I am a 36-year-old, single, gay, Gender non-conforming, bio-male from Chicago, IL. My pronouns are He/Him/They/Them. I went to school at Loyola University in Chicago. I was a Biology major/ History minor and loved it. I love to draw and write...
Calling All Horror Lovers! The Kickstarter for a new & exciting horror/slasher short film project based on giallofilms & horror classics of the 1980s & 1990s, Macabre: a horror short by Zack Cherry & Erik Champney, has officially launched!
Many exciting perks are available for backers at several price points and tier levels. If you can't do or don't want to do a specific perk, you can also just donate to the campaign on that page as well.
All perks ship globally, although it might cost more for shipping outside the USA. Also, all perk levels come with a digital download of the film when it finishes at festivals and is released in early 2025. Think of it as paying ahead of time for the movie.
There will be lots of behind the scenes special features included with all digital downloads as well.
With Kickstarter, no one gets charged until the campaign is completed on September 5th, 2024, and only if the campaign successfully raises its goal amount of $40,000.00 in that time. So, it is very important to raise the full amount.
If you don't have the money now but will be able to save it by September 5th, 2024, and you want to participate, you are in luck. The money will not be taken from your account until then, guaranteed. There is no risk to you.
Please consider pledging to support the Kickstarter campaign for "Macabre." It's thanks to the generosity of people like you, that this is even possible. Thanks.
If you want to follow "Macabre" on any or all other socials or sign up for email updates as the project progresses, they are all available at the landing page:
Inspired by retro slashers and giallo films, this crowdfunded horror short will be pitched as a grand presentation for a full feature.
I know I just posted about how bad male eyebrows (especially on darker skin) look and that changing my graphicsrules.sgr file to fix texture quality didn't help, and this is frustrating.
I've dealt with this visual issue for years, but all my CC eyelashes (S-Club, SourLemon...) look blurry, pixelated, and splotchy in both CAS and live mode.
I've tried just about everything, but I want to preface this by saying that, even though I've been playing this game for 14 years, I am not really clued up on in-depth, highly technical optimisations, settings and fixes. I just follow tutorials when I have an issue, if possible.
Before I explain what I've tried and why I believe some of these changes didn't do anything, I want to lay out some specifics that some of you who are more familiar with the technical side of the game might be able to pinpoint as an issue:
- My graphics card (GTX 1050ti) is recognised by the game.
- I play on the EA App 1.69 version.
- I use DXVK (more on that later), Sims 3 Settings Setter, and ReShade thanks to this amazing tutorial by @heldhram.
- My texture and sim detail is Very High.
- Edge Smoothing is off, and Advanced Rendering is on.
- This happens with both makeup/eyeliner eyelashes and accessory eyelashes.
~~ This is what I've tried: ~~
Followed this 2017 tutorial by Eruwen on the @sims3tutorialhub, which gives instructions on what Nvidia Control Panel settings to change specifically for TS3. I've also ensured these settings are active with Nvidia Profile Inspector. These settings are:
- Anisotropic filtering: 16x
- Antialiasing - Gamma correction: On
- Antialiasing - Transparency: 8x (supersample)
- Texture filtering - Anisotropic sample options: Off
- Texture filtering - Negative LOD bias: Allow
- Texture filtering - Quality: High quality
- Texture filtering - Trinilear optimization: On
- Vertical sync: On (I don't have a "Force on" option, just on)
I finally clicked on why these changes did nothing. I use DXVK, which means the game no longer hooks into the DirectX 9 driver but instead translates it to Vulkan, effectively rendering these Nvidia control panel changes useless. This is if I understand it correctly.
The question now remains: Is it possible to add to the DXVK config file to override the antialiasing transparency?
THIS MIGHT BE IMPORTANT - Since I play with S3SS's windowed-fullscreen mode, I'm unsure if that changes anything in terms of texture quality (again, this might be a stupid question, but I genuinely don't know).
Since so many players have similar setups and beautiful, detailed lashes, I'm sure there's a way to fix this on my end.
If you are able to help in any way, please let me know! I would appreciate it so much, and I'm sure simmers who also have this issue will, too. If you have any more questions about my settings/setup/anything else, feel free to ask.
For ages now, I've been looking for a playable restaurant lot in The Sims 3, but I've never found one. So, I decided to take matters into my own hands and give the Business As Usual Bistro a well-needed makeover!
