In Fall 2025, I took an independent study to research and create 2 Vtuber (Virtual Avatar) models. For this independent study I tasked myself to designs two models in Photoshop, then rigg the models in Live2D to be able to mimic human behavior. Then transer the rigg to Vtube Studio to capture viewer movement.
In Vtubing culture the vtuber usally has backstories that go with their design. For my first model I went with a gothic vibe, the backstory for my model Pandora is that she is an alterative fourtune teller which supports her gothic makeup and dark attire. She also is only half a model so that I could focus on building my skills in design and rigging.
For my Second Model I went with an underwater theme. This model named Jelly is a jellyfish princess that is kind and curious about the outside world. For this model I wanted to pust my skills so I gave her a jellyfish hat, lots of jewelry, and a full body
When making these designs I have to be sure to but everything on a seperate layer as when rigging the model I have to add different physics to different body parts. When making each layer you have to draw even what you may not be able to see beacuse when the character moves hidden parts of the model are seen.
After the designs are complete the next step is to import the PSD to Live2D, the standard for Vtuber rigging. Each layer needs to warp to warp and deformed to fit 3D perpective. One the basics of the making the model go up, down, right, then left then you can start to add physics to the model. Each piece you want to move has to have each own physics to make the movement look realistic.
One the rigging is done the models can then be uploaded to any tracking application for this projects I used Vtube Studio, once you edit the physics to the persons movement the model is read to use. In these videos an Iphone was used because the facial tracker is better than a webcam, many professional Vtubers use an Iphone to track there motion. There is also a plugin called Vbriger which can be used to capture more complex facial expression like puckered lips or puffing of the face.
