Process and other software research

Having played around with Xgen in Maya, I have started to realise how much render time it would take to render using Xgen and splines. 

Through my research I found there is a number of bespoke software (shave and haircut or yeti) out there which specifically is created for making hair, fur and feathers. While these look great and produce amazing results they are very costly. 

Instead I am going to look at a low poly method, which should cut down on render time, I wont need specific software and I can integrate with photoshop to bring a more painterly look if I like. 

- shave and a haircut