When I fist joined the WTFug staff, I expressed my disdain for the “I can’t afford to look good” excuse used by half the ugly avis on the grid. I proposed a new feature, called Corrective Action, with the initial focus being a blueprint for those who just don’t know the ins and outs of looking good on a budget. After consulting WTFug readers, fellow writers, and friends, I got to work on the two distinctively different goals stated in the original post.
Upon doing so several things quickly became apparent.
A. It’s much harder to put together a well dressed, and economical avi, than some might believe. Much of the grid’s content is tailored toward female residents and many designers seem to be demonstrate a general attitude of indifference towards male fashion.
B. The metaverse has very few great looking male avis and nearly all of those fall into one of the following categories:
1. Alts. Many of which were created by female residents.
2. Gay men.
3. Myself, and about 5 other straight men. (Sad, but true)
That’s not to say every female created alt, or gay man, has a great avi. You’ll find your share of train wrecks in every segment of the SL population, but it seems like straight guys really need the most help. With that in mind, I had a target demographic, and set out to find a guinea pig…. I mean… volunteer. Enter stage left, ˚That Other Guy˚, Jude.
Our 1st objective: The Budget Beau
Equipped with the best freebies, dollarbies, and some amazing values, this avi makeover is targeted toward the true n00b or a legitimately budget restricted resident.
Jude (Budget Beau Version) Style Sheet and Notes
Hair: Reed (Mesh black 04) by UW.St - $0L (In store freebie)
Eyes: Realistic (Light Blue) by Miriel - $0L (in Store Freebie)
Shirt: Toastie by Cheap Love Song - $1L (in Store Dollarbie)
*CLS also has a ton of creative, well made, T-shirts for $50L*
Jeans: Still Crazy (Limited Red) by LikeA - $0L (group gift)
Sneakers: HOC Bolts by HOC Industries - $50L
AO: Basic Male by Long Awkward Pose -$0L (for avis 30 days old or less)
Shape: Gauge Custom by ˚That Guy˚ (not currently available for sale)
*Maschienenwerk has a nice selection of free male shapes for those not comfortable tweaking those sliders. The Mika Shape is a good starting point*
Skin: Belleza Gift Skin by Belleza - $0L (in store freebie)
*Belleza also offers a free skin to all group members when a new line is introduced. Membership in the group is currently $250L, a very reasonable cost for a quality skin.*
Total cost of pictured avi: $51L
Our Second objective: Smokin’ hawt hunk for under $2600L
The goal here was simply the best looking avi possible for under $10 USD.
Jude (Smokin’ Hawt Hunk version) Style sheet and Notes
Hair: Reed (Angel Shine) by UW.St - $0 (In store freebie)
Eyes: Medium Tones (Shallow Water) by Poetic - $250L
Shirt & Jeans: One Shot One Kill by WMD (includes alternate T & gloves) - $350L
Boots: Kboots (Black) by Treads - $450L
*The best damn boots in SL. Designed by Ju Weissnicht*
AO: Casual Male by Vista Animations - $899L
Skin: Absolute (suntan/chest hair/face B) by LeLutka - $750L (50% sale)
*Normally a good value. An absolute steal on sale*
Shape: Gauge Custom by ˚That Guy˚
Total cost of pictured avi: $2699L ($10.35 USD)
While I went slightly over budget, on the second makeover, i’m very pleased with the final results. This is only intended as a basic roadmap, or template for the fashion challenged. Could I have done without an AO? Sure, but if you want to interact with people and not look like C3PO, with an anal fissure, you don’t want to be seen rocking the default animations. Can someone survive on freebies alone? Absolutely, but most men will need to invest a little L, or a great deal of time, to do so. It’s going to take some effort, on your part. Just take it one piece at a time.
A few random notes:
Cheap genitalia is never good. Please understand that freenis is an IQ indicator.
Is bling ok? No. I should smack you for asking.
Can you be like ˚That Guy˚? No, but that doesn’t mean you have to be, “that” guy.
One more thing. (because I feel some need this in writing)
I could use all the letters on the internetz and still couldn’t write a tutorial on how to fix a douchebag’s personality. Good looks only get you so far. If you’re a prick/bish to one of my peeps I will find you when you’re fugly and make an example out of you. You have been warned.
*hugs anstuffs*
late
PS
Suggestions and feedback appreciated. Please share with those in need. *grins*
Hey Jude covered by Derrick Trucks Band
Sad But True by Metallica
One Piece at a Time by Johnny Cash
