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Novica & Serene Night's Renders, Tips, Tutorials & Product Reviews Part 1

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  • NovicaNovica Posts: 23,895
    edited December 1969

    Everyone- if you haven't gone onto this thread- DO. Take a look at the original scene, and what he has evolved it into, with changing the lights. See how the focus is taken off the background and onto the characters- and how about weighing in and giving your opinion? *Smile* He's worked awfully hard on it and the scene is very, very nice!

    http://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/24857/

  • NovicaNovica Posts: 23,895
    edited December 1969

    Here are some more of the good posts/links I am currently adding to my links page (again, it's listed on the FIRST post of this thread so you can find it fast.)

    Dream Home: It's Not Invisible!

    So you do the Dream Home room and it's no where to be found? Well, it's there, just not in the center of your viewport! You can solve that.
    But I also want to mention to newbies- if something can't be found, immediately try the Y TRANSLATION and raise it up- Sometimes if you're dealing with planes, it may be below the set's floor! Regardless, raising it up helps you find it because then you can just zoom out and it's faster/easier to see.

    If you have the Dream Home series, each room loads in relationship to its other modules. If you want a script that will load your room to World Base (000) go to this thread!

    Dream Home: Script To Load Each Room To World Base (000)
    http://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/5544/#142407

    Here's some fun skin tones from Carola- in a thread discussing skin tones- she experimented. Good job Carola!

    Skin
    Skin Colors Using Surfaces Tab: (Examples By Carola) http://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/24300/#359020

  • TobiasGTobiasG Posts: 447
    edited December 1969

    Novica said:
    Everyone- if you haven't gone onto this thread- DO. Take a look at the original scene, and what he has evolved it into, with changing the lights. See how the focus is taken off the background and onto the characters- and how about weighing in and giving your opinion? *Smile* He's worked awfully hard on it and the scene is very, very nice!

    http://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/24857/

    Now I'm blushing! :)

  • Carola OCarola O Posts: 3,823
    edited December 1969

    *blinks* Thank you Novica, glad to see that more might be able to use the skin tones I tried out *smiles*

  • NovicaNovica Posts: 23,895
    edited July 2013

    Shader Mixer, Shaders, Shade Presets

    http://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/25090/

    You HAVE to get to this thread if you want to read the BEST explanation anywhere of the difference in Shaders, Shader Presets, their file extensions, how to do a preset vs a shader in Shader Mixer. Dollygirl, you ROCK!

    And heads up- if you are trying to do an image in the Diffuse Channel (you can put an image there, and it will become the surface- remember the water that I showed you on a plane, using a pool water image?) then you may have it rejected if you are using a 32 bit CMYK instead of a 24 bit RGB- but Studio is SUPPOSED TO DO THE CMYK.

    I'm now officially doing my own Shader Presets!!! Yippeee, I've graduated. I haven't gotten the jaggedies out of my lines and haven't a clue why I'm doing what I'm doing- it just WORKS. Below are samples. Chiara is ready to hit the beach in MY shader presets!

    EDIT: THESE ARE SCREENSHOTS OF SPOTRENDERS so will not be as crisp as originals.

    shadermixer.jpg
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    Post edited by Novica on
  • NovicaNovica Posts: 23,895
    edited July 2013

    Okay, let me take a minute and backtrack- I want to make sure everyone is clear on using the Diffuse channel for images. First, you SHOULD be able to use a jpg image, whether it is a 32 bit CMYK or a 24 bit RGB image. Apparently it can be on again, off again. I have used several CMYK's and not had a problem. Suddenly, it IS. The 24 bit is less detailed and less crisp, so try to sharpen them before you save. (then they'll look almost normal.)

