Ten years ago, a new type of graphics software appeared, a kind of hybrid between Vector and pixel-based image-making, originating from the same company that developed “Painter”.
Recently, on a lark I bought my own copy. I found it in its original box on a software close-out table at the Trenton Computer Fair for $20.00.
It’s called “Expression”. Basically, what it does is let you draw using editable vector-type curves to paint contoured, pixel-based textures. Using it is like using ZB’s DecoBrush on steroids.
Let me state clearly: This software ONLY creates 2D IMAGES. It is NOT 3D… It is not similar to ZBrush except with respect to the DecoBrush functionality.
Over time the software has evolved, has been bought out by several different companies, each one adding something more to the product. Sometime in the past two years or so, Microsoft has acquired Expression and its development team and has now released the BETA for version 3 for FREE!. Versions for Mac and Windows!
Apparently Microsoft has frozen development on Expression and it may never be sold in stores.
A few caveats:
The download file is huge: 58mb.
The learning curve is rather long and steep, mostly because the concept is rather foreign (the way ZBrush for new users).
You’re required to register for .NET and fill out a questionaire before beginning the download. They say the offer is for previous owners, but I think it will load clean on any system.
All that aside, it’s a very interesting piece of software and of course, the price is right!
If you do try it out please post images and reactions in this thread :D.
Sven