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<\/figure>\n\n\n\nA full-body illustration refers to the “appearance of yourself” when engaging as a VTuber. It serves as an avatar that appears on streaming screens and SNS.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It is common to have illustrations depicting the upper body or full body in a transparent PNG format. This can be loaded into streaming software (like OBS) and placed in a corner of the screen, or used as a profile picture or thumbnail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Role of Full-Body Illustrations and Their Importance in VTuber Activities<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
A full-body illustration is not just an image, but a way to embody the streamer’s worldview.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Viewers instantly grasp who is speaking and the vibe of the channel through the full-body illustration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Additionally, it serves as a benchmark for SNS icons, profiles, and fan art, becoming an integral axis for unifying the overall impression of your activities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In a way, it defines “yourself as a character.” This is why the process of creating a full-body illustration is a valuable endeavor that deserves time and careful thought.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Differences Between Static Images, Live2D, and 3D, and How to Choose<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
There are primarily three forms of full-body illustrations for VTubers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The easiest is a static image, which lacks movement. Live2D allows for some animation like facial movements and blinking, while 3D models allow for three-dimensional representation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Static images enable you to start at a lower cost, but since there\u2019s no movement, expressions may need to be expressed through replacements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Live2D can create engaging streams with facial movements, blinking, and mouth movements, though there are costs associated with illustration part separation and modeling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Generally, 3D offers high freedom of expression, but it tends to increase the strains of production and operation (there are also free tools like VRoid for beginners).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As a beginner, it is recommended to start with a static image to get used to streaming, then step up to Live2D once you gain momentum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For detailed explanations on how to create VTuber Live2D models or 3D models, see the articles below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u3010Beginner Friendly\u3011A Comprehensive Guide on How to Create VTuber 3D Models!<\/a> Often confused are “full-body illustrations” and “key visuals.” Both are illustrations depicting characters but serve entirely different purposes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A full-body illustration is a “usable appearance” that you use regularly on streams and profiles. Full-body illustrations are designed with functionalities like animation and layering in mind, placing greater emphasis on overall balance and transparent background handling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Key visuals, conversely, emphasize composition and presentation, often including detailed backgrounds and props.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The ideal flow is to solidify your full-body illustration first, establishing a “yourself” that serves as the axis of your activities, and then expand your worldview with key visuals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For insights about key visuals, refer to the article linked below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Are Key Visuals Necessary for VTubers? A Beginner\u2019s Introduction to Their Importance and How to Create Them<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n There are broadly three ways to obtain a VTuber full-body illustration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can create it yourself, commission an illustrator, or purchase a fully completed model.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Each has its pros and cons, and costs and completion speeds differ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Which method suits you will depend on your drawing ability, budget, and activity schedule.<\/p>\n\n\n\n First, let\u2019s take a look at the features of each option and think about the best way for you to get started.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For those who enjoy drawing or want to shape their ideals exactly, self-creation is suitable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What you need is software for digital illustration and an input device like a tablet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The standard software is CLIP STUDIO PAINT (often referred to as Clip Studio), which offers varieties of brushes and layer management, making it suitable for creating full-body illustrations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you prefer to draw easily on a smartphone or tablet, free tools like ibisPaint and MediBang Paint are also convenient.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When drawing, keeping hair, clothes, eyes, mouth, and other parts on separate layers will help during Live2D implementation later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you’re considering future Live2D implementation, separating and managing parts like eyes, mouth, hair, and bangs will streamline the later process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Starting with an upper body or bust-up can make the work lighter and fit more easily on the streaming screen than attempting a full-body illustration right away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you’re not good at drawing or want to focus on the quality, commissioning an illustrator is recommended.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Common places to commission are creator services like Coconala, Skeb, and SKIMA.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can choose someone based on their portfolio and your preferred drawing style.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Before making a request, it’s important to organize what type of character vibes you want.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For instance, summarizing aspects like hairstyle and color, clothing images, personality traits, and background stories along with reference images can help convey your vision more easily.