    Quick Review on using YOUR image for the surface of an item:
    Newbies- Use the Surface Selection Tool (three black sheets of paper, up by the Universal Tool) and select the surface. (It should state it in the Scene tab.) Open Surfaces tab. You'll see the Diffuse, Specular, Ambient, etc channels. Click the square below the word Diffuse Color, then Browse, then your image. It will be applied to the surfaces you have selected. Be aware- the surface may look VERY different if it is not a flat plane/surface.

    INFO: Size Of Diffuse Image Matters If Using On Large Surface Area
    Second, the SIZE of the plane will make a difference. Using the same sized pattern square, I put it on a 50 x 50 plane. (I made a brown one just like the blue one, all done in Photo Paint. It is NOT done with brown lighting or surface manipulation.) Before we continue, want you to see the exact same image, stretched on a plane. Keep this in mind if you are creating your own patterns in a graphics program where enlarging it would make it grainy. (Wont go in to increasing dpi, etc- just make it simple and create originals big enough that you don't have to worry about grainy pixelation.)

    So her bikini is one of my patterns, and the same one (in brown) is on the plane behind her. (Go to Create>New Primitive>Plane. (easy))
    You can see when stretched, it looks like yukky mud flats! (And useful in fact, if you wanted a out of focus, low lit background plane, just use one of your images that is small and when it is stretched, there you go. Not sure WHEN you'd want to do that, but?)

    EDIT:     Stats: This is a 900 x 900 pixel. Coming up- will increase it to 1900 x 1900 image. I'm just experimenting, and sharing it with you. Might save you some time. *smile* (get those darned smilies FIXED!!!)

    chiaraShaderMineBkgrnd.jpg
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    Post edited by Novica on
  • JaderailJaderail Posts: 0
    edited July 2013

    Oh my, Novica graduated and I was not invited to the graduation party? Tell me it was lost in the snail mail... hangs head and feels left out...

    In all truth even I learn new tips and tricks by following this one around the forums. Watch out folks DAZ Studio my have created a 3D monster with many skills from this one. The Shader/Shaders look great Novy and Even I learned by that one. Thank you muchly.

    Post edited by Jaderail on
  • NovicaNovica Posts: 23,895
    edited December 1969

    Jaderail, you made my night. I always know you are there for me, to help me use the right terms, correct my missteps, and encourage me so much. You ARE the party dude! And you're following me all over the forums? Ha- that's funny- because I was following YOUR trail- so what are we doing, doubling back over and over????

    I'm just so tickled that I am going forward and trying the things that are intimidating to me. Shader Mixer, and more complicated lighting- coming up! You'll be in great demand my friend!

  • NovicaNovica Posts: 23,895
    edited July 2013

    Okay, here's the square I used as a pattern. Want you to see how VERY different it is when applied to a curved surface. And, give you a freebie pattern to try! Go ahead, right click and save- you try it on a bikini, on a surface- see what it does for you! The blue is going to be the 900 x 900 so keep it on a small item of clothing, or how about a small vase? Keep in mind, it's going to look somewhat stone-like.

    You'll see a 1900 x 1900 in the render below on the plane- compare it to the 900 x 900 behind Chiara in the previous render.

    I'm going to have to upload the pattern samples for you- the forum is rejecting them even at 1600 x 1600. GRRRRR. Will do it from my website (that I'll have to do quickly and upload. Nothing is EVER easy.)

    Here's Chiara wearing the 1600 x 1600 brown. Once I post the link, just insert it in the Diffuse Color in Surfaces tab after you select a surface. My late 4th of July present to you, lol. This will take awhile (doing a website.) Back whenever. I'm DETERMINED to share this.
    Cathie

    chiaraShaderMineBkgrnd2.jpg
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    shadertextureBlueRGB.jpg
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    chiaraBrown1900.jpg
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    Post edited by Novica on
  • NovicaNovica Posts: 23,895
    edited July 2013

    Novica's Patterns On Chiara And Cassini

    Yep, still here folks. Working on some patterns for you. They are not "textures" because YOU do that in the surfaces channel by inserting these images in Diffuse (for the main surface area) then in Bump (if the item has it, I'm finding some don't- is there a way to add a bump channel to Surfaces?) Displacement, etc. Plug in the image, play with the settings. Chiara is wearing a purple spongy pattern with the bump elevated. Okay, to ward off questions, let me give you the settings, you can grab this pattern from my website (working on it, remember? Doing a gallery, taking some time.)