This lot has so much potential, like the actual build is really well done, especially for an EA build, but the interior is incredibly lacklustre.
My vision for this renovation was to create a "zen"-like atmosphere, with lots of greenery, dark wood and exposed stone accents. There is more than enough seating, inside and out, a bar where a mixologist will be assigned to and a more laid-back upstairs area with a pool table, TV, stereo and additional seating.
(A big thank you to @dreamy-roses for helping me playtest this lot!)
🌄🍽🎋INFO🎋🍽🌄
It is on its original 30x30 lot size.
- *ALL EPs required
- *SPs required: High-End Loft Stuff, Outdoor Living Stuff, Master Suite Stuff, Diesel Stuff, 70's, 80's, and 90's Stuff
-STORE CONTENT-
Business As Usual Bistro Set
Build Mode:
Arc Of The World Bay Window (Roaring Heights)
BahHaus's Boxy Window (BahHaus Set)
Go Left L-Shaped Staircase
Buy Mode:
Assymetrical Plant Frame (One With Nature Set)
Foliage Folly (Free Store Item)
Middle Untamed Wall Ivy (Brunch at the Old Mill Set)
Potted Bamboo Glory (Best of 2010 Collection)
Tropical Leaves of Repose (Full Ultra Lounge Set)
Chun Co. Teppanyaki Grill (Itadakimasu! Japanese Inspired Dining Set)
Straightforward Short Bookcase (Roaring Heights)
String of Inspiration (Bohemian Garden Set)
-CC-
No CC required, except for a recolour of a sign that came with University Life (the red sign on the front of the building), which I recoloured and included in the .zip file.
I HIGHLY recommend these default wood texture replacements. It’s an absolute must-have for me.
(NOTE: I found that some default item overrides that automatically remove stencils from objects [not velocitygrass’ stencil remover] conflict with the wood replacement textures/render them broken)
-Mods used (NOT required)-
S3 Decorator Tools by OmedaPixel
velocitygrass Stencil Remover
⬇️DOWNLOAD⬇️
http://www.simfileshare.net/download/6117060/
(package file, extract with WinRAR/7zip and just plop in your library folder)
I built a no-CC/store content salon and tattoo parlour this week for my personal game and thought I'd share it with you!
Sure, it's definitely not my best or most detailed build, but I really wanted it to be as practical as possible for gameplay.
I built it on a 30x40 lot (replacing Hogan's Deep Fried Diner in Sunset Valley)
It uses all EPs and the following stuff packs:
Fast Lane Stuff, Town Life Stuff, Master Suite Stuff, Diesel Stuff & 70s, 80s & 90s Stuff
-Mods used (NOT required)-
S3 Decorator Tools by OmedaPixel
velocitygrass Stencil Remover
⬇️DOWNLOAD⬇️
http://www.simfileshare.net/download/6090318/
(package file, just plop in your library folder)
I built a gothic curch and wedding reception hall in the sims 3!
I'm working on something very exciting (more on that very soon), and really wanted a gothic-style church and wedding reception hall for sims 3, but I couldn't quite find what I was after online, so... I built one! I'm honestly kinda surprised how it turned out, especially the interior, since I had zero inspo pictures or references. I knew I wanted an annex for wedding receptions and a smaller outdoor reception area.
I was contemplating making a store-content/cc free version, but there really aren't any gothic windows in the game, and I initially built this with the intention of using the church in this upcoming save, but when I progressed, I decided to put it up for you guys to download if you so wished!
🥀⛪🔔 INFO 🔔⛪🥀
- Lot size: 40x40
- *ALL EPs required
- *SPs required: Outdoor Living Stuff
-STORE CONTENT-
Build Mode:
Dragon Valley
Ornate Arch
Midnight Hollow
Dutiful Headstone (debug)
Finely Tapered Spire
Gothic Arches
Gothic Masonry
Gothique Flower Vase
Graceful Headstone (debug)
Lightum Candelabrum Tableum
Mural Moderne
Mural Moderne Wide
Peaceful Headstone (debug)
Savvy Seller Pedestal
Unstained Glass Window
Monte Vista
The Forgery Elite
Castle Double Door II by Castle Kits, Inc.
Gothique Window
Grim's Fence
Ornate Milan Wall Top
Ornate Padua Wall Top
Ornate Roman Wall Bottom
Ornate Tuscan Wall Bottom
Ornate Tuscan Wall Top
Ornate Verona Wall Bottom
Ornate Verona Wall Top
Regal Window by Castle Kits, Inc.
