Freebie Challenge July 2025 - "Design a Book Cover" - Main Thread
What's your favourite book? What's your least favourite book? Which book have you read most recently? What books do you remember from your childhood? And what about those classics? Romeo and Juliet, The Iliad, The Lord of the Rings, 1984, Alice in Wonderland, Dune, The Hunger Games...
For the July challenge, pick a book that exists in the real world - any published book - and design a new cover for it!
I think it would be fun to include the title and author, like a real book cover. You could use a service like Canva, which can be used for free (they will try and upsell you to a paid subscription... you can ignore that, just use the free version.) However this is optional, you can also submit your render without author and title.
I can't wait to see what you bookworms come up with!
The use of image generating AI technology (midjourney, stable diffusion, DAZ AI Studio, etc.) is not allowed. The use of items (freebies or paid) that have been created with such technology is also not allowed. We realise it's not always easy to tell; let's all use our best judgement, and you can always ask the person hosting the contest if you're not sure.
The Rules For This Months Freebie Challenge are:
1. A minimum of (5) Freebies must be included in your image along with Links to the freebies you have used. For an item to be considered free it must be offered as a freebie for the whole month. The exception to this rule is all Daz Bi-Weekly Freebies will be allowed throughout the entire month in which they are free as well as the month following their release as a freebie (For a total of 2 months). Also, if a freebie is broken down into multiple downloads/links/parts (IE like if the freebie is broken down into 3 zips etc...)it only counts as 1 freebie, not 3.
2. There will be a Maximum of 5 purchased items.
3. Base figures (All Gen 2,3,4, and Genesis 1,2,3,8 and 9) as well as their general morphs packs (Morphs++ and similar) do not count as a purchased item or a freebie and may be used as needed
4.Your Rendered Picture must be a new render and postwork is allowed but you MUST include a before and after Postwork versions of your entry in the Entry Thread.
5. All DAZ 3D Programs are allowed (IE Bryce, Carrara, Daz Studio and Hexagon) plus Poser for the contest.
6. All entries are subject to the Daz3D TOS Found Here: Terms Of Service
7. You may enter a Maximum of 4 Entries per month.
8. You may edit your entry as much as you like in the main thread but once it is posted to the "Entries Thread" it may not be further modified. Also, if you edit or add things, be sure you update any links or freebie changes you make.
9. The use of image generating AI technology (midjourney, stable diffusion, etc.) is not allowed. The use of items (freebies or paid) that have been created with such technology is also not allowed. We realise it's not always easy to tell; let's all use our best judgement, and you can always ask the person hosting the contest if you're not sure.
This Freebie Challenge will end July 31th, 2025 @ 23:59 Daz time.
*Please Note: Please allow 7 days from the Announcement of the Winners to receive your prize*
If you have not recived your prize, or have any questions, please contact Hylas in a PM here on the forums.
Post your images and freebie links here for link verification. Once the links are verified, you can post your image and links in Entries Thread for judging.
First Place: $15 store credit from KindredArts
Second Place: $10 store credit from KindredArts
Third Place: $5 store credit from KindredArts
Past Freebie Contests (the links to previous years can still be found in last years challenges):
January 2022 - Around and around and around...
February 2022 - Mysteries of the heart
March 2022- Luck Of The Draw
April 2022 - New Beginnings
May 2022 - Cozy Corner
June/July 2022 - The Secret Life Of...
August 2022- Sniff, sniff... what's that smell?
September 2022-Cars Cars and More Cars
October 2022 - Horror Movies
November 2022 - Thieves, Robbers, and Fraudsters all around!
December 2022 - The Night is Darkest...
January 2023 Speed Demons and Slowpokes
February 2023- I See Red
March / April 2023 Magical
May 2023 - Sweet Music
June/July 2023 Holes, Gaps, Caves, Tunnels
August 2023 Fabulous Pink
September 2023 Gardening
October 2023 Hallowed Night
November 2023 Wobble, jiggle, sway, and shake
December 2023 / January 2024 Driving Home For...
