I give you 5 questions you should be able to answer with no problem. If you pass this little test you can call yourself “MXM-Activist”, which is the first of ten titles i have to present…

How does the test work?

I write the workshop series only for you, or – better said – for all of you who want to be able to create better Sims stories, shoot hotter pictures and get deeper into themes like texturing, meshing and modding at all.

This little test is just a way how you can check your own abilities by yourself. It depends on you how serious you take it.

Here’s how the test works:

• I give you 5 questions to answer.
• Every questions has 3 possible answers. Choose the right one.
• You will find the correct combinations at the bottom of this page.
• If you’ve answered wrong, just follow the link next to the correct answer to read the explaining post again.

Are you ready? Don’t worry, it’s really not a hard test. Have fun…

Final Test of “Part 1, Introduction”. Are you a MXM-Activist?

1. Why do you need to install Microsoft’s “Framework 2.0″?
   a) Because everybody loves Microsoft. b) Because SimPe requires it. c) Because you can frame the Sims with it.
2. What is Photoshop?
   a) A most powerful graphic-software. b) A successful Online-Shop for Photo-Prints. c) A software to shoot Photos with the mouse.
3. Which is the standard file-type of Sims Textures?
   a) I only download ZIP-files. b) BMP Bitmaps c) TXT! It means Texture!
4. Where do you put downloaded files?
   a) Into the installation directory. b) I burn them on the installation DVD. c) I put them into the “Downloads” folder.
5. How do you uninstall unwanted programs?
   a) I format the Hard Disk. b) I call the Service-Hotline. c) I use the Windows Control Panel.

And? What do you think?

You see, it wasn’t that hard. Go and check if your answers meet the truth. If you still need to know more follow the links to the related posts.

In a few days i will start Part 2 of the Master Class Workshop, where we will finally go In-Game. So long…

Correct answers: 1b (look here), 2a (also here), 3b (here), 4c (looky looky), 5c (herey)

I know that you’re hot to learn more about my secrets! But we are still in Part 1, the Introduction. And do you remember what i wrote in the Foreword? We will start from scratch and it takes some time. So just let’s have a look at the programs, the soft- and hardware you will need to become a hot sims-artist…

There are so many rumors about that, but don’t worry. You don’t need much, you don’t need to buy expensive programs.

But anyway, a small budget for a few things would be great. Nothing existential, but if you want to go the whole way better put some bucks aside.

The Checklist in detail

Starting from scratch, here we go:

1. A working computer system, including Screen, Mouse, Keyboard and Internet Connection. And a working Windows Installation.
   This sounds funny but there’s nothing worse than an unstable system or somehow broken components. So if your Computer is producing Error Messages, search the Internet for a solution. If the mouse is stuttering, buy a new one. If the functions of your hip Multimedia-Keyboard drive you crazy, put the thing into the garbage and buy the cheapest standard Keyboard you can find, it’ll be enough.
2. Really MUCH free space on the Hard Disk, especially in the “My Documents” Directory.
   I’m talking about at least 10GB of free space. The more the better. Plus another >10GB for the work-directories where you will save all the images and artwork.
3. A nice work desk with beautiful surrounding, enough space and light. A window to look through sometimes.
   When you create stories, textures, images or anything like that, you will sit hours and hours in front of the screen, staring at the pixels. This can be hard, so have a break and look around. Just stay relaxed and make yourself feel comfortable.

The Sims Stuff:

1. A working Sims 2 Installation and as many Expansion Packs you want.
   For this workshop it doesn’t matter how many Expansions you have. But i recommend to use at least “University“, “Nightlife” and “Open for Business” to make sure you have the same Cheats like me (oh yes, we will use some cheats). When the game doesn’t run properly, restart above and check your computer again. 90% of all problems come from a bad computer configuration. Anyway, i will try to talk about some of the most common probs later…
2. The ultimate Sims-Tool. The mysterious program everybody is talking about and many are afraid of: SimPe.
   Go to the SimPe Homepage and get the prog, it’s free. Also go to Microsoft and install the Framework 2.0, it’s free. It’s easily done with a few mouse-clicks. You must have SimPe! Install it now or stop here and go back to your f****** Playstation.
3. The Sims-Posing Tool with the lovely name SimPose 2.
   SimPose is very important. It looks so simple but it’s difficult to use. I believe that i’m the only person in the world who uses SimPose 2 on an advanced level. You don’t think so? Fine, send me a proof. I will write many large tutorials about SimPose 2, so i can stop here for now. Go to the official homepage, download SimPose 2 (not the version for Sims 1) and have a look if you can stand some pain.

