna is a set of high resolution images which can be used in lots of different ways. This includes backdrops for renders, photo references, texture map creation or even digital scrap-booking. Each image is 5634×3753 pixels or 3753×5634 depending on the orientation.

There are 3 packs available to purchase, or if you wish you can download all 3 as a discounted bundle. In total there are 108 images (35 in Packs I and II, 38 in Pack III) with each pack containing a thumbnail index too.

Click on image to see the full size contact sheet.

Pack I:

Pack II:

Pack III:

Click to view the Readme

This is a pack of high resolution image stock featuring a mix bag of woodland related images.

All images are taken directly from the camera, minor colour adjustments where necessary, lens profile corrections applied and resaved as jpg files.

If you are interested in obtaining the files in the original RAW format please get in touch.

Thanks and enjoy!

Pack I (113.5Mb)

Price $3.99

Pack II (121.2Mb)

Price $3.99

Pack III (123.4Mb)

Price $3.99

Super Bundle (All 3 Packs)

Price $9.99

If you have any questions or comments, feel free to contact me.

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A Grand Opening

Jack — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 06:37:58 +0000

I’m pleased to announce I will soon be launching my own ‘store’ which will feature exclusive content only available here.

Now before anyone jumps to conclusions, I’m not leaving DAZ. I am still going to be producing content for the Platinum Club – so don’t panic! I don’t even know if I should actually call this a store yet.

With my bigger independent projects, I want to try experimenting with a few things; publishing products myself offers a bit more control and freedom. There are obviously a lot of variables to consider, problems to overcome and ultimately a huge leap of faith. Frankly though, that’s for me to deal with!

One of the tangible benefits for you guys (and gals) will be lower prices. Since I don’t lose a big chunk in brokering fees I can pass on that saving straight to you. I will have payment processing fees and additional hosting costs to cover, but it’s a start right?

In return though, you won’t have fancy things like wish lists, user accounts, forums etc (just yet, at least) but what you will have will be a simple, functional (and more importantly working) means of buying my stuff. I’m not looking to create yet another community or brokering site, just something more personal and dare I say professional.

Since I’m a one man band things like support won’t be instantaneous, but I will obviously do my best. Even if I can’t help on the spot I’ll at least reply to say I’m dealing with it.

I will however be offering a full, no-quibble, 30-day money back guarantee since I’m confident that you will like my products. However if for any reason you don’t, I will refund your money back. You can’t say fairer than that now.

Also you will have the opportunity to get download links sent out again should you lose the original files. The content delivery system I am using allows me to reset links – while it’s not something you can do yourself (at the moment) should you have any issues just drop me an email and let me know the email address you purchased it with and I will do the rest.

It’s not going to be rushed, but I’ve got a couple of products in the pipeline to try on here and then we’ll take it from there. If it falls flat on it’s face, well c’est la vie, but I feel now is the time to give this a shot.

The biggest area where I will need your help though is getting the word out there.. so please, if you know people who buy and like my stuff, send them this way, sign up for the newsletter and then I can at least keep people in touch. I won’t have the advantage of huge passing traffic so I need all the help I can get. The same for posting images, if you’re allowed (and won’t be violating the sites TOS) please just put a little note about where you got the product from.

Once it goes live, please, please bear with me if you have any problems. I’m having to put a lot of faith in my web hosting and who knows what will happen. I’ve had a few dry runs and so far it all seems ok – but who knows what will implode once it’s released into the wild. So if you have any issues when you try to purchase something just email me and I will sort it out ASAP! Hopefully once the bugs are ironed out we will be all good.

If you have any comments or suggestions, as always, feel free to contact me

Thanks for all the support.

Edit: I will be supporting both Paypal and Google Checkout, neither of which actually need an account with them, you can just pay using a credit card. I hope that is flexible enough for the time being until I am ready to take credit card payments here directly.

Edit #2: Well I would offer Google Checkout – however it turns out they can only handle my base currency which is GBP £ .. and that would mean all the prices would have to be changed. So for ease of use I will sit on that one for the moment until I can think of a better solution.

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