Creating Custom 3D Characters in Blender using FaceGen and Daz

Overview

In this tutorial, you will learn how to create a custom 3D character based on a real person’s face using FaceGen for head generation, Daz3D for body customization and rigging, and Blender for integration and animation. This is the first step in a larger Character Animation Series.

Step 1 — Generate a Head Model in FaceGen

Software: FaceGen Artist Pro

1. Open FaceGen Artist Pro.

2. Import a set of facial reference photos:

   • Front-facing photo (required).

   • Side profile photo (optional but improves accuracy).

3. FaceGen automatically reconstructs a 3D head mesh based on the photos.

4. Adjust parameters manually:

   • Age, gender, and ethnicity sliders to refine likeness.

   • Facial symmetry, eye spacing, jawline adjustments.

5. Export the head model in a format compatible with Daz3D (typically FBX or OBJ).

Step 2 — Import into Daz3D for Body and Rigging

Software: Daz3D Studio

1. Open Daz3D and load a base Genesis model (Genesis 8 or Genesis 9 recommended).

2. Import the FaceGen head:

   • File → Import → OBJ/FBX.

   • Align the imported head with the Genesis base body.

3. Apply Face Transfer or use Morph Loader Pro to integrate the FaceGen mesh as a morph.

4. Customize the body shape:

   • Adjust height, build, muscle tone, and proportions.

   • Match clothing and accessories if required.

5. Apply skin textures and high-resolution maps exported from FaceGen.

6. Verify that the character rig (Genesis skeleton) deforms correctly with the custom head.

Step 3 — Preparing the Character for Blender

1. In Daz3D, export the full character:

   • File → Export → FBX.

   • Enable options for Morphs (expressions, phonemes), Animations, and Materials.

   • Use DAZ to Blender Bridge if available for direct integration.

2. In Blender:

   • File → Import → FBX.

   • Ensure Automatic Bone Orientation is enabled for cleaner rig structure.

3. Check materials in the Shader Editor. Some Daz materials (like Iray shaders) may need conversion to Principled BSDF for Blender’s Cycles/Eevee.

Step 4 — Rig and Weight Verification

1. Enter Pose Mode on the imported rig.

2. Test bone deformation (jaw, eyes, shoulders, hips).

3. If weighting issues appear, use Weight Paint Mode to correct mesh influence.

4. Optionally, apply Rigify in Blender for a more advanced rig:

   • Enable Rigify add-on.

   • Generate a Rigify meta-rig.

   • Retarget Genesis skeleton to Rigify for animation-friendly controls.

Step 5 — Save and Prepare for Animation

1. Organize your scene:

   • Place character in a neutral T-pose or A-pose.

   • Save Blender file incrementally (character_facegen_daz_v01.blend).

2. This model is now ready for animation workflows in later parts of the series (lip-sync, motion capture, or custom keyframe animation).

Summary Workflow

StageToolKey ActionsHead CreationFaceGenGenerate realistic 3D head from photos, export OBJ/FBXBody + RiggingDaz3DMerge head with Genesis base, adjust body, apply textures, export rigged FBXImport & MaterialsBlenderImport FBX, fix shaders, prepare for animationRig VerificationBlenderTest skeleton deformation, adjust weights, add Rigify if neededSave for AnimationBlenderStore clean character asset for further animation workflows

Applications

• 3D Animation: Character-ready assets for film or short projects.

• Game Development: Custom characters exportable into Unity/Unreal.

• Visualization: Personalized characters for virtual production.

• Education: Teaching photogrammetry-like workflows for character creation.