
Daz 3D - Detailed Review
Design Tools

Daz 3D - Product Overview
Daz 3D Overview
Daz 3D is a leading provider of 3D character and content solutions, making it easier for both experts and beginners to create stunning 3D art and animations.Primary Function
The primary function of Daz 3D is to provide a comprehensive platform for creating, rendering, and animating 3D models, characters, and scenes. This is achieved through their free software, Daz Studio, which includes powerful tools like the Genesis figure platform and the NVIDIA Iray render engine.Target Audience
Daz 3D caters to a wide range of users, including professional and recreational artists, designers, and animators. Whether you are creating 3D content for personal projects, commercial use, or educational purposes, Daz 3D offers tools and resources to suit various needs.Key Features
Daz Studio
- Free Software: Daz Studio is available for free and allows users to create professional-grade 3D art and animations.
- Genesis Platform: This platform enables the creation of highly customizable 3D characters with billions of potential combinations. It supports blending different character shapes and ensures compatibility with add-on content like clothing and accessories.
- NVIDIA Iray Renderer: This renderer provides physically based rendering capabilities, mimicking real-world lighting and materials, and significantly reduces render times when using NVIDIA GPUs.
Content and Assets
- Extensive Library: Daz 3D offers over 5 million assets, including 3D people, creatures, buildings, props, and more. Users can easily import and customize these assets within Daz Studio.
- Smart Content: The Smart Content tab allows users to access and manage a wide range of ready-made assets, making it easy to build and customize scenes.
Advanced Tools
- dForce Physics: This technology simulates natural cloth and hair movement, adding realism to animations.
- Filament Viewport and Render Engine: This feature speeds up render times and provides high-quality renders in real-time, even on older systems.
- Daz Bridges: These tools enable users to transfer Daz content to other popular software applications like Blender, Unreal Engine, Unity, and more.
AI Integration
- Daz AI Studio: This tool, developed in partnership with Stability AI, transforms text into compelling 2D visuals. It includes features like customizable presets, inpainting, upscaling, and image-to-image generation, providing users with more control over their creations.
User-Friendly Interface
- Modular Design: The interface of Daz Studio is highly customizable, allowing users to personalize the layout and design according to their preferences. It also includes interactive tutorials and user guides to help users learn quickly.

Daz 3D - User Interface and Experience
User Interface Overview
The user interface of Daz 3D, particularly within its Daz Studio software, is designed to be highly customizable and user-friendly, making it accessible for both beginners and experienced users.Customization Options
Daz Studio offers a range of customization options to enhance the user experience. Users can start with the default layout called City Limits Light, which provides all the essential tools for a 3D workflow. However, this layout can be easily modified to suit individual preferences. For instance, users can close sidebars to expand screen space, drag and resize panes, and move tabs and viewports to their preferred locations.Saving Custom Layouts
Users have the flexibility to save their customized layouts, allowing them to switch between different interface arrangements based on specific projects or preferences. This feature ensures that the workspace can be optimized for different tasks, such as posing, designing, lighting, and rendering.Toolbars and Settings
The toolbars in Daz Studio can also be customized. Users can choose between icons or menus and enable or disable specific toolbars and the lesson strip. These options are accessible through the ‘Activities’ > ‘Advanced’ menu, where users can make their desired changes and save them for future use.Essential Tabs and Settings
The interface includes several important tabs and settings that are crucial for 3D rendering projects. These include the ‘Smart Content’ tab, ‘Content Library’, ‘Render Settings’, and ‘Simulation Settings’. Customizing the interface allows users to easily access these tabs and settings, making the workflow more seamless and efficient.Ease of Use
Daz 3D is known for its beginner-friendly interface. The software is free to get started with, and it offers quick-start functionality using presets and smart modular content. This makes it easier for users without high-level modeling skills to create lifelike models and scenes. The intuitive design of Daz Studio allows users to see rewarding results quickly, even as they are learning techniques in posing, designing, lighting, and rendering.User Experience
The overall user experience with Daz 3D is generally positive. Users appreciate the clear and well-laid-out interface, which helps in managing a large library of 3D assets. However, some users have noted minor issues such as occasional bugs, crashes, and some difficulties with the search function. Despite these, the support team is often praised for being helpful and responsive to user issues.Community and Resources
Daz 3D also offers a supportive community and various resources to help users improve their skills. The Daz3D Forums provide a platform for users to interact, share tips, and get help from other users and the support team. Additionally, there are numerous tutorials and video guides available that cater to different learning styles and skill levels.Conclusion
In summary, the user interface of Daz 3D is highly customizable, easy to use, and designed to make the 3D modeling and rendering process efficient and enjoyable. While there may be some minor issues, the overall user experience is positive, and the software is well-supported by a community and extensive resources.