    I WON'T be posting this for every pattern. You're expected to use this as a general guide for any pattern- insert the image in Diffuse, Bump (if available) and other channels, and experiment with mixing patterns by adding a white pattern to the Ambient (yes, cool effects. THAT I may show you later. Finalizing that pattern now)

    This purple one (Pattern number to be inserted later) and Cassini's white one is similar.

    Pattern used in Diffuse, color: white. (255's) Strength 100%, Glossy 75%

    Specular Color 253's at 100%

    Ambient 25's at 100%

    Bump Strength- Insert the Pattern, 100% Negative is -0.34, Positive is .44 Bump is the main one to raise or lower the sponge look. If you want it softer, this is the place to do it. You'll get TOTALLY different looks.

    Displacement 75%
    Minimum -0.050 Maximum 0.050
    I've played with this and not seen much happening. Will have to experiment with this and Bump. (I'm learning, remember!)

    Lighting Model: Plastic
    The rest is just common settings, you work with the above and you'll get results.

    EDIT
    TIP: Postwork: Examine ALL Your Areas- One Change May Make Another WORSE
    Wanted to post another so you can see how postwork needs to be scrutinized- you may be better off leaving it alone. The second picture is the original but using intensify/darken in a graphics program (I used corel photo paint) One thing to watch for if you're new to graphics programs- look at Cassini's chest- see how the details were taken out of the white material when you change the contrast/intensity, and brightness? You may not want to trade off areas like that- you can fix it with labor intensive steps (dodging, etc) but just be aware sliders change ALL the image, not just the parts you want to change! The white glaring areas related to contrast, and also intensity settings primarily.

    chiaracassiniPatterns.jpg
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    chiaracassiniPatterns.jpg
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  • NovicaNovica Posts: 23,895
    edited July 2013

    TIP: Types Of Files For Patterns
    Here's what I've found from the past two days and nights of experimenting:

    1. If you use jpgs, be sure it's not jpeg (Szark pointed that out)

    2. a. If you use jpgs, don't use CMYK (32 bit) you have to use RGB (24 bit) or it will render black (if not every time, frequently- there's been more than one thread about it, so avoid it.
    b. If you use RGB, be prepared for diluted colors. So don't use it

    3. USE PNG's- THEY ARE AWESOME! They match the original jpg CMYK 32 bit, with vibrant color!

    I don't have the exact pattern in the PNG, so just trust me- it is almost identical to the CMYK. You can hopefully see how the RGB is duller. It is only 24 bit, while the CMYK is 32 bit. It really shows up on larger squares- I know it's hard to see here, but just in case, there they are side by side. If you can't do png's, the RGB's do work in the Surfaces tab.

    So if you're using images I suggest the PNG's.

    compare.jpg
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  • NovicaNovica Posts: 23,895
    edited December 1969

    Oh, ya GOTTA see this.
    First, the tip.

    TIP:
    If these patterns appear not to be working, or an area is stretched out due to breast curves or other curves, can you use it:
    1. at a different camera angle
    2. at a different size? (No, NOT the chest. I'm talking object here, lol)

    Look at this vase. Full size (which is HUGE.) Next, I'll post what I did with it. This is one of my patterns. Thought "Ummmmm." Didn't give up. See my next post!

    vase.jpg
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  • NovicaNovica Posts: 23,895
    edited July 2013

    This original scene would be a black top, and a terra cotta clay pot.
    My patterns, MY WAY! *BIG HUGE SUPER HUGE GRIN* I just shrunk the vase/pot, put it in her hand in case the lines didn't look good (but shrinking it solved that) changed the tilt, created the scene, and voila! My shirt pattern, my vase pattern.

