Making a VTuber Model in a Week Challenge
45sThe challenge of creating a VTuber model in a week is intriguing and relatable for artists and VTuber fans.
ā¶ Play ClipDigital artist Hanacue documents her week-long process of creating a VTuber model from scratch, covering design, sketching, lining, coloring, and rendering. This first part focuses on drawing and cutting the model, with rigging covered in a follow-up video.
Hanacue introduces herself and the challenge of making a VTuber model in one week, split into two parts: drawing/cutting and rigging.
UnVale is a social art sharing platform for artists, writers, and worldbuilders to create pages for original characters.
Hanacue has made five VTuber models from 2021-2022, including three from scratch (wolf boy, wolf girl & cat duo, fox boy) and two rigging-only projects.
Despite making models for others, Hanacue has never made one for herself. She now commits to creating her own VTuber.
Her current persona (green-haired girl) evolved from previous designs. She simplifies the design for clarity, emphasizing heart shapes and a doll-like silhouette.
A VTuber is a digital avatar that simulates real-time movements via webcam. Live2D models use 2D art with rigging in Live2D Cubism, offering organic beauty and easier entry for artists.
Key tips: keep model symmetrical, use .psd-compatible software with layers, think of parts as paper dolls. Plan colors and poses early.
Line every part separately, overline areas like neck for rigging. Use symmetry tool, name layers, and color code. Lining took 3-4 hours.
Add base colors, fix lines, understand layer hierarchy. Create back layers for parts like sleeves and clothing undersides.
Drawing 8 arm/hand sets took 4 hours, as long as lining the whole model. Recommends beginners skip alternate poses or save for later.
Add detailed shading on separate layers clipped to base. Hanacue keeps lines, base, and detail separate for a 3D look, similar to texture wrapping in 3D.
Art is only 75% done due to underestimating time. Remaining work (cutting, arms, emotes, rigging) will be in the next video.
Hanacue successfully completes most of the art for her VTuber model within a week, though not fully finished. She plans to cover cutting and rigging in the next video, emphasizing the complexity and rewarding nature of the process.
"Title accurately describes the video's content: a process of drawing a VTuber model, though the 'one week' challenge is partially met."
What is a VTuber?
A digital avatar that simulates your movements in real time using a webcam.
06:49
What are the two main types of VTuber models?
3D models and Live2D models.
07:42
What software is used to create Live2D models?
Live2D Cubism.
09:49
Why is symmetry recommended when sketching a VTuber model?
It makes rigging easier because you can repeat actions on both sides.
10:19
What file format should you save your model art in?
.psd
10:41
Why are accessories like ribbons and earrings added to VTuber models?
To create dynamic physics and movement when the character moves.
11:31
What is the purpose of overlining the neck area?
To provide enough area for natural head turning during rigging.
14:14
What are the terms for people who make VTuber models?
VTuber mama or papa.
13:20
Why did Hanacue keep lines, base color, and detail coloring in separate layers?
To create a more 3D look by manipulating parts at different speeds.
18:39
What is the traditional way to prepare Live2D model art?
Merge base color, line, and rendering into one layer.
18:21
First Personal VTuber
Hanacue, a VTuber maker, finally creates a model for herself after years of making them for others.
03:25Definition of VTuber
Clear explanation of VTubers and Live2D technology from an artist's perspective.
06:39Symmetry and Layer Planning
Practical tips for sketching VTuber models, emphasizing symmetry and layer separation.
10:10Accessories for Physics
Explains why VTuber designs include many accessories: to enable dynamic physics.
11:31Arm Poses Regret
Honest admission that drawing multiple arm poses was extremely time-consuming and may not be worth it.