Daz 3D - Key Features and Functionality
Daz 3D Overview
Daz 3D is a versatile and feature-rich suite of 3D design tools that incorporates several key features and functionalities, particularly in its integration with AI technologies. Here are the main features and how they work:AI Character Generator
Daz 3D has partnered with Yellow to introduce the AI Character Generator, which streamlines the 3D character creation process. This tool, trained on Daz Original Character Shapes, allows users to generate characters quickly while maintaining ethical use and avoiding concerns about ownership or consent. It significantly reduces the time spent on manual adjustments, ensuring high-quality results with clean topology that integrates seamlessly with existing assets.Daz AI Studio
Daz AI Studio is a creative tool that leverages generative AI to transform text into compelling 2D visuals in the style of Daz’s renders, achieved through a partnership with Stability AI. Key features of Daz AI Studio include:Layered Products
Users can select environments, characters, lighting, and more as predetermined elements in their creations, allowing for quick and predictable iterations.Inpainting
This feature enables users to modify specific areas of an image while leaving the rest unchanged, such as adding objects or fixing body parts.Upscaling
Users can change the resolution of an image without losing quality.Image to Image
The generator can use any uploaded image as a reference point to create new images.Saved User History
This feature allows users to work on their art at their own pace, with the ability to return to previous work.Seed Control
Users can alter the original seed number of an image to guide the generator in producing iterations based on the initial image, resulting in subtle variations.Prompt Strictness
This feature allows users to give the AI more creative control over the output.Multi-Image Generation
Users can generate multiple unique images in a single request.Genesis Figure Platform
The Genesis figure platform is a core component of Daz 3D, allowing users to create realistic human figures and characters. It includes tools for morphing, enabling users to combine body and extremity shapes, sizes, and muscularity. This platform also supports dressing up characters according to their gender and applying facial expressions and realistic movements.Dforce Simulation
Dforce Simulation is a feature that allows for realistic simulations of fabrics, hair, and other materials, enhancing the realism of 3D scenes and characters.Iray Render Engine
The Iray Render Engine provides GPU-accelerated real-time rendering capabilities, enabling users to quickly render high-quality images and animations.Morphing Tools
These tools allow users to create unique characters by combining different body parts and shapes, including the ability to flex major muscle groups and apply realistic facial expressions and movements.Animation Tools
Daz 3D includes a range of animation tools that allow users to create animations by posing and moving 3D models and characters. This can be done using the Hexagon 3D modeling software, which is part of the Daz 3D suite.Content Library and Smart Content
The software comes with a comprehensive content library and smart content features that make it easy to find and use various 3D assets, such as accessories, clothes, and environments.Other Key Features
Pose Controls
Allows precise control over character poses.Auto Fit Tool
Automatically adjusts clothing and accessories to fit the character.Face Transfer
Transfers facial features from one character to another.Goz Bridge and Hexagon Bridge
Tools for integrating other software like ZBrush and Hexagon into the Daz 3D workflow.Powerpose and Puppeteer
Tools for advanced posing and animation control.Scripting API
Allows users to automate tasks and extend the functionality of Daz 3D through scripting. These features, especially the integration with AI technologies in tools like the AI Character Generator and Daz AI Studio, make Daz 3D a powerful and user-friendly platform for creating 3D content.