Storied Tale Right Stairs
Three Traceried Window
Buy Mode:
Aims Co. Choc-O-Falls Fountain
Ancient Mosaic Rug
Athena's Olive Tree
Castle Pew Bench
Chandelier Chain
Country Candelabra
Edwardian Expression Kitchen - Lush Bloom Lily Vace
Fresh from the Garden Bouquet
Jars of Electric Fireflies
Larger Than Life Party Table
Old Town Dining Table
Surface El Fresco
The Bravo Bistro Dining Chair
The Bravo Bistro Table
The Dragon's Vace
Turn The Tables
Vintage Garden Gazebo by One With Earth
-CC-
ATS3 Church Bench
ATS3 Church Organ
Build Your Own Cathedral Set
Daddy's Girl Formal Wedding Arch
Denton Door of the Virtuous
Galadrielh Quoin Wall Nr1 (all 3 files required) (original link dead, reuploaded by mspoodle HERE)
Gothic Window
Large 5x3 Antique Rugs Series 4 by baufive
The Spectre Mausoleum Roof
WA Sunflower Vase recolourable + without orchids
I HIGHLY recommendthese default wood texture replacements. It’s an absolute must-have for me.
(NOTE: I found that some default item overrides that automatically remove stencils from objects [not velocitygrass’ stencil remover] conflict with the wood replacement textures/render them broken)
-Mods used (NOT required)-
S3 Decorator Tools by OmedaPixel
⬇️DOWNLOAD⬇️
http://www.simfileshare.net/download/6068580/
(package file, just plop in your library folder)
With DXVK and S3SS living their high days, older Sims 3 installment guides are rapidly starting to become outdated. So here's a brand new and up-to-date step-by-step guide to go through when you do a fresh install of your game that will help you get the best performance you could possibly imagine for this old and laggy gem of a game.
Have Sims 3 installed, but is it performing abhorrently? I highly recommend a fresh install. You don't have to delete your saves or mods. Just get yourself a fresh bin to work with by uninstalling, going into your program files The Sims 3 folder and deleting any remnant files still in there. Then follow my guide!
All of the steps to follow are below the line ->
Step 1: install your game through your respected platform.
Just follow the regular steps and install the game without adding any other stuff yet whatsoever.
(I personally have a legit copy of the Sims 3 on Steam. If you use another app and have any questions, I'll probably not be able to help you.)
Step 2: run the game once through the official launcher. Once you get to the main menu, you can quit again.
It is very important you run your game through the original launcher at least once after installing it. Not doing so can cause problems with programs like CC magic. You only need to do it the first time. After that, we'll be skipping the launcher entirely.
Step 3: Create a short cut of TS3W.exe on your desktop.
You'll be skipping the launcher from now on. This helps with performance and it starts up your game much faster. It is also important to do this because of DXVK.
You can find TS3W.exe in your bin folder. For me (Steam version) it's in this location:
Right click TS3W.exe, click 'show more options' and choose 'create a shortcut'. Place this shortcut on your desktop and Run Sims 3 from there from now on.
Step 4: Run the GPU Add-on Support patcher
You can find this patcher here. It is essential to run this because Sims will otherwise not recognize your graphics card unless it's over 10 years old. This patcher helps to get your GPU recognized.
The patcher will create a new Graphicsrules.sgr and new Graphicscards.sgr for you in your bin folder. After installing this, you can move the ones that have _old behind them somewhere else (or delete them).
Step 5: Install DXVK
Make sure you follow this guide by Nornities and do every single step. Don't skip anything! Make sure you install the version in this guide (DXVK 2.3.1)
I'd say DXVK is pretty essential nowadays, especially if you have a modern graphics card with 6GB of VRAM or higher. It'll greatly help to keep your game stable and can prevent a lot of crashes. The way Dxvk works, is that it loads textures through your VRAM instead of your RAM. Especially when you use a lot of CC or HD textures, this will make a huge difference for your RAM usage. Sims 3 can only use 4GB of RAM at once and will start crashing once you hit the 3GB mark in your task manager. With DXVK, you will use a lot less RAM and it'll take much longer for your game to reach this hard cap.
When not to install DXVK: if you have a shitty GPU (like an integrated graphics card on a laptop, or one with 4GB of VRAM or less).
