Step-by-Step Guide to Creating Your 3D VTuber

Knowing the process of creating a VTuber is crucial for efficiently understanding and managing the production journey. In this post, we’ll explore the steps involved in bringing a Vtuber to life. Discover the key points at each stage to help you create your own unique and captivating character!

1. Illustrating Vtuber Characters
2. 3D Modeling
3. Texturing
4. Rigging
5. Implementation
6. Top 3 Common Misconceptions about VTuber Production

The production process of a Vtuber typically involves the following stages. Each stage requires different personnel, software, and deliverables. It is important for the client to understand the workflow of each stage in order to have an overview of the entire production process and effectively communicate with the respective team members for their tasks.

1. Illustrating Vtuber Characters

• Person in charge: Illustrator
• Program: Photoshop, Clip Studio
• Tasks:

This is the most fundamental step in creating a Vtuber. The illustrator creates the character’s concept art. They create images of the character’s front, side, and back views as a basic foundation. If necessary, additional side views are also created. For characters that require intricate details like eyes or accessories, enlarged images are attached to emphasize those features. It’s recommended to attach patterns, materials, and color references for clothes and accessories that you want to incorporate.

The 3D modeler, who will create the 3D characters, relies on the concept art. If there are errors or deficiencies in the concept art, it can result in a character that doesn’t meet the desired quality. Therefore, providing detailed descriptions of each aspect of the character you intend to create will lead to a more intricate design.

In the example below, you can see how specific details have been designed for the eyes, sleeves, badge, color palette, and more in the concept art.

2. 3D Modeling

• Person in charge: Modeler
• Program: 3D Modeling software
• Tasks:

The modeler creates the form of the character. Based on the illustration, they use 3D software to create the shape. The entire process, from modeling to texturing and rigging, is often referred to as ‘modeling’.

3. Texturing 

• Person in charge: Modeler
• Program: 3D Modeling software
• Tasks:

The modeler creates textures for the character. Similar to laying patterns over an object, the process involves applying the completed textured images onto the 3D character. This is typically done through the following steps:

(1) UV Unwrapping: Unfolding the 3D object’s geometry into a flat layout. This layout is referred to as a ‘UV map’.

(2) Texturing: Developing suitable textures for the parts of the 3D character.

(3) UV Mapping: Applying the created texture images onto the 3D character.

4. Rigging

• Person in charge: Modeler
• Program: 3D Modeling software
• Tasks:

The modeler creates a skeleton and rigs it into the 3D character.

5. Implement

• Person in charge: Vtuber, Engineer
• Tasks: 

Users import the created 3D character into software or engines for use. If you’re unsure about which software to use, check out the article below!

Engineers can also use the 3D characters. They can import characters created in engines like Unreal or Unity, and set up lighting, camera angles, and filters for use. These steps are followed when creating games or animations with 3D characters.

6. Top 3 Common Misconceptions about VTuber Production

Given that 3D modeling is still a relatively unfamiliar field for many individuals, there are significant differences when it comes to creating Vtuber characters compared to 2D designs. Here, we’ve summarized the top 3 misconceptions that can arise during the production process:

1) Can minor changes in 3D design be easily modified? → NO! Depending on the modifications, it can take several days.

While adjustments in 2D designs are relatively simple due to their flat nature, 3D modeling works differently. Altering the shape of a 3D model can lead to changes in its UV maps (unwrapping → texturing → mapping). Consequently, even minor adjustments in 3D modeling can result in a significant amount of work and time investment, unlike 2D designs.

2) Can the modeler add cartoon-like outlines? → NO! This falls under the realm of engineering.

There can often be confusion between the areas of modeling and engineering. Modeling refers to the creation of Vtuber avatars, encompassing processes such as modeling, texturing, and rigging. Software like Blender or 3Ds Max is typically used for modeling.

Engineering, on the other hand, involves adjusting settings such as shaders, single-color processing of textures, lighting, etc., in order to manipulate shading and lighting effects on objects (e.g., avatars) that were created through modeling. Unity or Unreal are commonly used programs for engineering. Engineering involves programming and is carried out by engineers. While some modelers might be capable of basic engineering tasks, it’s uncommon. If you want to add effects beyond shaping, material, and rigging, collaborating with an engineer is necessary.

For instance, consider the images below. The first image showcases the result of modeling. The second image presents the same 3D avatar, but it has been imported into the Unity engine and given a toon shading effect. Even though it’s the same 3D object, differences in outlines and lighting effects make it appear distinct.

3) The more detailed references you can provide, the more likely you are to achieve the desired outcome.

It’s advisable to gather reference materials. Let’s take the example of wanting to create a character with “sparkling eyes.” In this scenario, the client’s interpretation of “sparkling” and the artist’s or modeler’s interpretation might differ.

Hence, it’s recommended to compile reference images that support the desired character’s image. The more specific and high-quality reference materials you provide, such as similar character designs, clothing, items, hairstyles, textures, patterns, the more you can reduce the time required for concept creation and enhance the overall quality.

In the next post, we will delve deeper into methods for conducting effective reference material research.