Daz 3D - Performance and Accuracy
Performance
Daz 3D, particularly through its premium offering, Daz Studio Premier, is optimized for efficient workflow and enhanced performance. Here are some highlights:Render Queue and Batch Rendering
Daz Studio Premier allows users to queue up and process multiple scenes efficiently, designating specific cameras for each render. This feature streamlines the rendering process, enabling overnight rendering without manual updates.Simulation Manager
This tool allows for individual object simulation, ensuring precise results without overwhelming the system. It is particularly useful for animating fabric or fine-tuning complex interactions.Hardware Utilization
Using the GPU for rendering significantly improves performance compared to CPU-only rendering. The software allows for the use of both GPU and CPU, though this can sometimes be less efficient.Optimization Settings
Users can tweak settings such as Progressive Rendering, Instancing Optimizations, and texture sizes to speed up rendering times. For example, setting a maximum render time or using the Default Iray Uber Shader can help optimize the rendering process.Accuracy
Daz 3D focuses on delivering accurate and detailed results through various features:Iray Render Engine
The Iray render engine is capable of producing highly detailed and sharp images, with settings like “Max Samples” allowing users to control the level of detail. Lower sample counts can result in grainy images, while higher counts provide more accurate and detailed renders.Depth of Field and Object Management
Using Depth of Field can blur the background, reducing rendering times while maintaining accuracy in the focal area. Additionally, removing or hiding objects outside the camera range can improve rendering efficiency without compromising the accuracy of the scene.Advanced Shaders and Textures
The software works best with the Default Iray Uber Shader, and minimizing texture tiling helps maintain image quality and accuracy.Limitations and Areas for Improvement
While Daz 3D offers strong performance and accuracy, there are some limitations and areas where improvements can be made:Hardware Dependency
The performance gain from newer hardware, such as the NVIDIA 5090, may be minimal in terms of rendering times for Daz 3D users. However, these new GPUs can significantly improve AI workflows and viewport performance.Driver Efficiency
The current version of Daz 3D may not fully utilize the latest CUDA drivers, which could limit the efficiency of newer GPUs.User Feedback and Optimization
While the software provides various optimization settings, user feedback is crucial for fine-tuning these settings to achieve the best results. Continuous updates and improvements based on user feedback can enhance overall performance and accuracy. In summary, Daz 3D offers a powerful set of tools for 3D artists, with features that enhance performance and accuracy. However, there are areas where improvements can be made, particularly in optimizing the software for the latest hardware and drivers.
Daz 3D - Pricing and Plans
Daz 3D Pricing Plans
Daz 3D offers a structured pricing plan with several tiers, each providing different levels of features and benefits. Here’s a breakdown of the available plans:
Daz Base (Free)
This is the foundational membership, perfect for those just starting out with 3D modeling.
Features:
- Free 3D software – Daz Studio
- Free Starter Essentials content pack
- Cross-platform exporting tools
- Token system (1 token per $15 spent)
- Free monthly Legacy content
- Access to various resources and guides.
Daz ($9.99/Mo)
This tier is for artists who want more savings and exclusive perks.
Features:
- Free 3D software – Daz Studio
- Daz Member pricing on products
- $6 OFF Daz Originals each month
- 30% OFF discount on Daz Originals
- Token system (1 token per $10 spent)
- Other exclusive benefits.
Daz Premier ($18.98/Mo)
This is the highest tier, offering the ultimate Daz Studio experience.
Features:
- Daz Studio Premier software with advanced tools for rendering, content creation, and scene management
- Member Pricing on Daz products PLUS an extra 10% OFF
- 35% OFF discount on Daz Originals
- Free robust character bundles every month
- Free Legacy content weekly and monthly
- Exclusive Premier Only content
- Enhanced token system (1 token per $5 spent)
- Additional discounts and coupons ($10 OFF Daz Originals and $10 OFF when spending $25 or more on select content).
Each tier is designed to cater to different levels of user needs, from beginners who can start with the free Daz Base, to more advanced users who can benefit from the additional features and discounts offered in the Daz and Daz Premier tiers.

Daz 3D - Integration and Compatibility
Daz 3D Integration Overview
Daz 3D integrates seamlessly with a variety of other design and animation tools, ensuring compatibility across multiple platforms and devices. Here’s a breakdown of how it achieves this integration:Compatibility with 3D Software
Daz 3D offers several bridges that enable the transfer of its 3D content to popular 3D software. For example:Daz to Cinema 4D Bridge
Daz to Unity Bridge
Cross-Platform Support
Daz 3D bridges are compatible with various operating systems:Daz to Cinema 4D Bridge
Daz to Unity Bridge
Supported Daz Studio Versions
These bridges are compatible with specific versions of Daz Studio:Content Compatibility
The bridges support a wide range of Daz 3D content:Genesis Content Support
Figures and Details Transfer
Integration with Other Tools
Daz 3D also integrates with other tools beyond 3D modeling software:Optitex Partnership
Additional Bridges
Apart from Cinema 4D and Unity, Daz 3D offers bridges for other popular software:Conclusion
In summary, Daz 3D’s integration with various tools and platforms is extensive, making it a versatile choice for artists and designers who work across multiple software environments.
