I'm very, very new to modeling so bear with me... Although I'm pretty sure I know it's purpose, what does SDK stand for and how do you create one?

An SDK, with reference to modelling and texturing, is a "Skin Development Kit" ... basically it's a resource, created by a modeller for the public to download.

An SDK usually contains a 3D model, and a bitmap image of the UV-mapping layout (also known as "maps" or "skinmesh").

Then, the artist doing the textures (sometimes referred to as "skins") can apply the image to the model, and digitally paint the texture.

So, usually an SDK is just a Zip file containing the models and all relevent image files.

MoP

It also can't hurt to include a nice little README.TXT stating who worked on the 3d model and other things like that.

And for those of you watching at home, the meaning 'Skin Development Kit' is derivative of the more conventional 'Software Development Kit'. That's the stuff developers download to help them write plug-ins and program extensions. That's why, if you get the Half-Life SDK, you'll find it contains lots more than help for skins.

/jzero

And as an extra note skinning actually refers to binding a character to a skeleton during rigging but has been adopted by the texturing community as a subsititute for "texturing".

And my two bits.

"Rigging" is the more commonly used word for binding skeletons to models it seems. I have'nt heard "skinning" used in reference to binding skeletons in quite some time.

And don't forget...

The term "rig" is a transitive verb from the Middle English word "riggen". It's defined as 'to put in condition or position for use'.

Learning is half the battle.

And please bear in mind...

The term "merkin" is an artificial covering of hair for the female pubic region; a pubic wig for women. Also: an artificial vagina.

Sorry, but it had to be said :P