    Which tells me to remind you- use your Surface tab instead of buying tons of new clothes if you are just trying for different patterns or colors.
    Enjoy!

    CLICK TO ENLARGE THEN CLICK AGAIN. Really cool details!

    vase2a.jpg
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    Post edited by Novica on
  • NovicaNovica Posts: 23,895
    edited December 1969

    I've got a treat for ya (well, did it for ME, lol) I went and found that pot, and the top original texture, and am doing a render of it "as it is out of the box" so you can see the "before" image. Will take a bit, check back- it's a render. Am working on the website. These textures all available.

  • NovicaNovica Posts: 23,895
    edited December 1969

    Egyptian Pottery

    If you haven't bought it, you need to check out the Egyptian Pottery. A lot of nice pottery!
    http://www.daz3d.com/egyptian-pottery
    It is Platinum Club, you get SO much for $1.99 Also check out-
    http://www.daz3d.com/moroccan-pottery

    Here's the original surfaces.

    vase3a.jpg
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  • NovicaNovica Posts: 23,895
    edited July 2013

    Novica's Patterns: Set 001 Now Available

    If you want to putz around like I'm doing, here's some help with the putzing. Use these images in the Surface tab, put them in the Diffuse channel, the bump channel, etc. I already gave you some settings to play around with in a previous post. Here is Cassini wearing a shirt with the 001 patterns, and the vase using the 001 pattern with bump channel used.

    A few more colors coming. Keep in mind it's impossible with some of these patterns to get bright colors (such as yellow) because of all the lines in the patterns. You can also use colors in the channels to change the colors I used. So much fun!

    These are free, copyrighted and NOT for resale or distribution. Hope you have fun with them- if you have questions, just ask. I've got some more questions and will be asking them soon!

    The other links on the webpage DO NOT WORK yet. I put this together for you, just for the patterns.
    http://3dstepbystep.com/patterns.htm

    CLICK TO ENLARGE, THEN CLICK AGAIN. Look closely at that vase- it's cool!

    vase4touchA.jpg
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    Post edited by Novica on
  • NovicaNovica Posts: 23,895
    edited July 2013

    Pattern series 002 coming up soon! Pictured is the silky dress with my 002Fushia. Click to enlarge, then click again.
    Each pattern is tested on several outfits to arrange the light and dark blobs- there's nothing random about it! It takes a couple hours to get a pattern that is as consistent as possible for the blobbies, lol.

    Edit: Added the green one. These are much larger in size, 2000 x 2000 with larger file sizes, so will be limited color availability. Will let you know when they are on the website.

    cassini2000B.jpg
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  • NovicaNovica Posts: 23,895
    edited July 2013

    I am adding links weekly to my section of "best of the forums" tips. Remember, that post is linked from my very FIRST post so you don't have to go through 30 pages looking for it. The red * has the newest additions.

    TIP:
    Have a large scene and want to get to an item fast without scrolling? Easy smeezy. Here's the answer from JimmyC_2009. And this is what it will be filed under on my page for future reference.

    * Large Scenes
    Quickly Navigating To Your Objects: http://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/25134/#370670

    Post edited by Novica on
  • NovicaNovica Posts: 23,895
    edited December 1969

    Do want to give you a heads up- that set that I told you was really amazing- Willow Spring- you can get for 50% off when you buy 3 of the promos. (And since W.Spring is 30.00 (29.95) you'd save $15.) That is the one that has that fountain you can pose folks on the edge, it has the lion head. It comes with benches, trees, and is just a really big set and provides a lot of walls/sections. You can't go wrong! I know you have to buy 3 things to get the 50%, but you get up to 40% off the promos and some are under $9. (Be careful- it is not calculating the discount correctly I don't think-)

    http://www.daz3d.com/willow-spring

    And Larsen- oooh! I just got the Neptune Wellness Center, and that Bungalow I've been waiting on- take a look at the inside of that one. Of course, I'm partial to the tropics, lol (live in Florida.) http://www.daz3d.com/oversea-bungalow