Daz 3D - Customer Support and Resources
Customer Support Options for Daz 3D
When seeking customer support or additional resources for Daz 3D’s design tools, particularly in the AI-driven product category, here are the options and resources available:
Phone Support
You can contact Daz 3D’s customer service via phone at (801) 983-6415. This is the primary phone number for addressing urgent questions, product/service issues, requests for information, and account-related problems. However, it’s important to note that phone calls are often logged as support tickets, which are then addressed in the order they are received.
Email Support
Daz 3D provides several email addresses for different types of inquiries. For general questions, you can use info@daz3d.com. If you are a journalist, you can contact press@daz3d.com, and for issues related to abuse or copyright, use abuse@daz3d.com. The marketing@daz3d.com email is also commonly used by customers to address their issues.
Help Center and Support Tickets
The Help Center on the Daz 3D website allows you to submit a support ticket directly. This is often recommended as it ensures your issue is logged and addressed systematically. You can access the Help Center from the “Help” block on the official website and click on “SUBMIT A REQUEST”.
Social Media
Daz 3D is active on social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. You can reach out to them through these channels if you are unable to contact them via phone or email.
Forums and Community
The Daz 3D forums are a valuable resource where you can post specific questions and receive help from other users and sometimes even vendors. Some vendors are active in the forums and may provide direct assistance. Additionally, there is a Daz Slacker Discord channel where you can connect with other users and vendors for support.
Additional Resources
For users of Daz AI Studio, the platform offers a user-friendly interface with built-in prompt assist, customizable presets, inpainting, upscaling, and other features. The AI Studio also allows you to save your user history and control the seed for generating images, providing a lot of flexibility and control over your creations.
By leveraging these support options and resources, you can effectively address any issues or questions you have regarding Daz 3D’s design tools and AI-driven products.

Daz 3D - Pros and Cons
Advantages of Daz 3D
Daz 3D offers several significant advantages, particularly in the design tools and AI-driven product category:User-Friendly Interface
Daz 3D is known for its accessible and intuitive interface, making it easier for beginners to learn and use the software. The clear controls and guided workflows help users create impressive visualizations with minimal fuss.Rich Content Library
The platform provides a vast library of free assets, including 3D models, textures, and props. This extensive library makes it easier for artists to bring their ideas to life without incurring additional costs.Realistic Character Production
Daz 3D allows users to create highly realistic characters using the Genesis figure platforms. These platforms offer advanced tools for character creation, including morphing capabilities and detailed customization options for body shapes, sizes, and muscularity.3D Animation, Modeling, and Rendering
The software includes tools like Hexagon for modeling, and Daz Studio for creating, rendering, and animating 3D content. These tools are user-friendly and powerful, suitable for both beginners and professionals.AI Integration
Daz 3D has introduced AI-driven tools such as the AI Character Shape Generator by Yellow, which speeds up the creation of Genesis 9 humanoid characters. This tool generates body meshes based on user prompts, offering multiple variations and maintaining a consistent topology.Integration with Other Software
Daz 3D integrates well with other 3D software like 3DS Max, Mudbox, and Maya, as well as Poser and Renderosity. This integration allows users to seamlessly incorporate Daz assets into their existing workflows.Community Support
The platform has a strong community and offers various support types, including phone and online support. This ensures that users can get help when they need it.Disadvantages of Daz 3D
Despite its many advantages, Daz 3D also has some notable disadvantages:Initial Learning Curve
While the interface is generally user-friendly, learning any new 3D software can still be challenging. It may take some time for new users to become fully proficient.Limitations in AI Features
The recently launched Daz AI Studio, which uses AI for image generation, has received negative feedback from the community. Users have reported issues such as poor hand rendering and a lack of diversity in character poses. Many features announced for Daz AI Studio are not yet available, which has led to user dissatisfaction.Community Reaction to New Features
The introduction of AI-driven tools has not been universally welcomed. Some users have expressed a desire for more practical AI integration, such as improvements in animation tools or viewport enhancements, rather than the current focus on image generation.Technical Issues with AI-Generated Content
The AI-generated images in Daz AI Studio often have specific issues, such as incorrect depiction of hands and limited pose variations. These technical issues can hinder the creative process and reduce the quality of the output. In summary, while Daz 3D offers a wide range of powerful features and a user-friendly interface, it also faces challenges related to the integration and effectiveness of its AI-driven tools.
