When you want to start as a VTuber, one of the first challenges you might face is the wall of character design. What should you look like? Should you decide on a worldview and setting? Once you start thinking about it, you may find yourself stuck.

Moreover, VTuber character design is not just about being cute in illustrations. There are many points to consider, such as being recognizable even when displayed small on a streaming screen, avoiding breakdowns when transitioning to Live2D or 3D, and standing out in thumbnails or promotional images, which can lead to confusion.

In this article, I will explain the process of determining character design in six steps aimed at VTubers intended for chatting and gaming livestreams. I will cover the considerations for face, hairstyle, costume, accessories, and color schemes, as well as points to keep in mind for Live2D and 3D, and preparations to avoid issues when making requests.

How to Determine Character Design? Recommended 6 Design Steps

It’s easier to shape your character design if you create an axis before deciding on specific elements like hairstyle or costume, and then build the appearance around that axis.

Here, I have summarized the six steps for determining character design for VTubers focused on chatting and gaming livestreams.

Step 1: Decide on Character Role Based on Streaming Content

The first decision should be about your character’s role rather than their appearance. The vibe and behavior of the character will change based on what type of content you want to stream.

For chatting and gaming livestreams, viewers often spend a lot of time interacting with you. Therefore, prioritizing playability will help you continue streaming more easily.

Examples of roles could be as follows:

• A laid-back gamer, like a neighborhood senior.
• An energetic commentator with big reactions that brighten the atmosphere.
• A calm type who can also explain things well.
• A resident of a quiet chatting slot suitable for late-night.

At this stage, it’s fine if you can describe it in a few words. You can adjust the details later.

Step 2: Fill in the Minimum Profile with a Template

Next, prepare a profile to solidify your character. If you overthink the details here, you might become indecisive, so it’s better to start with just the essential items.

Filling in the following items will clarify the outline of your character.

• Age perception (appearance age is acceptable)
• Speech style (polite, casual, etc.)
• Personality (cheerful, cool, laid-back, etc.)
• Likes (game genres, hobbies, etc.)
• Dislikes (horror, mornings, interpersonal interactions, etc. One is enough)
• Things you want to do in streams (chatting, interactive streams, first-time plays, etc.)
• A catchphrase for the character (e.g., “Looking for fellow night owls, etc.”)

There is no need to justify everything. It is more practical to decide first and refine it later as you go.

Step 3: Narrow Down the Motifs to 1 or 2

Incorporating motifs is effective for showcasing individuality. However, if you add too many elements, it can become difficult for first-time viewers to understand. Thus, narrowing down the motifs to 1 or 2 makes it easier to organize.

Examples of motif choices could include:

• Gamer: Headphones, decorative controller
• Night owl: Moon motif, star pins
• Cooking enthusiast: Apron, kitchenware-style accessories
• Cat-like: Cat ears, tail, paw print colors as accents

If you’re unsure, motifs that connect with the stream content are a safe bet. They communicate the vibe easily and reduce the hassle of explaining later.

Step 4: Decide on One Distinguishing Feature in Rough Sketch

Once the direction is set with motifs, the next step is to enhance the visual impression.

Having one distinguishing point makes it easier to remember. Trying to differentiate with multiple elements can lead to a scattered overall appearance, so it’s better to start with one point for coherence.

Some elements that can serve as distinguishing points include:

• The outline of the hairstyle (silhouette)
• The shape of the eyes or the vibe of eyelashes
• The theme of the outfit (street, uniform style, Japanese style, etc.)
• Prominent accessories (hats, capes, large bows, etc.)

It becomes more complicated to fix things after finalizing them. Pausing at the rough stage to check the overall direction can make later steps easier.

Step 5: Decide on Colors (3 Colors + Prohibited Colors) to Create Cohesion

Color schemes significantly influence a character’s impression. Since it’s a common source of confusion, it’s smooth to proceed with set rules.

A basic recommendation is a design with three colors.

• Main: The most prominent color (for hair and tops)
• Sub: The base color that occupies a larger area (for clothing foundations)
• Accent: A contrasting color (for eyes, accessories, lines, etc.)

Additionally, treating colors like white, black, and gray as separate from the three colors can help with organization. The three colors are merely guidelines, so you can increase or decrease them based on design and usage needs.

