---
title: 'How to Make a 2D Vtuber Model'
source: 'https://youtube.com/watch?v=y7AIL_0ybLw'
video_id: 'y7AIL_0ybLw'
date: 2026-06-14
duration_sec: 326
---

# How to Make a 2D Vtuber Model

> Source: [How to Make a 2D Vtuber Model](https://youtube.com/watch?v=y7AIL_0ybLw)

## Summary

This tutorial explains how to create a 2D VTuber model within a week, focusing on drawing and rigging. The creator shares their process using limited digital art skills and a basic tablet, emphasizing that 2D models are flat images cut into parts, not 3D.

### Key Points

- **Introduction to VTubing** [0:00] — The video covers how to create a 2D VTuber model, focusing on drawing and rigging.
- **Requirements** [0:15] — You need a good quality model, a decent computer, and a microphone.
- **2D vs 3D Models** [0:41] — 2D VTuber models are flat images cut into parts, not 3D models.
- **Software and Preparation** [1:00] — Use Photoshop, Clip Studio Paint, or similar, and export as PSD. Have a character design ready.
- **Drawing the Model** [1:35] — Sketch the model, separate moving parts into layers, and use symmetry tool. Key parts: head, hair, torso, arms, clothing, eyes, mouth.
- **Face Complexity** [2:29] — The face is the most complicated part; keep eye whites, irises, shine, and lashes separate.
- **Exporting** [3:04] — Ensure layers are flat, separated left/right, no folders or effects, and clearly labeled. Export as PSD.
- **Rigging with Live2D** [3:29] — Use Live2D Cubism (free trial) for rigging. Alternatively, hire a rigging artist.
- **Simulation Programs** [4:23] — Use VTube Studio or PRP Live to simulate the model after rigging.

### Conclusion

With basic digital art skills and free software trials, you can create a functional 2D VTuber model in a week. The process involves drawing separated parts, rigging in Live2D, and simulating with free programs.

## Transcript

So, you want to become a VTuber, huh?
Well, it's actually not that
complicated. Today, I'm going to be
showing you how I created my first 2D
VTuber model within a week.
If you want to become a VTuber, you are
first going to need a couple of things.
A good quality model, a decent computer,
and a microphone. But today, we'll be
focusing specifically on how to create
and draw a 2D Vtuber model. I get asked
a lot about how I created my VTuber
model or avatar. And a lot of times
people expect my answer to be complex
and something they wouldn't be capable
of on their own. But in reality, I
created my first VTuber model within a
week with very limited digital art
skills and a crappy Wacom tablet. 2D
Vtuber models are often mistaken for 3D
models because they are so well
animated. But in fact, they are just a
flat image cut up into a bunch of
different parts. 3D Vtuber models are a
totally different process, and I will
not be showing you how to make a 3D
Vtuber model in this video. It's all 2D
here baby.
To create this model, you are going to
need a program like Photoshop, Clip
Studio Paint, or Whatever program
you use, make sure you can export your
work into PSD format. I also recommend
that you have a character design or
reference sheet done for your VTuber
character before you begin working on
your model. You can, of course, just
wing it, but it's better if you already
know what you want to look like ahead of
time. Once you've picked your program,
then sketch your model out fully.
Recognize whether you're going to create
a halfbody model or a full body model.
And yes, halfbody models are perfectly
fine. My first model was a half body
model. Once you're happy with your
sketch, it's time to start with actually
creating your model. Figure out which
parts will be moving individually from
each other as you draw them and keep
them in separate layers. If you aren't
sure if certain pieces need to be
separated or not, it's best that you
just separate them anyway. I use a lot
of layers when I create models.
Typically, I use a line art layer, color
layer, and a shading layer for each
piece, and then I merge them together
when the piece is done. However, this
isn't a rule at all. Every artist has
their own style and their own way of
working, so do what works best with you.
Typically, when creating models, the
symmetry tool is your best friend.
Although you will be separating the
parts between left and right, you can do
that at any time. The key parts in your
model should be head, hair front, hair
back torso arms clothing iris eye
shine, eye, lashes, and mouth parts. And
if you're doing a full body model,
hands, waist, and legs. The face of your
model is the most complicated part
because it will move the most. Make sure
you keep your eye whites, irises, eye
shine, and lashes separate and do not
merge them together. Mouth parts can be
done in multiple ways. The easy way is
to just draw an open and a closed mouth.
But if you want better movement, here's
a better way to do it.
Any expressions, accessories, and other
items should be made in different layers
as well. Do not merge two parts together
that you want to act separately. And of
course, if you want your model's
animation to be more complex, break up
certain parts into more pieces so that
they can move separately from each
other. Now that you've finished creating
your model and you are ready to export
it, make sure that all the layers are
separated between left and right if
needed and are completely flat. There
should be no folders, no effects on your
layers, no hidden layers, and they
should all be labeled clearly. Do not
worry if it looks a little strange at
this point. That can be fixed in the
rigging process. Export this as a PSD,
and you've officially created your
model.
Now it's time for rigging or the
animation. The only program that I know
of for animating VTuber models is Live
2D Cubism. Thankfully, Live 2D Cubism is
a lengthy trial period for you to get to
know the software without paying a
scent. And that's exactly what I use to
rig my original model. Now, I have never
bought the Live 2D software, and my
rigging abilities are limited and rather
rusty at this point. Live 2D can be very
intimidating and seem complex. But if
you are diligent and adamant to not pay
a scent for your model like I did, you
can certainly rig your model fairly well
and fully functionally before the trial
period ends, which I do recommend you
try if you have the time to do. If you
can't or don't want to rig your own
model, you can always look for someone
else who's more experienced and can do
it for you. There are plenty of rigging
artists on Twitter who will rig your
model for a fee. And there's an entire
live 2D community that will be willing
to help you regardless of which path you
decide to take. Once your model is done
being rigged and exported, you can use a
couple of different programs to simulate
your model, including Vip Studio and PRP
Live. Simply take the files needed from
your exported model and import them into
the program. Most programs work very
similarly, but this is how you do it
with Vip Studio, and this is how you do
it with PRP Live.
And boom, you're a ding-dang Vtuber.
Thank you for watching my tutorial.
Hopefully you found it helpful. If you
did, make sure to boop that like button
on the nose and subscribe to my YouTube
channel for more content featuring me. I
will be making more VTuber tutorials in
the future if this one does well. So,
make sure to let me know how I did in
the comments. And share this with
friends who might need it. I hope you
have a fantastic rest of your day. Bug
out.