Step 5: Start up the game
Use your new desktop shortcut that also has 'run as administrator' permissions now if you followed the DXVK guide properly.
Step 6: set up all your settings through the ingame options menu
The best graphics settings for you will highly depend on what computer you're using. But there are some things you should always turn off because they negatively affect performance. I will share my (relevant) settings with you (I use a custom UI so your screen style will look a little different from mine). Click on the images to enlarge them so you can read them:
Things of note about these settings:
I recommend you play in windowed mode, especially if you plan to use ReShade. Playing fullscreen is possible, but it does make Reshade presets behave differently in your game. I will include a step in this guide that you can follow to play windowed borderless. So, when you plan to do this: make sure you set the resolution to your display resolution.
Enable object hiding helps with performance. Advanced rendering is essential because otherwise your game looks like absolute shit.
Set your High Detail Lots to any value between 2 and 4. Don't go lower or higher, because you'll get rendering issues that lag out your game.
All other graphics settings can be set to your heart's desire. I'd say start with the highest settings and only go down if you notice your frames per second are bad.
Disable shop mode and lessons and fully disable memories or use this mod to severly limit them. Disable interactive loading screens as well. These are all performance eaters. Interactive loading screen also causes crashes. Memories also don't do anything for your sim, it's just a scrap book with no in-game effects.
Disable any online mode feature. This also lags out your game. Unless you really want to use these features it's best to just play fully offline.
Save your settings, close the game again.
Step 7: Install Sims 3 Settings Setter
This is the most recent magic genie that Sims 3 was blessed with. Especially combined with DXVK it is a life changer. Installing it is simple. You download the most recent version here and drop the .asi file in your bin. Also grab 'wininet.dll' from here (the 32 bit one) and drop that one in your bin too.
Start up your game and load up a save. Once you're inside your save, you press 'insert' to open up the menu for Sims 3 Settings Setter. Go to the 'patches' tab and enable what you like. These are my enabled patches and they all work really well for me, but feel free to experiment with them to find your own performance sweet spot:
Only enable uncompressed textures if you have a GPU with at least 8gb of VRAM. My game will use over 6gb of VRAM easily with this enabled, so you've been warned.
Once you have everything you desire enabled, press 'file' in the top left corner and click 'save settings'.
Step 7.5: if you're playing windowed mode: go into the Other/QoL tab and enable 'Borderless Window'. Set it to 'Full Screen'.
Save your settings and close your game again. No need to save the game you entered for this unless you want to.
Step 8: Install Nraas Errortrap, MasterController and Overwatch
These 3 mods by Nraas are pretty much essential to keep your game from breaking down in the long run. You can download the mods here. Have you never installed a mod for Sims 3 before? Here's a guide (skip the part about Sims3pack and go straight to the part where it explains how to install .package mods).
That's it! You can now play The Sims 3 and it'll be as smooth and stable as it'll ever be. From here on, you can stock your game with more mods and CC (check out my mods masterlist!), or you can install Reshade (here's a guide).
Some important things to keep in mind while playing:
Clean up your game regularly. You can easily do this by using Regul Save Cleaner.
When you install a new mod or update/change Sims 3 Settings Setter, always restart and clear your caches.
Use CC Magic for installing CC, because it merges your files and this really helps with performance. Here's a handy guide on how to use it. Don't put your script mods in here, just your CC.
If you plan to travel to vacation destinations in the EP World Adventures, Nraas Traveler is a must to prevent most of the bugs and crashes that happen in this expansion.
Always keep in mind: mods and corrupt CC can still break your game, make it laggy or unplayable. Always be mindful of the mods you add, so you can always trace any issues you're having back to the mod causing it. I highly recommend not downloading a ton of mods in one session, but adding them step by step and see what they do to your games performance.
Use 'Reset the entire town' from Nraas MasterController at least every other sim week. It'll help clear up any lag that happens because of NPC sims getting themselves stuck routing or annoying stuff like that.
Got a slow CAS? Use Nraas MasterController Compact mode! (Make sure you have the Nraas MasterController Integration module installed).
Navigate to NRaas > MasterController > Settings > CAS.
I recently learned about the Russian artist Konstantin Andreyevich Somov and immediately fell in love with his style (not only because he painted nude men towards the end of his career...🤭)
I felt inspired to put some of my favourite ones into The Sims 3! I wasn't initially planning to share them, but then I thought some might like to have them in their game as well. So here you go!