Also, deciding on colors you won’t use can reduce confusion. Setting constraints like avoiding primary colors, omitting red, and not overly increasing black can help streamline your options.

Step 6: Design for Full Body and Three-View for Usability

While streams often focus on the upper body, having a design for the full body is comforting when considering promotional images, standing visuals, and potential costume additions. Trying to create a full body later can often lead to inconsistencies in settings.

It’s okay if you can’t prepare a perfect three-view from the start. Especially at the beginning stages of Live2D, having information about the full body from the front and back can suffice to proceed.

On the other hand, if you plan to transition to 3D or collaborate with multiple people, having a three-view helps avoid discrepancies in recognition.

The priorities are as follows:

1. Front view showing the full body
2. Notes on side and back orientation (can be in writing)
3. Three-view if possible (front, side, and back)

Ensuring that the design on the back is clear will help prevent issues in later stages.

Part-by-Part Tips: Creating Face, Hair, Costumes, and Accessories

Once the direction is established in the previous chapters, the next step is to specify the character design for various parts such as face, hair, costumes, and accessories.

The key is to not settle for just being cute but to shape it in a way that communicates well during streams. Since there are moments when it may be displayed small on the streaming screen, focus on retaining impressionable elements for each part.

Face: Design that Communicates Personality Through Eyes, Eyebrows, and Mouth

Since the face is what viewers will see the most during streams, establishing this first provides overall stability. The key is to narrow down elements that convey personality well. The three most influential features are the eyes, eyebrows, and mouth.

• Eyes
  The shape and size of the eyes greatly influence impressions and perceived age. Round and wider eyes tend to give a softer impression, while narrower ones lean toward a more mature vibe. Making the pupils larger can create a youthful impression, but it might also make the character feel more relatable depending on the theme. Adjust according to the desired age perception and atmosphere.
  
• Eyebrows
  The angle of the eyebrows is a significant indicator of personality. Slightly raised tends to feel more cheerful, whereas a horizontal shape gives a gentler vibe. The thickness can change the impression as well, so if in doubt, start with a balanced option that doesn’t overstate.
• Mouth
  Just a slight upward curve of the mouth can create a softer impression. Conversely, a straighter line can convey coolness. For predominantly chatting streams, ensure that the neutral expression doesn’t look too stiff for practical usage.

If you plan to create expression variations, it’s easier if you settle on a basic face beforehand. The shape should remain intact when smiling and should not look unnatural when surprised. Stability in the foundation is crucial.

Hairstyle: Create a Memorable Shape with Focus on Silhouette

The hairstyle acts as a name tag for your character. Even when displayed small on the streaming screen, the outline of the hair remains recognizable. First, decide on the silhouette and then add a hint of individuality.

• Determine the silhouette. Long, bob, ponytail, twin tails—any classic style works. Classic styles tend to be recognized easily, offering the advantage of being more memorable even for first-time viewers.
• Place individuality in one spot. Making the bangs asymmetrical, creating characteristic tips, or adding highlights are good ways to differentiate. Adding too many elements can lead to confusion, so one distinguishing feature is sufficient.
• If planning for Live2D, keep complexity low. The more decorative or thin strands there are, the more cumbersome they can become when animating. Organizing larger clusters and limiting the number of moving parts makes it easier to find a balance between aesthetics and practicality.

When deciding on hair color, think ahead about whether you want the noticeable color to be in the hair or accessories to create a unified look. It’s beneficial to decide on the main feature first.

Costume: Unify with a Theme that Clearly Reflects the Worldview and Occupation

Costumes can be a tricky part to navigate, but it becomes easier if you narrow down to one theme. If it clearly communicates what the character does, it will be easy to understand even for first-time viewers. Especially in chatting and gaming livestreams, relatability is important.

• Decide on a theme first: Casual wear, streetwear, uniform-style, elegant, etc. Just establishing the direction is enough at first. Then, you can choose styles accordingly.
• Keep the amount of information minimal to avoid overwhelming the face. If there are too many decorations, patterns, or accents around the chest area, they may distract viewers from the face, which tends to be the focus in streams.
• Layering and three-dimensionality require careful handling. Large collars, complex scarves, and overlapping belts can complicate the modeling process. If you want to include them, ensure the designs remain simple and the overlaps are minimized to keep things manageable.

