Let's Talk About MESH...

Let's talk about Mesh today. I will be the first to admit I don't know a thing about it, except the horror stories of people seeing you naked if they don't have the right viewer. I have to admit, I indeed saw many naked avatars when Mesh first hit the grid. Then there is the argument that your shape is defined by the designer and we all will end up with a canned shape version with no individuality. Needless to say all this has made me very reluctant to venture into the mesh clothing world.

But as you have been seeing in my posts lately, I have very timidly been exploring the world of mesh and I think I like it (Don't throw anything at me Abbie!). This is due to a note card I received from JANE regarding mesh. There seems to be a movement toward standardized mesh sizes. I know, I know, before you scream and see canned shapes, let me explain. This note card explained how mesh only depends on 8 of the measurements that make up your shape. I took a look at my shape and it fell easily within the standardized medium shape. I just needed to lower my breast size by 2. And to be honest, visably with that change, I didn't see a change. So see nothing to really fear.. no canned Tali. Still the lucious curvy Tali I have always been.


So I want to share this note card with all of you so that you can read it and learn  a bit more about mesh and the Standardize Mesh Movement.

<------Start of Note card----->

The following questions are answered:

1. What is Standard Sizing?
2.  What is the purpose of Standard Sizing?
3.  How do you know the Standard-Sized shapes are accurate?
4. Where are XL and XXL?
5.  Won't we look like a bunch of clones if we're all using the same 5 shapes?
6. Where can I get these shapes and how much do they cost?
7. What if my own personal avatar size doesn't match one of the Standard Sizes?
8. I am a creator. How do I make use of the Standard-Sized shapes, and how do I let my customers know I am using Standard Sizing?
9.  How do I let my customers know what Standard Sizing is?
10.  I create and sell shapes. Can I use the Standard-Sized shapes as a base for shapes that I sell?
(At the very bottom you will find the Standard Sizing measurements.)

1. What is Standard Sizing?
Standard Sizing is a system created to standardize avatar shapes so that rigged mesh clothing can be created to fit most adult human female avatars and so that consumers will be able to objectively identify their own avatar with one of the Standard Sizes, enabling them to comfortably purchase rigged mesh clothing and accessories. We have created a group of 5 shapes representing the 5 most common adult human female avatar sizes in Second Life: Extra Extra Small (XXS), Extra Small (XS), Small (S), Medium (M), and Large (L).

2. What is the purpose of Standard Sizing?
Creators and shoppers would benefit greatly from having a common language to communicate about sizing of garments and accessories for avatars.  As a consumer, you can determine which Standard Size is closest to your favorite shape and buy clothing in that size.  As a creator, you can fit your designs to the Standard Sizes, guaranteeing that they will fit a wide range of customer shapes.

3. How do you know the Standard-Sized shapes are accurate?
The numbers we used to create the 5 Standard-Sized shapes were calculated using the results of a survey of over 500 adult human female avatars. The survey information focused on the following measurements: Body Fat, Torso Muscle, Breast Size, Love Handles, Belly Size, Leg Muscle, Butt Size, and Saddle Bags. Because rigged mesh responds to variations in Heights (including Height, Torso Length, and Leg Length) and Widths (including Body Thickness, Shoulder Width, Hip Width, etc.) on its own, these measurements were not included in the survey.

4. Where are XL and XXL?
Based on our survey results, very few users identify their avatar shapes as XL or XXL.  Limiting our sizes to XXS-L should make for an easier transition into widespread use of the Standard Sizing system. If a designer wanted to create clothing larger than Standard L, they absolutely could.

5.  Won't we look like a bunch of clones if we're all using the same 5 shapes?
Being able to express your individual personality and style through a unique avatar is one of the foundations of Second Life.  We do not want to limit that any more than is necessary to provide a basic reference point for avatar sizing.  Of the dozens of measurements that make up each person's shape, only 8 of them are relevant to each of the 5 Standard Sizes.  Even those 8 can be tweaked and still fit that size.  This allows a person to largely preserve their original shape, with the added benefit of knowing their Standard Size, and being able to shop comfortably for rigged mesh clothing.

6.  Where can I get these shapes and how much do they cost?
You can download all 5 of the Standard-Sized shapes for free from the Marketplace here: ( https://marketplace.secondlife.com/stores/100141 ). They are full permissions, so you are free to modify them or use the numbers as you please. However, note that making changes to the following measurements may compromise the way Standard-Sized rigged mesh garments fit you: Body Fat, Torso Muscle, Breast Size, Love Handles, Belly Size, Leg Muscle, Butt Size, & Saddle Bags (We recommend that these measurements be changed only slightly, if at all).

7. What if my own personal avatar size doesn't match one of the Standard Sizes?
Your shape will most likely fit into one of the Standard Size categories. Since all rigged mesh clothing will probably include alpha bases, minor size variations of the 8 measurements listed previously will be will hidden, along with any glitching due to posing or animating.  If this is not the case, you may want to modify your shape so that clothing fitted for a Standard Size will also fit you.

8. I am a creator. How do I make use of the Standard-Sized shapes, and how do I let my customers know I am using Standard Sizing?
You can download the 3d files here ( http://dl.dropbox.com/u/6003454/Standard%205%20sizes.zip ). Once you load the Standard-Sized shapes into your 3d programs, you can build your clothing around them.  Included in your download is an icon that represents your use of Standard Sizing. You can display this icon in your store, on your vendors, in your blog, etc. Hopefully, as Standard Sizing becomes more widely used, this icon will be easily recognized in the Second Life community. You can also have your store listed in the directory of shops offering Standard Sizing by filling out the form under "Stores/Creators", found here: http://bloggingsecondlife.wordpress.com/ . Be sure to check the boxes next to Standard Sizing and Mesh.