16:53[00:00] Hello, Iām Hanacue, your local digitalĀ
[00:05] making my own VTuber model these days, andĀ
[00:10] process of making a VTuber model from scratch.Ā
[00:16] enjoy making things harder for myself ā letāsĀ
[00:21] this video is going to be a two-parter, withĀ
[00:25] drawing and cutting the model, and the secondĀ
[00:32] BUT first! I need to call out some people. DoĀ
[00:38] neglecting to come up with a backstory for?Ā
[00:42] hundreds of OCs just sitting around, waitingĀ
[00:47] you are. Well, I am calling out all artists withĀ
[00:54] on UnVale! UnVale is a new social art sharingĀ
[01:00] writers, and worldbuilders. You canĀ
[01:04] fill in details about their backstory, add tonsĀ
[01:08] traits to them. I love using the pages as aĀ
[01:12] and color coding them to their exact aesthetics.Ā
[01:17] to categorize them, and thereās even a diverseĀ
[01:21] pages! I hope you canāt tell how excited I amĀ
[01:27] heart. Iāve even added a bunch of story tidbitsĀ
[01:32] Zori and Gin, if you want to go ahead and checkĀ
[01:37] like this because theyāre vast yet tight knit, soĀ
[01:42] Itās time to pull your OCs out from the cupboardsĀ
[01:47] them on UnVale! If youāre interested, please feelĀ
[01:52] if you do create a profile, make sure to tagĀ
[01:57] so we can all find each other. And so I canĀ
[02:02] to UnVale for sponsoring todayās video.Ā
[02:08] So some of you might be familiar with my pastĀ
[02:13] my YouTube channel to share my findings onĀ
[02:18] since then, and have shared hundreds of short formĀ
[02:23] 2021 to 2022. The first three models I made fromĀ
[02:29] art, to rigging/animating, were the iconicĀ
[02:35] Rhiāa and Kurone, and of course the purple foxĀ
[02:40] which means all I did was make the model move,Ā
[02:45] also be making a model from scratch for laterĀ
[02:51] Keen observers might notice that all of theseĀ
[02:56] my own persona for years, I have never attemptedĀ
[03:01] is, well, Iāve just never felt compelled to.Ā
[03:06] so I simply never found the time to. ButĀ
[03:11] this was a point of curiosity for people. ItĀ
[03:18] never made myself a VTuber to use. But today, thatĀ
[03:25] and I will finally become a VTuber.
[03:30] disclaimer that this is not a tutorial video.Ā
[03:36] where Iāll loosely explain what Iām doing and howĀ
[03:41] thatās great! Just please donāt expect a fullĀ
[03:45] a join me along as I make something kindĀ
[03:49] nice. Letās move on ahead to the first step.
[03:56] For the VTuberās design, I obviously have myĀ Ā
[03:59] current persona that I use in all my videos,Ā
[04:03] a little white dress with a fuzzy cardigan. ThisĀ
[04:08] personas Iāve had. Before green braids, I was aĀ
[04:14] little white dress. This version actually had itsĀ
[04:19] a friend got for me, which was pretty cool for aĀ
[04:23] braids and a simple get up. And even before allĀ
[04:31] classified for another video, hehe.
[04:35] unabashedly girly, with all my favorite colors,Ā
[04:41] and more. And most of all, I love all the fanartĀ
[04:46] to love her even more. But that also makes meĀ
[04:52] the design just a little bit. In my first iteration of the design,Ā Ā
[04:55] I loved everything but felt like some parts were aĀ
[05:01] a new sketch to simplify a lot of parts, and makeĀ
[05:06] here, I promise the final VTuber is going to beĀ
[05:12] but sometimes you need to reduce things to theirĀ
[05:17] The parts that were important for me to clarifyĀ
[05:22] heart-shaped braids, and the overall silhouetteĀ
[05:28] heart shapes everywhere. The top is heart shaped,Ā
[05:33] silhouette is also meant to reflect a vague upsideĀ
[05:38] was clear, I had to emphasize the most importantĀ
[05:44] short skirt, and long legs. Basically, I want thisĀ
[05:49] everything girly, cute, and doll-like.
[05:54] from the original designs. Some of them willĀ
[06:00] For example, these arm sleeves, and armĀ
[06:05] to have the character wearing the large fuzzyĀ
[06:09] and the logic of design choices like the placementĀ
[06:14] thicker ribbon. This is very important for laterĀ
[06:19] Iām pretty happy with the clarified design, and IĀ
[06:24] to only keep the essentials, what would I keep?Ā
[06:28] design! Similar to before, but a little clearer.Ā
[06:34] some of you donāt know what a VTuber is.
[06:39] So what is a VTuber? Iām going to explain toĀ Ā
[06:43] you what VTubing is to me, from strictly anĀ
[06:49] avatar that you use to represent yourself, whichĀ
[06:53] camera. Ever seen mocap actors and how that thenĀ
[06:59] The term VTuber is short for Virtual YouTuber,Ā
[07:05] content creators outside of just YouTube alone.
[07:09] YouTube with popular 3D VTubers like KizunaĀ
[07:15] popularity during the pandemic lockdown, whenĀ
[07:19] online entertainment. During this time, with theĀ
[07:24] of streaming in general, VTubers became extremelyĀ
[07:30] grew quickly due to its intersection with otherĀ
[07:37] voice acting, singing, and many others!
[07:42] which are avatars you can sometimes use in appsĀ
[07:47] or 3D models. However, a new type of VTuberĀ
[07:53] well. These were called Live2D models, which wereĀ
[07:59] and morphing technology in a program called Live2DĀ
[08:05] that is popular in newer animation shows, becauseĀ
[08:10] model and adding what we call a skeleton under,Ā
[08:16] instead of redrawing them over and over.