When thinking about costumes, take a moment to check the overall balance of the entire body. It’s easy to end up with a lavish upper half and a weaker lower half, so resolving that through a front full-body sketch minimizes later revisions.

Accessories: Strengthen Character with Associative Items

Accessories are convenient for reinforcing the character’s essence. Choosing items with strong symbolism helps convey the vibe even with minimal explanation. However, if you add too many, it can become cluttered. Deciding on one primary accessory and adding one minor extra if needed can make it easier to handle.

When selecting accessories, think about their associative power.

• For gamers: Headphones, controller elements
• For night owls: Moon or star accents
• For book lovers: Bookmark motifs, glasses
• For animal motifs: Ears, tail, and paw print colors

Additionally, it’s crucial to remember the potential for movement. Accessories that sway or intricate chains can increase production burdens. You should balance aesthetics with usability in your design decisions.

What are the Tips for Color Schemes in Character Design? Explanation of Decision-making and Points!

Once the directions for the face, hairstyle, and costume are solidified, the next aspect to decide is the color scheme. When colors are organized, the character appears cohesive at once.

This section will clarify how to establish color schemes that are easy for beginners to navigate, centered on the concept of three theme colors that make it easy to see during streaming.

Deciding on Roles for Main/Sub/Accent Colors

First, define roles before increasing the color palettes. If you find yourself confused about the colors, starting with three colors helps to sort them out more easily.

• Main: The color that catches attention first. Placing it in prominent areas like hair, tops, or significant colored sections will set the impression.
• Sub: A less assertive color that occupies a larger area. This will serve to support the costume’s foundation or inner layers.
• Accent: A color used in a small proportion. It can be applied to eyes, ribbons, earrings, or lines for tightened contrast.

The important thing here is to avoid being overly ambitious with accents. The more you add, the less effective they become. Once the desired areas for accentuation are established, keep the amount moderate.

Moreover, treating achromatic colors like white, black, and gray as separate from the three color categories helps keep things organized. Use them freely as they are useful as a base.

Deciding Whether to Summarize in Similar Colors or Go for a Bolder Approach

The direction of colors can become more stable if they align with the atmosphere of the stream. Here are some examples of how to determine the overall direction.

• For a relaxed chatting vibe: Summarize in similar colors and use a minimal amount of accents for tranquility.
• For a gaming commentary vibe: Slightly stronger main colors and accents add energy, helping to stand out on screen.
• For night streams or work-related slots: Aim for darker tones, while incorporating bright points through eyes or accessories to maintain a light feel.

To create a bold feel, it’s better to achieve contrast through brightness rather than increasing the number of colors. The trick lies in creating differences rather than simply adding more colors.

Considerations for Line Quality, Brightness, and Saturation that Don’t Get Lost on Streaming Screens

During streams, characters can sometimes be displayed small on screen.

Delicate patterns and soft color schemes may become harder to see when reduced in size. Therefore, remember these three aspects to maintain visibility.

• Lines: Lines that are too thin or faint tend to get lost, so ensure the main features have prominent outlines.
• Brightness: Colors that are too close to the background or streaming screen may blend in easily, so create contrast in brightness.
• Saturation: Highly saturated colors can cause viewer fatigue if they occupy a large area. Elevate the saturation only for the main parts while keeping others subdued for balance.

A way to verify is to check whether the important parts are visible when the character’s image is minimized. The elements that leave a lasting impression tend to be where differences become evident when reduced, so confirming visibility beforehand makes adjustments easier.

Calculating Backwards from Screens, Thumbnails, and SNS! What Design will Shine in Streams?

The distinction of character design becomes more apparent after you start using it rather than when it gets completed. For streaming screens, thumbnails, and SNS announcements, since the display size and background change each time, ensuring that it’s recognizable everywhere will ease operation. Here are backward-calculating points to shape it for clarity rather than just appearance.

Make it Understandable Even on Smartphones

Viewers often watch on their smartphones, where characters may appear small on the screen. Therefore, the first aspect to focus on is strengthening the information that remains recognizable when reduced.