    So you don't have to go back through all my thread, here ya go-
    This is the stone wall- Willow Spring:
    http://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/19756/P495/#359308

    Here's the fountain- and the list of what you get with this.
    http://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/19756/P510/#361300

    In case you didn't notice- one of the promos- the hand poses for V6- she is giving someone...um, an obscene gesture with the third finger. I was like, "Wow. Really?" The hand is laying down- just better be sure not to raise that one up! (5th thumbnail. Go on, check it out, I know you are curious....) http://www.daz3d.com/hands-for-genesis-2-female/

    Anyway, consider Willow Spring. The stonework looks awesome on closeups!

  • NovicaNovica Posts: 23,895
    edited July 2013

    I am releasing that pattern of the fushia dress Cassini has on ( a couple posts back)
    It is 2000 x 2000 pixels, so you shouldn't have the stretch like the 800 x 800's (which I wanted- that is the top Cassini has on with the vase.) Enjoy! (Remember, change the bump channel to get it more raised (and displacement) and turn down the glossy (try the low 70's) to get more glossy.

    I made it a png as these seem to be "accepted" by the studio. It is 31.28MB, you can cut it into smaller pieces- if you resample and shrink you won't get the same results ( but will be pretty!) You can also use these for backgrounds, they are big enough. I would, of course, dilute them so they don't overwhelm your scene.

    Enjoy!
    http://www.3dstepbystep.com/003Fushia2000.png

    Post edited by Novica on
  • NovicaNovica Posts: 23,895
    edited July 2013

    Am currently rendering the Terri Hair for V6, using Chiara. I'm using a shading rate of .80 so hopefully it won't take half a day!

    The hair went on fine, it's a plop/drop type thing, no adjustments were necessary. You can move the ponytail, hide the front strands, etc. Just a basic ponytail type thing. The strands on top of the head arching over look very nice, you get a slightly messed up look without it being distracting. This is one of the promos for today so thought I would feature it. In fact, I got most of the promos today because the bundle for the tourist went to 50% off, but then that counted as one item, so I had to get two more, so got the Genesis Hands and Castel, etc. This hair is in the tourist bundle btw.

    Added note- hair is coming in quickly. There is a lot of nice detail in the part- the strands arch up and look good, gives it nice volume, but somewhat clumpy. Will post it in a separate post so you folks getting emails will know when it is here.

    Also, if you're getting 50% off the stores, look at Larsen's n21 Party Avenue. I know, the first impression is "When would I use that?" if you're not doing futuristic (at least that's what it looks like to me, it's not a common building.) But look at the balconies- great for closeups with ornate scrolling. I got it and may do a render for you if I get time. I have been waiting on Larsen to go on sale- got everything! (So expect to see Larsen-featured posts for awhile!)

    http://www.daz3d.com/n21-party-avenue

    EDIT: I've stopped the render and changed the view- I had one spotlight with harsh shadows and I am seeing if that is what caused that black sharp blob where her part starts. See screenshot below. Doing new render now.

    terrihair.jpg
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  • NovicaNovica Posts: 23,895
    edited July 2013

    Am really NOT liking the part on the Terri Hair. Of course, it can be the view- but I've done two so far and the polygonal strips seem to be very pronounced and squared off. You'll see when the render comes in. I do have errands to run so it will be a couple hours- but here's what I am seeing so far. This IS a closeup, to be fair, and it might just be the angle, but this is NOT extreme lighting, so I can only imagine what it would do with a deeply shadowed scene. (May actually help with the dramatic effect!) Depends on what you like, and we'll do a different angle later tonight.