They are all in-game meshes, and the non-male/nsfw paintings shown above are all base-game compatible.
(Some of these previews are a bit blown out by the lighting/sun in-game, please excuse.)
Now, for the spicier ones...😏
First of all, don't worry, the uncensored versions are what you're gonna get, so just a fair warning if you'd either not want these or don't want gorgeous 20th-century erotic male paintings obscured by an eggplant emoji. 😂
These require a few packs in order to show up in your game.
- Pets, University Life, and Into The Future.
I hope you enjoy them as much as I know I will!😉
~~DOWNLOAD~~
Konstantin Somov Paintings
Konstantin Somov Male Paintings/Poster
I went to see Wicked: For Good with a friend a few weeks ago (we also went to see the first one around this time last year) and I absolutely loved both films! 😍 I felt really inspired to do a build where one half is for Glinda and the other for Elphaba, perfectly split in the middle.
I also put it up for download, but since I used a crap ton of store content, I honestly don't feel like going in and checking each item and then listing them. That will be a lot of extra work for me, and annoying for you if you want to make sure you have it all. Still, it's available for download if you'd like it, but please note that a lot of store content was used and if you have most of it, you should be good!
-Mods used (NOT required)-
S3 Decorator Tools by OmedaPixel
velocitygrass Stencil Remover
⬇️DOWNLOAD⬇️ http://www.simfileshare.net/download/5857227/ (package file, just plop in your library folder)
Happy Trans Day of Visibility! This morning, I am watching this charity livestream for Point of Pride, who work on the ground on a daily basis as a grassroots non-profit, helping transfolk across the United States access gender-affirming care! I have watched and donated every year for the past four years. The livestream link is here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HfZVTWTzWG4
Take this opportunity to own the past and the future of horror in one!
The limited edition "Macabre" VHS has just dropped as a reward add-odd to their Kickstarter campaign, which is funding now through September 5th, 2024. If you pledge now, you will not be charged until the campaign ends on that day.
Only 100 copies of the VHS are available anywhere, and this is the very first opportunity to own "Macabre" on physical media. It is sure to go on to become a rare collector's item.
This and many other amazing rewards are available for a very limited time on the "Macabre" Kickstarter page here:
"Macabre" is a horror/slasher short film project co-written and directed by horror Youtube personality Zack Cherry and acclaimed filmaker Erik Champney. With the help of executive producers Randy Borruso and Juan Herrera, they are planning to take their short film to several film festivals. They want to use the short film as the proof of concept for a feature film down the line.
The next stretch goal the minds behind "Macabre" are trying to reach is the $50,000 Ultra-Violence level where they will be able to hire a professional stunt coordinator to ensure the action scenes of the movie are safe, but also awesomely coordinated. It will also help pay for the fees and travel expenses associated with submitting and attending the film festivals. Help them make "Macabre" as amazing as possible. Pledge today!
Even if you can't support financially, sharing is caring! Spreading the word and sharing the link to the Kickstarter is also extremely helpful. You never know own who in your life might be interested in "Macabre."
All "Macabre" social links can be found at www.macabreshortfilm.com
Come hang out at the Week 4 #YouTube #livestream for the Macabre: a horror short by Zack Cherry & Erik Champney #Kickstarter #campaign tonight at 8pm EST!
The livestream will be on co-writer/co-director Zack Cherry's YouTube channel at
"Macabre" has officially reached $41,000.00 raised, but they aren't stopping there. They have plenty of stretch goals as well. Currently, they are seeking to raise another $9,000 to pay for a professional stunt coordinator and for fees and travel associated with showing at film festivals.
You, too, could be part of making the future of horror! Horror made for fans by fans.
I hope to see you all come out and support the making of this incredible #horror/#slasher short film project.
Thank you to everyone who has already pledged to the campaign and shared the links!
Feel free to share the links and spread the word about this campaign. All of this is only possible thanks to people like you!
If you would like to follow "Macabre" on other social media or to sign up for email production updates, go to:
There will be another #YouTube #livestream on co-writer/director Zack Cherry's channel about the progress of the "Macabre: a horror short by Zack Cherry & Erik Champney" Kickstarter and production this Monday, August 19th, 2024, at 8pm EST.
The livestream will answer any questions you have about the Kickstarter campaign (funding now until September 5th, 2024). No backers will be charged until the campaign ends on that day.