Key elements that retain visibility include:

• The outline of the hair (silhouette)
• The impression of the face (eyes, eyebrows, etc.)
• Main color

On the other hand, delicate lines, small patterns, and soft contrasts tend to get lost. Prioritizing strong recognizable sections in your design will ultimately enhance visibility.

Enhance Thumbnail Appeal and Reactions with Expression Variations

In chatting and gaming streams, having a range of expressions helps convey intent. The benefits are not just more varied reactions, but also an easier time using those expressions in thumbnails or promotional images.

Initially, you might prepare the following expressions that are easy to manage:

• Smile (basic)
• Surprise (often used in gaming commentary)
• Confused look (usable in chatting)

If you find yourself with more resources, adding variations like the following expands the expressive range:

• Disappointed look (suitable for event announcements)

An angry expression can be useful for performance, but if it’s too intense, the versatility of usage can become limited. Starting from a milder version makes it easier to use on a day-to-day basis.

Prepare Full Body Materials with Announcements and Merchandise in Mind

Even if streams focus on the upper body, full body designs are sometimes necessary for promotional images or standing visuals. Additionally, if you’re considering future merchandise or a 3D version, having a full-body design helps in later adaptation.

There’s no need to prepare everything perfectly from the start. The practical order of priorities includes:

1. Full-body standing illustration (front view)
2. Simple pose variations (waving, pointing, etc.)
3. Chibi illustrations (easy for SNS or announcements)

Having a single pose variation can significantly broaden the scope of your promotional images. Adding these when time allows will ease your workflow.

Ensure Color and Information Don’t Clash with Streaming Screen Backgrounds or UI

Streaming screens tend to have a lot of information, such as game graphics, chat boxes, and subtitles. If a character’s colors or decorations are too overwhelming, it may interfere with the background and become hard to see.

Therefore, consider these approaches:

• Keep the base calm, and create your impression with accents.
• Avoid having decorations too close to the face that dominate the emphasis there.
• If the streams tend to have dark backgrounds, pay attention to differences in brightness.

If you plan to create stream templates, it’s wise to temporarily place the standing illustration of the character to check for visibility against the background or frame. Confirming that it does not blend in when viewed together will elevate the final result.

Character Design Points to Keep in Mind for Live2D and 3D Modeling

So far, we’ve settled on the visual direction and ways to stand out in streams.

The next thing to consider is minimizing corrections, ensuring a smooth transition to Live2D or 3D. Corrections may arise during the modeling phase, so here are key points to keep in mind for both Live2D and 3D designs.

Be Aware of Designs that Tend to Increase Workloads in Live2D

In Live2D, because parts are separated for animation, excessive detail raises production burdens. While it’s not necessary to avoid these from the start, becoming aware of heavier elements is important.

• Fine frills or laces and complex patterns can be cute but may result in breakdowns during movement. Organizing surfaces helps maintain stability.
• Thin chains or dangling accessories can increase the need for adjustments as motion increases. It’s easier to manage if you focus on one primary element.
• Clothing with many transparent parts or overlaps may look appealing but complicates the layering of parts.

If you want to incorporate details, it’s more cohesive to focus on particular highlights rather than trying to pack everything in.

Streamline Structures with Considerations for Part Separation in Live2D

In Live2D, ensuring that designs can be separated for animation is critical. A little attention while sketching can make future processes much easier.

• Hair should be divided into bangs, side hair, and back hair sections as separate chunks. If strands are too tiny, managing them can become burdensome, so larger clumps are more manageable.
• Mouth and eye areas should allow for easier creation of expression variations; if the base mouth shape is too distinctive, creating smile or surprise variations may be difficult.
• Don’t overly integrate accessories into clothing or hair. Keeping them independent makes it easier to add motion or toggles later.

In cases where you’d like to do costume changes in the future, avoid creating structures that won’t allow for substitutions. It’s not necessary to have everything in place perfectly from the start, but leaving some flexibility is reassuring.

Leave Back View Information if Considering 3D or Costume Additions

If you anticipate any plans for 3D modeling, ensuring that the back view remains clear will reduce the need for revisions. There may be times when back views are needed for promotional images or character poses, so this consideration holds meaning even in 2D.