February 2024 The Glow Up
March 2024 Power Source
April/Mai 2024 Soft as Plush, Smooth as Silk
June 2024 An Octopus' Garden
July/August 2024 Take A Break
September 2024 Fake Smiles and Real Joy
October 2024 "Monster Mash '24!"
November 2024 - Dreams
December 2024 - A Curious Christmas
January 2025 - Thank you, Saphirewild!
February 2025 - My Hallowed Valentine
March 2025 - Pride, Prejudice and other Shenanigans
April 2025 - The Little Ball of Calm
May 2025 - To Be Beautiful
June 2025 - Summer and Piracy
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Comments
Anybody who wants to support this contest with a banner please insert in Signature Settings (Source button activated):
Many thanks and good luck!
Sounds interesting, can't wait to see what people come up with.
And the signature works lol I remembered how to do it this time.
Pirates of the Caribbean
Postwork: Photoshop
Raw Render
Freebies:
G8M Character: https://www.patreon.com/posts/jack-sparrow-for-38631136
Ocean: https://www.renderosity.com/freestuff/items/96105/free-deep-ocean-for-daz
Boat: https://www.cgtrader.com/free-3d-models/various/various-models/wooden-boat-09a21dad-c4ff-44ba-92e2-1cc2aae336f7
Trasure Chest: https://www.renderhub.com/shredder/pirate-treasure
Sack: https://www.cgtrader.com/free-3d-models/various/various-models/burlap-sack-0f4a1771-70a7-4a57-9118-f0f93074e6c1
Smoke: https://www.cgtrader.com/free-3d-models/exterior/other/free-4-pack-of-vdb-clouds
Background: https://pixabay.com/photos/texture-light-blue-glow-pattern-5054172/
No AI.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pirates_of_the_Caribbean#Books
My inner pedant has to point out that a book called "Pirates of the Caribbean by Ted Elliott and Terry Rossio" doesn't seen to exist... Elliott and Rossio wrote the 1st film, but I don't think they wrote a book by that title
however several novelisations of that film do exist, so close enough, I say! 
Entry is approved! Please move to Entries Thread
Oh No! I didn't realize it has to be a REAL book from a REAL AUTHOR
Thank you for the approval 
lol it's fine
Rapunzel by Paul Zelinsky
Postwork: Photoshop
Raw Render
Freebies:
G8F Character: https://www.renderhub.com/vfoxgames/vfox-victoria-for-genesis-8-female-mothers-day-2025-gift
G8F Hair and Outfit: https://www.patreon.com/posts/repunzel-for-g8f-63649803
Castle Tower: https://www.renderosity.com/freestuff/items/82706/le-chateau-tour-ronde
Shader for castle tower: https://www.renderosity.com/freestuff/items/85179/angela3ds-iray-stone-shaders-vol-2
Sky background: https://pixabay.com/photos/texture-light-blue-glow-pattern-5054172/
Smoke: https://www.cgtrader.com/free-3d-models/exterior/other/free-4-pack-of-vdb-clouds
No AI.
EDIT: It was not quite clear to me that we were only supposed to do REAL books, so I made one up. LMK if this is okay.