Daz 3D - Comparison with Competitors
Unique Features of Daz AI Studio
- Layered Products: Daz AI Studio allows users to select predefined elements such as environments, characters, lighting, and more, which can be layered into the generated images. This feature, powered by Daz’s Published Artists, provides greater control and predictability over the output.
- Inpainting and Image-to-Image: The tool offers inpainting, which lets users modify specific areas of an image while leaving the rest unchanged, and image-to-image generation, where users can upload an image as a reference point for the AI to generate new content.
- Upscaling and Multi-Image Generation: Users can upscale images to high resolutions (up to 2048 x 2048 pixels) without losing quality and generate multiple unique images from a single request.
- Seed Control and Prompt Strictness: These features allow users to guide the generator in producing variations based on the initial image and control the level of creativity the AI can take with the input prompts.
Comparison with Midjourney
- Realism and Detail: Users have noted that Daz AI Studio, particularly when using Stability AI’s models, can struggle with rendering realistic faces, body parts, and detailed environments compared to Midjourney. Midjourney often produces more realistic and varied results, especially with photorealistic prompts.
- Customization and Control: While Daz AI Studio offers layered products and other control features, Midjourney is praised for its creativity and ability to produce diverse results even with similar prompts.
Alternatives and Competitors
Canva
- Ease of Use: Canva is known for its simplicity and user-friendly interface, making it ideal for non-experts in graphic design. It lacks the 3D modeling capabilities of Daz 3D but excels in creating simple 2D images and graphics.
- Features: Canva includes AI-powered design suggestions, magic resize, background remover, and a template library, which are more geared towards general graphic design rather than 3D modeling.
Blender
- 3D Modeling: Blender is a free and open-source 3D creation software that can be used for modeling, rigging, animation, rendering, and even video editing. It offers more manual control over 3D content but lacks the AI-driven features of Daz AI Studio.
- Community and Resources: Blender has a large community and extensive resources, making it a popular alternative for those who prefer hands-on 3D modeling.
Autodesk Tools (Revit, AutoCAD)
- Professional Grade: Tools like Revit and AutoCAD are more focused on architectural, engineering, and construction (AEC) industries. They offer advanced features for 2D and 3D design but are not specifically tailored for the kind of creative AI-driven image generation that Daz AI Studio provides.
- Features: These tools include rendering, structural analysis, and integration with other Autodesk software, which are more suited to professional architectural and engineering needs.
Unity
- Game Development: Unity is a game development engine that supports 3D modeling and animation but is primarily used for creating interactive content rather than static images. It has a wide range of features for game development but does not offer the same AI-driven image generation as Daz AI Studio.
Conclusion
Daz AI Studio stands out with its unique features such as layered products, inpainting, and upscaling, which are particularly beneficial for users already familiar with Daz 3D’s ecosystem. However, it faces competition from tools like Midjourney in terms of realism and creative output. For users looking for different types of design tools, alternatives like Canva for 2D graphic design, Blender for manual 3D modeling, Autodesk tools for professional AEC needs, and Unity for game development are available, each with their own strengths and use cases.
Daz 3D - Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions about Daz AI Studio
Q: What is Daz AI Studio?
Daz AI Studio is a creative tool that transforms text into compelling 2D visuals in the style of Daz’s renders. It is built in partnership with Stability AI and offers a user-friendly interface with built-in prompt assist for model refinement.Q: What are the key features of Daz AI Studio?
Key features include customizable presets, inpainting, upscaling, image-to-image generation, and layered products. Users can select environments, characters, lighting, and more as predetermined elements in their creations. The tool also offers features like seed control, prompt strictness, and multi-image generation.Q: How does the upscaling feature work in Daz AI Studio?
The upscaling feature allows users to adjust image resolution seamlessly, preserving quality at resolutions of up to 2048 x 2048 pixels. This ensures that the creations retain their visual integrity across various platforms and applications.Q: What is prompt engineering in Daz AI Studio?