    THIS IS A SCREENSHOT OF A RENDER. (not spot render)

    terrihair2.jpg
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  • NovicaNovica Posts: 23,895
    edited July 2013

    Terri Hair

    http://www.daz3d.com/terri-hair

    Here it is. As it is a closeup, perhaps the part won't look so squared-chunky when we zoom out.

    EDIT: I had to check- I had the Loosen Front to the maximum minimum (lol, meaning zero) on the parameter, and it STILL goes through the cheek. I'll play around with this later tonight to see if there are other ways to fix that. You can make those strands totally disappear, btw.

    terrihair.jpg
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    Post edited by Novica on
  • NovicaNovica Posts: 23,895
    edited December 1969

    "To aid in posing, there are body handles for the tail and each side of the hair prop to move the loose hair."
    As in the description. FYI Whenever I moved them, it was radical- moved the entire hair and not the strands. Maybe I was too heavy handed. Anyway, after this render, I will try it again.

    The handles are apparent- they are two maroon triangles. (Screenshot. Look below the aspect frame. I can't stop to clear the viewport for you, I'm rendering.)

    terrihair3.jpg
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  • NovicaNovica Posts: 23,895
    edited July 2013

    Terri Hair

    Remember, this is my thread- my experiences. And if I can show you a shortcut/"don't bother with this" SUGGESTION then I will provide it.
    So, don't bother with those handles. Just BARELY moving them, and I mean just putting my hand on the mouse- ZOOOOOOOOM. Off the hair flew (yes, even parented.)

    Follow this screenshot. Go to Scene Tab, break down the bones (submenus if you want to think of them that way) and head straight to the head section of the HAIR. (not Genesis 2.)

    Here's a different view of that part. YUCK.

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  • NovicaNovica Posts: 23,895
    edited July 2013

    Tip: When you are using the Parameters tab (once you have selected the Terri Hair/Head/Rside in Scene tab) turn your gal or guy around so you are looking at the cheek from BEHIND. Because let me tell ya, this one will fool you if you are looking from the side or front. I adjusted this thing a couple times and it was still poking through. Save yourself the trouble and start from this view.

    And those controls over in Parameters do work nicely once you have the Rside selected over in the Scene tab. Am rendering now.
    See the red arrow, that's where the hair appears to be okay but disappears into the cheek, as shown in the previous renders.

    terrihair5.jpg
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  • NovicaNovica Posts: 23,895
    edited July 2013

    Terri Hair
    http://www.daz3d.com/terri-hair/
    I changed the light so you can see how spotlights/light from above does improve the look of the part. Obviously, wasn't worried about lighting the face.

    So this is still on promo today, the side wisps were easily fixed if you use the Scene tab and sub menus and go to "head" and break that down like I mentioned previously. I pulled it far away from the face so you can see it; you can rest it right against the cheek if you want to. Nice flexibility. The ponytail can be raised up, to the side, twisted.

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  • mori_mannmori_mann Posts: 1,152
    edited December 1969

    Nice to see your reviews, keep them up :D

  • NovicaNovica Posts: 23,895
    edited December 1969

    N21 Party Avenue

    http://www.daz3d.com/n21-party-avenue

    Did a fast render of the n21 Party Avenue since it's one of the items in Larsen's store that you can get 50% off. It surprised me when it loaded- Cassini was standing in the middle of a lobby, lol! I reread what is included and I wasn't thinking that there would be any large indoor areas, so a nice surprise. I did get two error messages for files that wouldn't load. Render coming shortly, keep in mind I wasn't trying to light a scene, I'm just trying to quickly show you what wasn't shown in the promo because this store will go off sale today. (You buy 3 of the promo items, this store and others are 50% off)

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  • NovicaNovica Posts: 23,895
    edited December 1969

    mori_mann said:
    Nice to see your reviews, keep them up :D

    Too funny, I was over surfing your thread while you were over here! I wanted to see your owl flying in. Looks good!

This discussion has been closed.