[08:21] different benefits that a show that uses the sameĀ
[08:26] But this technology became useful as the idea ofĀ
[08:32] could essentially draw a flat 2D image, and morphĀ
[08:38] it was turning left and right, or up and down.Ā
[08:42] skilled at art, but not so much at 3D modeling, aĀ
[08:48] ding, ding, you guessed it. Iām one ofĀ
[08:52] Now there are many benefits to making a Live2DĀ
[08:59] of being a drawn image that is different from aĀ
[09:03] but it is a different appeal. 2: You are able toĀ
[09:09] you can in a 3D model. 3D models tend to haveĀ
[09:14] unable to 100% control the way the model operates.Ā
[09:20] aspect of the model to appear only how you like.Ā
[09:27] models are easier to get into because most of usĀ
[09:32] us will have learned 3D modeling or sculptingĀ
[09:38] does not mean a Live2D model is easier to make.Ā
[09:44] doable for anyone who has some art skills.
[09:49] all happen is Live2D Cubism. Iāll talkĀ
[09:53] but as I am currently aware, Live2D CubismĀ
[09:58] you can make a 2D model in.
[10:01] and the different kinds there are, now letāsĀ
[10:10] When it comes to sketching and planning the model,Ā
[10:14] and this is not a hard rule, but it will makeĀ
[10:19] symmetrical on the left and right side. ItāsĀ
[10:23] are approximately the same because you canĀ
[10:27] other. So Iāll just draw the body and headĀ
[10:32] Paint. Most art programs should have this tool.Ā
[10:37] Iāll create a guide for placement, then drawĀ
[10:41] model in a program that can save to a .psd file,Ā
[10:47] Again, Clip Studio Paint works for me so IāllĀ
[10:51] think about 2D models is as if theyāre paper dollsĀ
[10:56] advanced as they will have joints that allow youĀ
[11:00] to imagine that youāll be building the dolls upĀ
[11:05] but gets easier as you do it more.
[11:09] Iām going to sketch and plan the model. AsĀ
[11:13] for a doll type of pose, because I personallyĀ
[11:18] all the body parts completely detached from theĀ
[11:22] character in the future if I want.
[11:26] other than the bouncy boobas and jiggle physics,Ā
[11:31] This is definitely on purpose, because the moreĀ
[11:36] the more physics you can add later on. ForĀ
[11:40] a lot of dynamic physics when the characterĀ
[11:44] a lot more interest around the hair and faceĀ
[11:48] will also help create dynamic movements. So whileĀ
[11:53] a lot of VTuber artists will add them becauseĀ
[11:57] is more advanced and dynamic, with more physicsĀ
[12:02] preference, but itās certainly something I tryĀ
[12:06] To continue my planning, I add colors to get anĀ
[12:11] before I jump straight into lining and rendering.Ā
[12:16] arenāt able to tell if the model is unbalancedĀ
[12:21] are on, so I really recommend you create thisĀ
[12:25] just enough to give you an idea how itĀ
[12:28] Now, itās time to plan some poses for myĀ
[12:32] to be different arm attachments. I wanted toĀ
[12:37] so it didnāt feel like anything was lost when IĀ
[12:42] you add too many arm poses if youāre a beginnerĀ
[12:48] and hectic. You will see later how muchĀ
[12:53] the time to explore different facial expressionsĀ
[12:57] rigging later on. And that wraps up everythingĀ
[13:05] Hello, hello, itās day 3 and Iām making sure to beĀ
[13:11] will be lining the model. Sketching the model isĀ
[13:15] you really get a full taste of what it feels likeĀ
[13:20] By the way, VTuber mama and papa are the termsĀ
[13:24] VTuber models. Pretty cute, right? Remember how IĀ
[13:29] like paper dolls, where you build up pieces?Ā
[13:33] every part separately, and what needs to beĀ
[13:38] like to keep a lot of parts separate though.