Satyr
--Demon Legs Morph G9 by sentionaut https://www.renderosity.com/freestuff/items/94066/demon-legs-morph-for-genesis-9
--Eirgrid Hair G9 by AprilYSH in Genesis 9 Starter Essentials https://www.daz3d.com/genesis-9-starter-essentials
--Candy Braids Hair G8F by zoro_d https://www.renderosity.com/freestuff/items/88062/candy-braids-hair-for-genesis-8-females
--Faun Fur and Horns G9 by Mysticartdesign https://3dshards.com/product/faun-fur-and-horns-for-g9/
--Fauns Tail V2 by Traveler [no count] https://web.archive.org/web/20051026122612/http://www.morphworld30.com/assets/files/faunstail.zip
--Creature Feature Sample Pack by bernhardvanderhorst for horns https://www.cgtrader.com/free-3d-models/character/fantasy-character/creature-features-free-sample-pack
--Knockers Prop Pasties by ModernWizard https://www.renderhub.com/modernwizard/knockers-prop-pasties
--Combo Lock by Sagersweb http://www.sagersweb.com/models/combolock.zip
--Freddy G1 by Ghastly for shorts https://www.renderosity.com/freestuff/items/74804/ggc-freddy-genesis-1
--Solar Solace H3 by Adzan for bracelets [no longer available freebie, no count]
--Nail Art G8F by zoro_d https://www.renderosity.com/freestuff/items/92918/nail-art-for-genesis-8-and-81-females
Human
--Yerren Hair G8F by Excessive https://www.renderhub.com/excessive/yerren-hair-g8f
--Surf's Up G2M shorts in Genesis 2 Male Starter Essentials https://www.daz3d.com/genesis-2-female
--Free bigger dforce bowling shirt for G8M by perlk https://www.renderosity.com/freestuff/items/98920/free-bigger-dforce-bowling-shirt-for-g8m
--Shoe Collection for Genesis Figure Freebie by tranquil https://www.renderhub.com/tranquil/shoe-collection-for-genesis-figure-freebie
Both
--G8.1F and head/body morphs
–Morphalynn G3F face and head morphs by ModernWizard https://www.renderosity.com/freestuff/items/76026/morphalynn-127-g3f-head-amp-face-morphs
–SY 200 Free Morphs G8 by SickleYield https://www.deviantart.com/sickleyield/art/SY-200-Free-Morphs-Genesis-8-756465264
--Style Eyes 17 Stylized Irises for G3F and G3M by ModernWizard https://www.renderosity.com/freestuff/items/76086/style-eyes-17-stylized-irises-for-g3f-and-g3m
--REAL Hairy G2M by MikeyFTL https://www.deviantart.com/mikeyftl/art/REAL-Hairy-for-Genesis-2-Male-FREE-859328094
Paid:
–Draupadi G3F texture by chevybabe25 https://www.daz3d.com/draupadi-for-genesis-3-female-s
--Ryanno Hair and Beard G8M by Neftis3D https://www.daz3d.com/ryanno-hair-and-beard-set-for-genesis-8-male
Okay, this is an actual book....
Freebies:
--G9 figure
--dForce Medieval Dress G9 by Sythezal https://www.renderosity.com/freestuff/items/96799/dforce-medieval-dress-for-genesis-9
--1940s Style Pants and Shirt G8F by perlk for bodice https://www.renderosity.com/freestuff/items/92983/1940s-style-pants-and-shirt-for-g8f
--Linen shader by ModernWizard [me] based on Fabric036 https://ambientcg.com/view?id=Fabric036
--dForce French Twist Hair G8F by zoro_d https://www.renderosity.com/freestuff/items/81937/dforce-french-twist-hair-for-genesis-8-females
--Morphing Strip Cloth DS Version by Seliah for ribbons https://www.renderosity.com/freestuff/items/75757/cof-morphing-strip-cloth-ds-version
--Flower Pot by leviotis for flowers https://www.cgtrader.com/free-3d-models/plant/pot-plant/flower-pot--17
--Clever Book by geralday https://www.renderosity.com/freestuff/items/60997/clever-book
--Gravel029 by ambientcg https://ambientcg.com/view?id=Gravel029
--Map Riddle Quiz Labyrinth by pheee https://pixabay.com/vectors/maze-puzzle-riddle-quiz-labyrinth-2094070/
Paid:
--Jelly G9 by WarTech for morphs and texture [paid] https://www.forender.com/market/exraclones/product/2596-jelly-for-g9.html
This was very clear in my head but apparently it didn't really come across
I have adjusted the language now to make it more clear.
I will accept your first entry (still have to check out all the links, will do that later) and I'm generally not going to be too nitpicky... but yeah, my original idea was to design covers for books that exist.