9.  How do I let my customers know what Standard Sizing is?
Feel free to distribute the information provided here any way you'd like!

10. I create and sell shapes. Can I use the Standard-Sized shapes as a base for shapes that I sell?
Yes.

A directory of shops offering Standard Sizing can be found here:
 http://bloggingsecondlife.wordpress.com/?page_id=1363

If you have any questions or comments please join the in-world group "Standard Sizing System".  This is a discussion group for Standard Sizing issues where you're free to voice any concerns or suggestions via chat.

Below you will find measurements for each of the 5 Standard-Sized shapes:

Measurement	XXS	XS	S	M	L
Body Fat	0	5	7	11	24
Torso Muscle	21	31	35	38	48
Breast Size	32	48	52	58	71
Love Handles	22	25	28	31	39
Belly Size	0	2	3	6	14
Leg Muscle	40	45	50	56	69
Butt Size	24	34	38	44	62
Saddle Bags	22	30	33	36	45

<----End of Note card----->

Okay so as you can see it's not going to be that bad after all, right? The only snafu to this movement would be if designers won't join in to make them all standard in sizing. I have to say I enjoyed knowing exactly what size I wore and not having to try them all on to see which worked for me. I never knew, before standardized mesh, what size I would end up being. Once I was a xxl, the next luscious then a small!! That was a huge headache, so I for one am looking forward to the standardized shapes (ducks the book, Abbie just threw).

Now you asked how does mesh really look? In the image below (click to see them larger) the necklace, dress and bag are mesh. I was timid on the looks of mesh but I do find it to be better in detail and movement.

The dress is from ColdLogic one of the newest stores to hit the fashion world with a bang. It is the Valentine gift, you can still get it if  you join the Subscriber and check the past history. I really enjoyed the fit and flow of the dress when I move. The bag is a free gift from Bella's Lullaby. The detailing is amazing, I was impressed with the texturing. The beaded necklace in the picture below is from Maxi Gossamer (MG) off of Marketplace. I love the detailing of the beads, and the layered styling was good.  So the Dress, Bag and Necklace pass my "is mesh worth it" test...I will keep them.

 I am not completely sold on mesh hair though. I got several demos from several  designers and was not pleased with the lack of movement. I love the flow of hair with flexi. But Truth Hair has started making rigged Mesh Hair and I do like it. I am wearing the new "Felecia" Rigged Mesh Hair. Alone it does not move much but does fit a lot better than my normal hairs. Once you add the flexi attachment to it, the flowy hair is back. So I will probably stick with my normal hairs for now, while the Hair designers discover the magic of awesome mesh hair! Or just stick with hair like Truths that is rigged, I liked that hair a lot.

The final mesh item I purchased was KoKo's Mesh open toe pumps. They have been on sale for a while now so I figured if I was going to go all out on mesh, why not the shoes. I do like the fact that they are color change.I found them as satisfying as my normal shoes. I didn't go in for the really elaborate shoe, just some basic ones I could wear with any outfit. But I did look at the more elaborate shoes that were on display at several stores that have mesh shoes, and the detailing is impressive.

So over all, I am leaning toward mesh as a viable option to clothing my avatar. I am still nervous about some seeing me naked if they don't have the newer viewers. Most designers have included a tattoo base that black out the naughty bits so if you do run into one of them you still are modestly clothed. But if you really think about it, even with the normal clothing options you still run the risk of being naked to someone else. Seriously think about it, how many times in your SL life have you been fully clothed on your side only to be told by a friend you are naked? I know it's been several times for me already in my short SL life.

Final words:
I am still on the fence on Mesh but I think I might like it over there. And let's make this easy for us all in buying our clothing; if your going to buy mesh look for the standardized size logo at the store.

Till my next post, take care all!
~ Taliferrue

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Goodie List:
Dress - Cold Logic - Valentine Gift (Free Subscriber Gift)
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Zyrra/75/115/24

Hair ->TRUTH< Felecia - brown MESH (250L)
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Truth%20District/110/224/46

Shoes - Koko - Open Toe Pumps (199L)
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Lina%20Island/125/128/26

Bag - Bella's Lullay (free on marketplace)
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Unique%20World/104/144/1802

Necklace - Maxi Gossamer -- Pearls - Combo Sets and Single Strands (199L)https://marketplace.secondlife.com/p/Necklace-Pearls-Combo-Sets-and-Single-Strands-FATPACK-N/3159026

Other Details:

Wings - ::{Favole}:: *Entangle*.(60L)
Skin - [PF] Alyx by Pink Fuel - Hunt Gift (10L)
Eyes - Realistic Honey - AZ Eyes Marketplace (5L)
Ears - Elven / Elf / Fairy Ears gen 02 Windlow (375L)
Ring - Claddagh Woven Ring - Silver (795L)
Glasses - ROLE OPTIC GLASSES SG 82 - Ares I (469L)

Poses:
Created using my (CTS) Wardrobe Hud, The poses inside are from the following creators:
  - AAA Poses (Ella Bremer)
  - Klassy Kitty Designs (Darius Scientist)
  - *Le Freak* (Lonka Simondsen)
  - Niamhinations! (Niamh Kleiner)