[13:42] layer, and do the ears. If youāre a beginner,Ā
[13:46] for yourself. You can always go back and do moreĀ
[13:51] donāt need to be excessive. However, since this isĀ
[13:56] techniques in my lining and cutting process.Ā
[14:00] having an outside line and an inner line, so I canĀ
[14:05] Lining is easy to explain, but a lot of work toĀ
[14:10] of each layer part of the model. Youāll alsoĀ
[14:14] neck for example. We make the neck extremely longĀ
[14:19] of area to make it look natural. I also made myĀ
[14:24] an idea of my workflow. As a reminder, this is notĀ
[14:30] like you have to do exactly what Iām doing. TheĀ
[14:35] it is hard to keep track of. But to make VTuberĀ
[14:40] recommend naming your layers when you can and evenĀ
[14:45] to help your eyes with the process. Iām makingĀ
[14:49] items on top. And Iām using the symmetry toolĀ
[14:54] work as possible. I like to line my work even if IĀ
[14:59] because it also helps create clean bases whichĀ
[15:04] Here on out is just me lining the model, soĀ
[15:34] So that entire lining process has taken meĀ
[15:39] drawing in a day so Iām going to return back toĀ
[15:47] Base coloring is a pretty essential processĀ
[15:52] that no blank spaces or weird pixels are out ofĀ
[15:57] base colors and also fixing up some lines. TheĀ
[16:01] is understanding the layer hierarchy - that is,Ā
[16:06] so that the layer parts show in their appropriateĀ
[16:10] in the 2D model art. The second part to cuttingĀ
[16:14] corresponding āback layersā as needed. ForĀ
[16:19] to have it as just a floating part with no backĀ
[16:24] make sure the layer order is to the back behindĀ
[16:28] here for this, but typically parts that may needĀ
[16:33] Iāll just continue coloring and organizingĀ
[16:37] so Iāll see you guys in a bit!
[16:53] Weāre dipping into day 5 here, as IāmĀ Ā
[16:55] working on lining and coloring all those arm posesĀ
[17:00] of redrawing and imagining how the arms will workĀ
[17:05] about 8 different arm and hand sets Iām drawing,Ā
[17:11] extremely painful, and took a lot of brain power.Ā
[17:16] 4 hours which is the same amount of time I tookĀ
[17:22] actually not sure if it will be worth it, becauseĀ
[17:27] press toggles to change poses to begin with. SoĀ
[17:32] from my mistakes, and maybe skip the alternate armĀ
[17:38] finish the model because it is really draining.Ā
[17:42] part because I am gonna need the energy toĀ
[17:50] Ah, itās finally time to do some rendering. IĀ
[17:54] of a Live2D model is the fact that you get anĀ
[17:59] is no better time to sell that effect than inĀ
[18:03] is that Iām going to add some detailed coloringĀ
[18:07] This is the time to make it as detailed as youĀ
[18:12] to put extra care because people will be lookingĀ
[18:17] to try and make the work stunning for peopleĀ
[18:21] I want to mention that the traditional way toĀ
[18:25] itās the base color, line, and rendering allĀ
[18:30] to simply rig the art later. And I recommend thisĀ
[18:34] another Live2D rigger. However, since I plan toĀ
[18:39] want to keep the lines, base color, and detailĀ
[18:44] so I can create a more 3D look in my model as IĀ
[18:49] additional way of looking at this is that, IāmĀ
[18:53] the detailed coloring where Iām overdrawing theĀ
[18:57] when the layer is moved to the right or left, itĀ
[19:02] Itās a similar concept to wrapping texture in 3DĀ
[19:08] and you can simulate a 3D look with one layer,Ā
[19:12] wanna see what kind of look I can achieve withĀ
[19:16] layers, but hopefully the result is worth it.
[19:20] here, but as I explained earlier, I drew the bareĀ
[19:25] Which means I was coloring some skin areas thatĀ
[19:30] so sadly I didnāt include those parts! But ifĀ
[19:35] I may release part of it elsewhere if you like!
[19:39] and overcoloring all the way until weāveĀ
[19:43] was the bulk of the work I did for days 6 andĀ
[20:16] Alright, so I may have grossly overestimated howĀ
[20:23] some cutting as well this week, but somehowĀ
[20:28] draw an entire model, try and plan and draw anĀ
[20:33] Iām crazy, and also edit the entire video inĀ
[20:40] human and for some reason canāt spontaneouslyĀ
[20:45] edit at the same time. So I tried to finish theĀ
[20:50] but ultimately I think the art is only about 75%Ā
[20:55] myself and take it easy, and save the rest of theĀ
[21:00] goodies like cutting the model, finishing the armsĀ
[21:05] and rigging and animating the model. I am deadĀ
[21:10] isnāt yet finished, I feel like thereās enough toĀ
[21:14] reveal. So please do enjoy the final revealĀ
[22:35] Thank you so much for watching! Iāve alwaysĀ
[22:40] on the process of making a VTuber model becauseĀ
[22:45] definitely a lot easier to capture just my processĀ
[22:49] do it in a little bit of an informative processĀ
[22:54] usual type of video, but I hope you can find theĀ
[22:59] because I know this entire thing can be reallyĀ
[23:04] you guys to the process and familiarize youĀ
[23:08] little! And if not, Iāll try my best to getĀ
[23:13] a showcase of all of the lovely fanart you guysĀ
[23:17] and I hope this new model can live up to theĀ
[23:22] next time, Iām wishing you all the best on yourĀ
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