Entry is approved! Please move to Entries Thread
Entry is approved! Please move to Entries Thread
Entry is approved! Please move to Entries Thread
Great! I put my two entries in the entries thread, but I mistakenly attached all four renders to the Labyrinth one.
--MW
Another real book!
No count:
--G8.1F, head/body morphs
--Etienne Le Bien Aime H3 by Adzan for belt [no count freebie, no longer available]
--primitives for hair ties, barrettes, rubber bands in pouch, pouches on belt
Freebies:
--Morphalynn G3F face and head morphs by ModernWizard https://www.renderosity.com/freestuff/items/76026/morphalynn-127-g3f-head-amp-face-morphs
--Style Eyes 17 Stylized Irises for G3F and G3M by ModernWizard https://www.renderosity.com/freestuff/items/76086/style-eyes-17-stylized-irises-for-g3f-and-g3m
--Skin with Freckles G3F G8F by SmidA https://www.renderosity.com/freestuff/items/90583/skin-with-freckles-daz3d-iray
--Photoshop brushes freckles free by lemongrassandsleep https://www.deviantart.com/lemongrassandsleep/art/Photoshop-brushes-freckles-free-870003159
--dForce French Twist Hair G8F by zoro_d https://www.renderosity.com/freestuff/items/81937/dforce-french-twist-hair-for-genesis-8-females
--Candy Braids Hair G8F by zoro_d https://www.renderosity.com/freestuff/items/88062/candy-braids-hair-for-genesis-8-females
--Some BangleStacks LF by jancory https://www.renderosity.com/freestuff/items/97468/some-banglestacks-for-lf2
--Spring Shirt G9 by Arah3D https://www.renderosity.com/freestuff/items/94968/arah3d-spring-shirt-for-g9-dforce
--Stockings V4 by LittleDragon http://littledragon.francemi.net/zipfiles/LDStockingsV4.zip
--Elf Holiday Boots and Hat G8F by chriscox https://www.renderhub.com/chriscox/freebie-elf-holiday-jingle-boots-and-hat-for-g8f
--Morphing Bandaid by TrekkieGrrrl http://freebies.trekkiegrrrl.com/zip/bandaid.zip
--Safety Pin Closed by Paracetamoore https://www.cgtrader.com/free-3d-models/household/other/safety-pin-b9c59f3b-ae20-4e8f-8ce4-639229e687d5
--Notepad, diary, pen by SIUP https://www.cgtrader.com/free-3d-models/interior/interior-office/notepad-diary-pen
--Skeleton Keys 01 by TaLLan52 https://www.renderosity.com/freestuff/items/61527/tallans-skeleton-keys-01
--Scissors by geralday https://www.renderosity.com/freestuff/items/61987/scissors
--Linen shader by ModernWizard [me] based on Fabric036 https://ambientcg.com/view?id=Fabric036
--Loud Fabrics 02 Shaders by ModernWizard https://www.renderosity.com/freestuff/items/74007/loud-fabrics-02-shaders-for-daz-studio-46-only
--Loud Fabrics 03 Shaders by ModernWizard https://www.renderosity.com/freestuff/items/74012/loud-fabrics-03-shaders-for-daz-studio-46-only
--Ultimate Shader Pack for Daz Studio by georgehaze https://www.renderosity.com/freestuff/items/66943/ultimate-shader-pack-for-daz-studio
Paid:
--Growing Up G8F by Zev0 https://www.daz3d.com/growing-up-for-genesis-8-female-s
--XTech Dreadlock Ponytail G2F by ElorOnceDark for goggles https://www.daz3d.com/xtech-dreadlock-ponytail-for-genesis-2-female-s
The Cube.
