MakeHuman
Makehuman™ is a free, open source software designed for the rapid prototyping of photorealistic human (and humanoid) characters. It is developed by a community of programmers, artists, academics and enthusiasts interested in 3D computer models of human beings.
MakeHuman™ is used to create a 3D mesh with optimized topology representing human beings with a user-controlled mix of characteristics including race, sex, size, muscularity and other features. The models thus created are integrated into one of two typical pipelines or workflows.
Open Source Alternative to Poser
I hadn't put this one on the blog earlier, as I had thought it was more a 3D animation tool. But as it can be linked to a renderer and the final images can be used in picture bashes. I thought it would make sense to tell you all about it. This is MakeHuman. It is a relatively easy program that allows you to build and render 3D models of humans of any age and build. Using it along with the recommended rendering software aqsis, an artist can develop realistic looking Characters to add to picture bashes. The dragon rider girl and the old wizards face were made this way. I have been playing with MakeHuman for years and although its not as versatile as Poser, if you want a human model or human render quickly, I recommend it for the Freeware Illustrator.