External Power-Applications:

1. Get a free Screenshot Maker that does not watermark the pictures (WinSnap 1.1).
   We’re going to shoot many screenshots from inside the game and SimPose. But both, the game’s photo function and the internal SimPose Screenshot function, are too poor. We will not use them. Never. I have written a small information page about Screenshot Makers for all who don’t know anything about such tools.
2. A Graphic-Editor-Killer-Application, like Photoshop.
   This is the most important software of all. Buy an outdated version of Photoshop on Amazon.com or eBay. It’s worth every cent, more than that. Photoshop is a friend for live! Photoshop CS 2 would be perfect! You also can use the 100% free and 100% fantastic graphic tool “The Gimp“. This is the only acceptable alternative to Photoshop. Gimp is free and Open Source! Because i am a proud owner of Photoshop, i will use it in the lessons. But i know that Gimp can do those things for you as well. Take Photoshop or Gimp, everything else is freak stuff.
3. For Meshing and 3D-Fooling there’s only one way: Milkshape-3D and Wes_h’s Plug ins.
   Yes, Milkshape is a great program. Don’t listen to the numerous freaks out there, telling you that Milkshape is poor. What? You’ve got 3D Studio Max? Cool. Even Maya? Wow! Take a cookie! There’s only a small problem with those fantastic professional state-of-the-art-3-dimensional-hollywood-applications: Max and Maya are just too fat for the low-polygon Sims. Only Milkshape can handle the Sims with no problem – thanks to the billant plug ins of Wes_h. Please spend 35USD/25EUR for a full-version of Milkshape. If you want to mesh-up the Sims you will need the full-version.

Additional things:

1. A Graphic Tablet to draw. Just buy a cheap one, but – if possible – not the cheapest.
   Using the tools in Photoshop with a digital pen is fun and very helpful when you want to draw some fine lines. A mouse pen is not existential but some things are much easier to realize.

Don’t be overwhelmed

There’s no reason to freak out! You don’t need to get all these tools at once. And you don’t need any skills with these applications and machines; because that’s what you’re going to learn here ;)

Please note that you’ll find great support communities for most of the required programs on the Internet. Don’t hesitate to visit the official websites if you need help.

And if you’re not sure, just imagine that you can use all of these programs (except SimPe and SimPose) for numerous other creative activities.

In the next article of the MXM Master Class of Sims Art Workshop i will lead you through some easy computer lessons – hope to see you then again.

Welcome to the MXM Master Class of Sims Art, the ultimate workshop series for creative heads, sims junkies and other freaks! It’s great that you want to learn everything about posing, picture manipulation, story telling and further more related topics.

I’m going to show you my hottest tricks, as well as many general information which will make you able to produce your own stories (and much more) the way you want…

But there’s one thing you must realize before you start:
You’re going to do some work and it takes some time and patience! Nothing comes just this or by simply reading a workshop. I want you to be creative, so get out of your lazy bed and jump on board!

Everything up from scratch

I will not only talk about advanced topics, the MXM Master Class is meant to be for everybody. Even you, yes YOU!

If you are looking for tutorials that start from scratch, telling you all those little details you need to know to reach the highest stage, the Master/Mistress, then this is your place! Amen.

Roughly said, you will learn serious things about Skinning, 3D-Meshing, Graphic Design, Posing and some stuff about your computer as well.

You can win prices! Um, titles…

The Master Class Series is split in 10 main parts; after each part you have to pass a small test which will increase your personal rank.

Of course this is only symbolical, but this system can help you to judge your knowledge by yourself – and gives you an extra motivation.

So i recommend to read each and every lesson carefully, even if it seems to be too easy for you.

General appearance

The Series is called MXM Master Class of Sims Art, but it contains much more themes than only sims related stuff. You will see…

Writing the workshops is a growing process, so it can happen that i add more chapters or details afterwards. Don’t worry, i will let you know.

You also should understand that i’m showing you my personal methods and telling you my personal opinions; there are many other tutorials on the internet, most of them very well done. The MXM Master Class is one way to hammer stuff into your brain, not the only right way.

I’m sure that 99% of you are here because you want to know more about my Sims Art/Nude Art. And i promise you that you will learn everything about that. But i decided to use only non-erotic poses and examples in my lessons, to make sure even minor-aged talents and over-sensitive persons can join.

And last not least, to all problem-thinkers, the whole tutorial series is free, wide open and wet enough for everybody to slide in!

Okay people! Thanks for reading this whole page, and thanks for your interest! I hope to see you again in the next subpart of the MXM Master Class of Sims Art – when i write about the soft- and hardware you will need…