Original render
Final GIMP work
The Cube : https://www.renderosity.com/freestuff/items/99026/the-cube-for-daz
Leather cowboy hat : https://www.renderosity.com/freestuff/items/84654/leather-cowboy-hat
Men' suit : https://www.renderosity.com/freestuff/items/95034/dforce-1940s-inspired-mens-suit-for-g8m
Men's suit long jacket : https://www.renderosity.com/freestuff/items/95401/1940s-inspired-mens-suit-long-jacket-for-g8m
Hair : https://www.renderosity.com/freestuff/items/81424/hair-so-oldier-hair-for-g8m
Environement : DAZ Sun : https://www.daz3d.com/technology/
PostWork : GIMP : https://www.gimp.org/downloads/
Brush : Art Deco Brushes : https://www.brusheezy.com
Font : Orbitron : https://www.1001fonts.com/
The Borg are coming! Run!
yep, i did'nt realized
Entry is approved! Please move to Entries Thread
btw, this is a minor thing, but going forward would you mind not linking directly to downloads, like you did here with the stocking and the bandaid? I don't love it when I click a link and my browser immediately starts downloading something. no big deal, just going forward. thx!
Entry is approved! Please move to Entries Thread
Sure thing!
Jaws by Peter Benchley
Postwork: Photoshop
Raw Render
Freebies:
Shark: https://www.cgtrader.com/free-3d-models/animals/fish/great-white-shark-model-e1dfb677-6236-4d5d-9e14-9a5a744542d1
Human legs: https://www.renderhub.com/vfoxgames/vfox-victoria-for-genesis-8-female-mothers-day-2025-gift
Shorts on human legs: https://www.renderhub.com/mavissky/ms-short-pajamas
Background water: https://pixabay.com/photos/seawater-blue-water-under-the-sea-1666310/
Bubbles: https://www.brusheezy.com/brushes/57610-free-splash-photoshop-brushes
No AI.
Entry is approved! Please move to Entries Thread
Doomsday Book by Connie Willis
Postwork in GIMP
Free
G3F Skeleton: https://www.renderosity.com/freestuff/items/80778/g3f-skeleton
PS Yoshiko for Genesis 8 Female: https://www.renderosity.com/freestuff/items/88116/ps-yoshiko-for-genesis-8-female
G2F Medieval Style Dress: https://www.wilmapsdigitalcreations.co.uk/view_product.php?id=223
Death's Robe: https://www.mada3d.com/Freebies1.html
Hourglass-Timer Prop for Daz Studio: https://www.digi-dotz.com/index.php/props/hourglass-timer-prop-for-daz-studio
Celtic Jewelry for Genesis 8 and 9: https://3dshards.com/product/celtic-jewelry-for-genesis-8-and-9/
Chapel: https://www.turbosquid.com/3d-models/free-chapel-celtic-video-3d-model/464431
Odalisque Dressfor G8 Female (headpiece): https://www.deviantart.com/noone102000/art/Odalisque-Dressfor-G8-Female-FREEBIE-TO-DOWNLOAD-840702552
CIMETIERE (ground): https://www.renderosity.com/freestuff/items/75761/cimetiere
OnFleek for Genesis 3 & 8 Female(s) (eye materials): https://shop.aprilsvanity.com/onfleek-for-genesis-3-8-female-s.html
Skull (replaced head for G3F skeleton): https://www.renderosity.com/mod/freestuff/human-skull/57282
Virus image: https://pixabay.com/illustrations/virus-variant-mutation-rna-dna-6934062/
Paid
Cafe Curls for Genesis 8 Female(s): https://www.daz3d.com/cafe-curls-for-genesis-8-females
Iconic MFD Bundle 2 for Genesis 8 Female(s): https://www.daz3d.com/iconic-mfd-bundle-2-for-genesis-8-females
Entry is approved! Please move to Entries Thread
Tarzan of the Apes by Edgar Rice Burroughs
Finished Cover:
Raw Render:
Freebies:
Tarzan: https://www.renderhub.com/aglassdarkly/agd-erik-8-morph-only
Hair: https://www.renderhub.com/intheflesh/v-dmc5-hair-for-genesis-8-male
Loincloth: https://www.deviantart.com/sickleyield/art/SY-dForce-Free-Rag-Loincloths-Genesis-8-Iray-823642315
Knife: https://www.deviantart.com/amyaimei/art/Combat-Knife-for-DAZ-Studio-1190160424
Jungle: https://www.renderhub.com/shredder/jungle-props-for-daz
Paid items:
Lion: https://www.daz3d.com/daz-big-cat-2
Post work was done in Photoshop. The distressing was acheived by scanning some of my own books and removing text and graphics until just the creases and dust were left over and overlaying those images on the render.
