Animated Doll

Several months ago, I decided to create an animation based on one of my dolls. I searched the web for software that I could use for free, just to find out the capabilities. I found software that allowed me to have a 30 day free trial with limited software capabilities. The doll that I chose was my Phicen seamless figure (resembling Halle Berry's Jinx character). Below is the actual photo that I used for my animation.

And my results are below. I tried to get her to lip sync to a song that I was singing. The trial version of the software did not have much in the way of hair, clothing, or background options. And I was limited to a 30 second video.


So what do you think? I thought this was pretty decent for a first attempt, so a few days later I decided to try again using a photo of my Kwanzaa Barbie doll.

You'll have to take my word for it that my second animation was way better than the first. I downloaded an add-on with more hair, clothing, and background options. Her hair was blowing in the wind, and she had realistic eyes. I was finished with the animation and was in the process of adding the song to the animation so that she could lip sync (it was a much better song recording too, but you'll just have to take my word for it). Then, my computer locked up. The trial version of the software does not allow you to save your work, so I lost over an hour's worth of effort. After that, I lost all interest and removed that software from my system.

My overall impression of this process is that animating dolls could add an interesting layer to the videos and storytelling, but it's much too time intensive for me right now. I'm not willing to purchase the full version of the software, and I'm not motivated to try any more free trials or possible free software out there (unless I get some good recommendations on free software that works well).

More Stuff

I've wanted this one for a while, and now Kwanzaa Barbie has finally come to join me.

She came with her box, but the box has been opened.

For now I will display her in her box.

I'd never wanted a Justin Bieber doll.  I've walked right by them time and time again in stores (but I did buy one of the clothing sets for my other teen boys).  But then someone on Facebook posted about how the prices of these dolls had been falling rapidly amid the recent troubles that the singer has been having.  Someone else made the point that it would be worth the cheap prices just to get the clothes, and that caught my attention.  I remembered seeing a JB playset that I liked on Vanessa's blog, and decided to finally search for one and I picked this one up since the price was right.

I need some doctors and nurses around here.  My dolly infirmary is overflowing, and my dolls are not getting any help from me.  I have a GI Jane nurse, but she came here without any of her gear.  She would probably try to punch me in the face if I put her in this, but SOMEBODY'S got to step up and help my injured dollies.

 Here are a couple of additional photos of my Phicen (that they are not calling Jinx).  Also, here is a video of my Jinx vs. Jinx vs. Phicen comparison that includes some new photos and some video footage.