This will also make it a lengthy tutorial, but perhaps worth it. Just select the sections you would like to jump to to learn the process for it.

So let's begin!

AUTHOR'S NOTE: I made and posted this tutorial before Milkshape came out with the ability to handle .skn files and everything was done with .obj files. The concepts are still the same, though, as far as scaling, making things, making .cmx files, positioning,etc. so it's still worthwhile to check out.

THE CONCEPT:

Let me introduce you to the project. I found her during a search online for Lady Death pictures. ( Chaos Comics) And I know her as Shi.

This is what I will be making today, and for the next few days, depending on how well it goes. She looks relatively simple to skin, but sometimes the easiest things turn out to be the hardest too.

But that is the concept. My next step is finding the body model bases. So I will load up Sim Show and scout around for what I can start off with.

THE BASES

This is what I found: the catsuit body and the bwar head. I used basic textures just to see where the lines fell, so I could easily tell if it was a mini-skirt body or pants, or what have you.

(And now for the credits in the screenshot )
b510fafit_catsuit01 is the body section of the Maxis "Hero" skin, availible in one of their skin packs. I just renamed it so I could use the body separately.
b675fafit_LifeGuard obtained from Dr. Frankensim's NPC character downloads
c026fa_bwar head from Maxis Skin Pack
c026fa_sydneysavage was created by me. )

Now, from all of this, I can begin the rough texturing, which I will do next, before I make the body and head out of these skn files.

Select your course:

Basic Texturing
Custom Textures (swimsuits, PJ's, formal, and nudes)
Mesh Adjusting the Body
Mesh Adjusting the Head
Making the Accessory (the naginata)
Writing the .cmx File (body alone)
Writing the .cmx file (body and acessories)
Writing the .cmx file (the head)
Sim Show testing
Game Testing
I'd like to go home now.