Prompt engineering involves using natural language prompts to guide the image generation process. Daz AI Studio simplifies this by using simple, straightforward sentences and built-in default positive and negative prompts. Advanced features include prompt weighting and the ability to inject specific concepts into the generation.Q: How does the inpainting feature work?
Inpainting allows users to select a specific area of an image for modification and direct the generator to recreate that part while leaving the rest of the image unchanged. This can be used for tasks like adding objects or fixing misshapen body parts.Q: What is the purpose of layered products in Daz AI Studio?
Layered products give users the ability to select environments, characters, lighting, and more as predetermined elements in their creations. This provides quick and predictable iterations, granting greater control over the generated images. Currently, characters like Victoria 9 and Michael 9 are available as layered products.Q: How does seed control work in Daz AI Studio?
Seed control allows users to alter the original seed number of an image, enabling them to guide the generator in producing iterations based on the initial image. This results in subtle variations of the original image.Q: What is prompt strictness in Daz AI Studio?
Prompt strictness determines how closely the generator adheres to the user’s prompt. A higher setting forces the generator to follow the prompt more closely, while a lower setting allows it more creative freedom.Q: Can I generate multiple images at once with Daz AI Studio?
Yes, the multi-image generation feature allows users to generate multiple unique images in a single request, providing more variations to work with in each iteration.Q: How do I get started with Daz AI Studio?
To get started, simply use your Daz credentials to log in. The interface is user-friendly, and you can begin creating by using the built-in features and prompts.If you have any more specific questions or need further details, it’s always a good idea to check the Daz 3D Help Center or contact their support team for additional assistance.

Daz 3D - Conclusion and Recommendation
Final Assessment of Daz 3D
Daz 3D stands out as a versatile and user-friendly platform in the design tools and AI-driven product category, offering a wide range of features that cater to both beginners and experienced artists.User-Friendly Interface
One of the key strengths of Daz 3D is its intuitive interface. The software is designed to be accessible, even for those new to 3D modeling and rendering. It features clear controls and guided workflows, making it easier for newcomers to create impressive visualizations without a steep learning curve.Extensive Content Library
Daz 3D boasts an extensive content library that includes ready-made characters, outfits, props, and scenes. This library is invaluable for users who prefer not to start from scratch, allowing them to quickly assemble and customize their 3D scenes.Genesis Figure Platform
The Genesis Figure platform is a unique feature of Daz 3D, providing an adjustable and morphable figure base. This allows users to personalize and alter characters with ease, including asymmetry and aging morphs, which is particularly useful for character development and storytelling.Content Creation Flexibility
Daz 3D encourages creativity by allowing users to create and sell their own custom content through the Daz Store. This not only provides a revenue stream for artists but also enriches the community with diverse and unique content.Integration with Other Software
Daz 3D offers seamless integration with popular 3D software and game engines such as Maya, 3ds Max, Blender, Cinema 4D, ZBrush, Unity, and Unreal Engine. This makes it an ideal choice for independent game developers and 3D artists who need to work across multiple platforms.Free Software
A significant advantage of Daz 3D is that its software, including Daz Studio and Hexagon, is completely free to use. This allows users to fully explore the software’s features without any financial commitment.Active Community and Support
Daz 3D has a strong and active community, with resources such as forums, tutorials, and training videos available. This community support fosters a culture of continuous learning and collaboration.Versatility in Application
Daz 3D is versatile and can be used for various types of 3D content creation, including character design, architectural visualization, animations, and traditional digital art. It caters to a wide range of professionals and hobbyists, from tattoo artists to independent game developers and concept artists.Recommendation
Daz 3D is highly recommended for anyone interested in 3D modeling and rendering, whether you are a beginner or an experienced artist. Here are some groups that would particularly benefit from using Daz 3D:- Beginners: The intuitive interface and guided workflows make it an excellent starting point for those new to 3D software.
- Independent Game Developers: The seamless integration with game engines like Unity and Unreal Engine makes it ideal for game development.
- 3D Artists: The extensive content library, flexibility in content creation, and the ability to sell custom content make it a valuable tool.
- Hobbyists: The free software and active community provide a supportive environment for those exploring 3D creation as a hobby.