As a minimum, preparing at least one of the following is sufficient:

• Full-body front standing illustration
• Rough sketch from the back or notes on back details
• A simple diagram showing the connection of patterns or the placement of decorations

If you can create a three-view, that would be ideal, but it’s not mandatory. Having enough information to recreate it when necessary is the main goal.

For detailed instructions on creating Live2D and 3D models, refer to the following article.
＞＞＞VTuber Avatar Creation Guide | How to Create Models in Live2D and 3D for Free【Beginner-Friendly】

Preparations and Points to Keep in Mind When Hiring a Character Designer

Character design can be approached on your own, but when commissioning illustrations or model production, having a clear image beforehand affects how smoothly the process goes.

A high level of drawing skill alone isn’t enough for reassurance; it’s also about aligning perceptions. This is a key point that can influence satisfaction with the final output.

Decide First What and How Much You Want to Create

Before starting discussions about the commission, having a well-defined scope of production helps make things smoother. Adding additional requests later can lead to the need for redoing work.

• Whether it’s just character design or also includes standing illustrations
• If part separation for Live2D is necessary
• Whether to request modeling from the same person or separate it
• If expression variations or costume changes should be included from the start

If this remains vague, it makes it harder to compare estimates. Confirming the desired outcomes upfront makes conversations much smoother.

Convey Likes and Dislikes Together

Effective image sharing relies on communicating not just preferred styles but also those to avoid. Abstract preferences can lead to varied interpretations, while mentioning elements that should be avoided helps narrow the direction.

• I prefer a calm atmosphere over something too cute.
• Avoid colors that are too flashy.
• I prefer a modest amount of exposure.
• I’d like animal motifs, but I want to limit it to ears only.

If there are such conditions, it becomes easier to align proposals in the same direction. The more you communicate these upfront, the less likely there will be any need for revisions.

Use Reference Images as Supplementary to Words rather than Just for Mimicking

Having too many reference materials isn’t necessarily better. If the directions diverge, it can lead to confusion instead. If you’re uncertain, dividing the references by roles and narrowing them down to a few can make it easier to manage.

• Reference for hairstyles
• Reference for clothing styles
• Reference for color atmosphere
• Reference for eye impressions

By dividing the uses like this, you can clarify what you want the references to indicate.

Outline Requests Briefly but Clearly Following a Structure

It’s more crucial to reduce omissions than to convey enthusiasm through long sentences. Filling in the next items in bullet points is sufficient for outlining requests.

• Streaming content: chatting, gaming commentary, etc.
• Character impression: bright, calm, energetic, etc.
• Motifs: 1-2
• Color: main, sub, accent (achromatic colors treated separately)
• Costume: theme (casual, street style, etc.)
• Expression variations: start with three, add more if possible
• Delivery format: standing illustrations, separated PSD, etc.
• Corrections: when to review

Even if the prose is brief, it’s not an issue as long as it includes enough information to envision the desired final product. Making it easy to understand is what’s ultimately important.

Decide on Key Points to Review During the Rough Stage

Corrections tend to become more burdensome as you move further along in the process. Therefore, determining the points to check during the rough drafts brings peace of mind.

• Can viewers recognize it from its silhouette?
• Is the facial impression as intended?
• Are the color directions consistent?
• Are accessories not overshadowing the main focus?

By sorting this out in the rough stage, you’ll reduce the likelihood of significant corrections after the final drafting.

Check Before Commissioning! Rights and Usage Scope

Once preparations for commissioning character design are set, the next important consideration is the rights and usage scope.

If this remains unclear, your activities might come to a halt when they take off. The more use cases there are—be it for streaming, thumbnails, edits, merchandise, or advertising—the more points to verify it brings, so it’s best to outline these limitations ahead of time.

First, Clarify Which Rights are Involved

In summary, the issues can be divided into three main points.

• Who holds the copyright?
• What extent of use approval will be granted?
• To what extent will modifications and creation of variations be allowed?

Generally, the copyright of the produced work lies with the creator, and it changes depending on whether there’s a transfer or a license agreement. While both options are viable, it’s crucial to clarify which party holds the rights to avoid issues later on.

Consider the Scope of Usage for Now and the Future

At first, your intention might just be for chatting or gaming streams, but activities tend to evolve into more usage cases. Recognizing at least this much in advance is reassuring.