Entry is approved! Please move to Entries Thread
Modesty Blaise by Peter O'Donnell
Finished image:
Raw render:
Freebies:
Character: https://www.renderhub.com/melovephoto/kk-kate-character-for-genesis-8-8-1-female
Bodysuit: https://www.renderhub.com/kelambi3d/k3d-bodysuit-2025-05-for-genesis-8--8-1-females
Jacket: https://www.renderosity.com/freestuff/items/98886/leather-jacket-and-pants-for-g8f
Hair: https://www.renderhub.com/guhzcoituz/freebies-short-hair-for-g8f
Gun: https://www.renderosity.com/freestuff/items/88411/handgun-with-suppressor
Paid items:
Lights: https://www.renderosity.com/marketplace/products/135115/paper-tigers-fantastic-hdri-lighting
Wall: https://www.renderosity.com/marketplace/products/162329/dms-sinister-silence
Leather shaders: https://www.daz3d.com/45-organic-and-cloth-shaders-for-iray
Hair Shader: https://www.daz3d.com/colorwerks-hair-shaders-for-iray
Lights: https://www.daz3d.com/ibl-unlimited--lighting-variety-for-daz-studio
Postwork done in Photoshop - color correction, typography, oil painting filter.
Entry is approved! Please move to Entries Thread
The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy, by Douglas Adams
Used not counted:
- Genesis, Genesis 2 figure
- DieTryring Morphs for Genesis 2 (was once at ShareCG, not longer available)
- DS primitive (plane), used as backdrop
Freebies used:
- Aliens (passengers in flying saucers, HFS Shapes by Dario Fish)
https://www.renderosity.com/freestuff/items/70433/hfs-shapes-me-expansion
(Hint: for the head morphs to work go to the folder with the DS files. open .dsf files and remove line 'id=....' witch contains an absolute path)
textures created in DS with images made in GIMP (free graphic program)
- plastic texture
https://www.renderosity.com/freestuff/items/80042/plastic-texture
(used for alien skin, texture updated with the free program Materialize to get in addition to the diffusion map also distance (height) map, normal map and to made the map seamless)
- Starships (flying saucers, by BrainGuy63)
https://www.renderosity.com/freestuff/items/98455/small-red-spaceship-for-poser
- planet earth (download from most-digital-creations, Adam Thwaites)
https://www.most-digital-creations.com/www.most-digital-creations.com_PlanetEarth.zip
-fx effects, fx daz studio (by jefferson AF)
https://www.renderosity.com/freestuff/items/74959/fx-daz-studio
used on planet earth, the effects were enhanced by placing a pointlight before them
- The Hitchhikers Guide is assembled from a handheld tablet and a book (this very new invention gives for the first time an energy independ, human (alien) readable backup of data which can be used if the batteries run low.... Don't Panic)
--Tablet, handheld, (by 3-d-c)
https://www.renderosity.com/freestuff/items/59640/scifi-tablet-smartprop
(texture of the screen reworked in GIMP)
--Old Book (by syzethal)
https://www.renderosity.com/freestuff/items/93977/old-book
-Space Buoy One (Warning Sign)
https://www.renderosity.com/freestuff/items/91951/space-buoy-one
- blue nebula space backdrop (by Kixum)
https://www.renderosity.com/freestuff/items/70352/blue-nebula-space-backdrop
(texture used on DS primitive = plane)
- Text for book title, autor
3d Text made in HEXAGON, see
https://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/comment/5186396/
No postwork was used, all rendered in a single run in DS