Image Set Production Process (Patreon)

A recent discussion in the comments of an earlier post made us realize we ought to outline the image set production process a little bit more. Here’s roughly how things go down.

1. Idea - Image sets usually start as a simple idea in miro’s head. The idea could be vague and intangible like “superheroes” or he might have a picture in mind of a particular pose, angle, and setting. If the idea is compelling enough, miro will request concepts.

2. Concept - Miro usually has an idea of what will happen in an image set, but to ensure he doesn’t miss any great ideas, he’ll request concepts from one or more writers. Concepts are just a more fleshed out idea outlining a little of what will happen in the production without going into detail. It’s similar to what we asked you to submit in the Suggest your story ideas post.

When concepts are ready, miro will review them. If one is perfect, he’ll approve it for the next stage, but it’s more common that a hybrid concept is needed. In that case, miro will have the writer(s) combine miro’s ideas with the best elements from one or more of the submitted concepts. Miro will review this new hybrid concept, request as many revisions as needed, then approve it to be made into a script.

3. Script - The writer(s) create a script which includes a breakdown of the characters, environments, outfits, actions, sex positions, and where the break points will be. Below are some excerpts from The Seed of Rebirth script.

Just as with concepts, miro will review and request as many revisions of the script as needed until it’s ready for Look Dev.

4. Look Dev - A 3D artist will read the script and research assets to create the image set. Miro will approve the asset choices and the artist will start setting up environments and characters. For environment this means selecting and placing any modular environment pieces, selecting textures, placing props, and setting up light sources. For characters, this is applying outfits, hair, and makeup. Miro reviews and requests revisions as needed, and sometimes makes changes himself to get everything right. When everything looks perfect, all the assets and configurations are saved into a base file for the posers.

5. Posing - Multiple 3D artists are given the base files and script and assigned one part to work on. They’ll pose the characters according to the script, place the cameras, then render each frame into a draft image for miro to review. Miro will request as many revisions as necessary or move the images on to the finishing touches stage. Any positions from the script that aren't working out are changed during the revision process.

6. Finishing touches - A second artist or miro himself will add the final touches to each frame to ensure it meets A3D standards. Additional elements like more cameras, corrective morphs, and cum modelling are added in this stage as well.

7. Rendering and Post Work - Images are now rendered, then sent to Photoshop for color correction and balancing, final content fixes, and post filtering. The images are then released to patrons in parts.

8. Final release - After all the parts of an image set have been released on Patreon, and any bonus animations have been completed, a final release is prepared for sale on the A3D store. Any changes or fixes that need to be made are completed and rendered then it's packed up and released on A3D and Patreon.