• Usage in streams (YouTube, Twitch, etc.)
• Usage in thumbnails or promotional images
• Usage in clipped videos or shorts
• Usage in SNS posts (X, Instagram, etc.)
• Scope of monetization (ad revenue, donations, memberships)
• Merchandising or digital sales (wallpapers, voiceovers, stamps, etc.)
• Usage in corporate projects (PR posts, advertising materials)

If there are things you might want to do in the future, sharing those possibilities makes contracting easier.

Decide How Much Modification and Variation is Allowed

VTubers tend to evolve as they operate, making variations and adjustments common. Therefore, agree on how much modification is permitted upfront for peace of mind.

• Costume changes or seasonal outfit additions
• Addition of hairstyles or accessories
• Addition of expression variations
• Transition from 2D to 3D
• Replacement of specific parts (e.g., removing only the hat)

If the handling of modifications is ambiguous, even slight adjustments will require confirmation, slowing things down. Conversely, if the scope is clear, operations become significantly easier.

Decide on Credit Notations and Publicity of Work in Advance

A common oversight from the commissioning side is regarding the notation of the creator’s name and the publicity of their work. Since issues may arise later, determining these upfront offers peace of mind.

• Is credit notation mandatory or optional?
• Where should it be placed (in the overview, profile, or pinned post)?
• Is it permissible for the creator to showcase their work as part of their portfolio?
• Is it okay to showcase before the debut (to prevent spoilers)?

Creating a mutually agreeable conclusion is a practical approach.

Checklist for Smooth Commissioning

Finally, here are items to cover in discussions that can minimize potential issues.

• Scope of deliverables (character design, standing illustrations, part separations, modeling)
• Usage scope (streams, SNS, edits, monetization, merchandise, corporate projects)
• Modification permissions (costume variants, expression variations, 3D transitions, color changes)
• Treatment of credit (mandatory or optional, location, public portfolio permissions)
• Delivery format and storage (handling of PSDs or model data, prohibition of redistribution)
• Rules for revision counts and additional costs
• Communication methods and record keeping (to maintain an accessible record)

Frequently Asked Questions | VTuber Character Design Q&A

Finally, here are some common pitfalls for those beginning to consider character design.

Is it Better to Create it Yourself or Commission it?

It’s more realistic to choose based on your goals and budget rather than identifying a correct answer.

Creating it yourself can save costs but often requires more time. Commissioning involves budget management and the effort of negotiations but allows you to align more closely with your desired image.

If you’re uncertain, starting with a simplified version and switching to commission later if you find yourself committed to it may be a good alternative. Aiming for perfection from the outset may ultimately hinder your progress.

How Many Reference Images Should I Collect?

When in doubt, it is safer to divide and narrow down to a few references based on roles. Having one image for hairstyle, clothing, color palette, and eye impression makes communication simpler.

Conversely, collecting many images with divergent styles can lead to misinterpretation by those commissioned. Clarity of intent holds more importance than quantity.

Should I Decide on Live2D or 3D First?

It’s fine if you don’t have a definite preference yet. However, if you foresee both possibilities in the future, consider avoiding elements that could complicate workload in Live2D or not making the back view unclear.

Starting with Live2D and then aiming for 3D once your activities stabilize is also a possible scenario. Consider prioritization based on your current focus.

Can I Change Costumes or Hairstyles Later?

In many cases, this is feasible. However, some methods of creating models or materials might require additional work. If you plan on increasing variations, informing your contractor early makes it easier to adapt the design.

If you don’t foresee any changes now, but think there may be possibilities in the future, it’s wise to communicate those as options early on. It’s more straightforward to facilitate changes from the start than to request additions later.

Summary

When considering VTuber character design, keep in mind not just cuteness but also the visibility during streams and designs that won’t easily break in Live2D or 3D.

First, establish your direction and color scheme along the steps, and once you build upon the character’s face, hair, costume, and accessories, check how they appear on streaming screens and thumbnails.

When commissioning, articulate your requests clearly and align on usage scope, modifications, and credits regarding rights in advance. Rather than aiming for perfection from the start, it can be more beneficial to begin moving and evolving even at a rough state.