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Also, clarify the purpose of use (for streaming, SNS, etc.), deadline, number of revisions, and commercial use rights at the outset.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Cost estimates can vary from several thousand to tens of thousands of yen for static illustrations (depending on content and commercial use consent).<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you include part separation and modeling for Live2D, individual requests can cost tens of thousands, and those by production companies may exceed one hundred thousand yen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A gradual approach catering to your budget and schedule is also an option.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you want to start your activities immediately or keep costs low, purchasing a “completed model” is also an option.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Marketplaces like BOOTH<\/a> and Nizima<\/a> offer full-body illustrations and Live2D models with already completed designs and modeling for sale.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can buy your favorite character and start using it right away for streaming.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, be cautious as there is a possibility of using the same model as someone else if you wish to express your individuality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Additionally, always check the licensing conditions on the sales page regarding whether commercial use and modifications are allowed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Nizima sets usage conditions for each product, and BOOTH sellers may have their specific terms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It’s essential to confirm the scope of use before purchasing, ensuring it aligns with your intended purpose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n How you prepare your full-body illustration will depend on your style and purpose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you want to start streaming quickly, consider purchasing; if you want to be particular, commissioning works; if you want the freedom to create, self-creation is suitable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Starting simply and then stepping up to Live2D models or original designs as you become accustomed to streaming is also a good approach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For those who want to “draw their character themselves” or “keep their budget to a minimum,” creating a full-body illustration by yourself is recommended.<\/p>\n\n\n\n At first, it may seem daunting, but once you understand the flow, it can be surprisingly simple.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you follow the basic steps in order, you’ll be able to create a quality full-body illustration for streaming by your own hand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n First, set up your production environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You will need software for illustration and an input device (like a graphics tablet).<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you draw on a computer, “CLIP STUDIO PAINT” is the go-to software.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It offers stability in lines, layer management, and flexibility with brush settings, making it suitable for VTuber illustrations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you’re primarily drawing on a smartphone or tablet, free applications like “ibisPaint” or “MediBang Paint” are also excellent options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ensure to prepare for transparency PNG exports.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A minimum resolution of over 2000px on the longer side would be ideal. Finally, adjust based on OBS’s base canvas and output resolution (e.g., 1920\u00d71080, etc.).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Next, decide what kind of appearance you want.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Besides visual aspects like clothing and hairstyles, consider “what kind of personality and vibe does the character have,” which helps in crafting a natural image.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For example, “a lively and cheerful character should lean towards warm colors,” or “a serene vibe calls for cool tones,” reflecting personality in color choices fosters consistency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Also, since the background will be transparent PNG, marking slightly darker outlines can help it stand out on screen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you’re considering future Live2D transition, layer separation becomes highly important.<\/p>\n\n\n\n By drawing hair, face, eyes, mouth, body, and clothing as separate layers, you can implement movement later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Even if using a static image, simply changing the shape of the eyes and mouth makes it easier to create expression variations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Label the layers with intuitive English words like “hair_front,” “eye_L,” and “mouth_open” to make them easily identifiable later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To make reactions during streams look natural, it’s convenient to create several expression variations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For instance, having 4 to 5 types like “smile,” “worried face,” “surprised face,” and “angry face” can significantly change the impression of your streams.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Duplicating layers to change just the eyebrows or mouth shapes is also fine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you set up switching functionality with tools like OBS or Veadotube Mini, you can change expressions in real-time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Once the full-body illustration is complete, export it in a transparent PNG format.<\/p>\n\n\n\n By making the “background layer invisible” before exporting, the streaming screen’s background will remain visible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If using OBS, load it as an “image source” and position it at the screen’s corner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Adjust the size and position to ensure you have a speaking space.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Even if it\u2019s your first time, this process will let you start out as a “PNGTuber.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n You don’t have to aim for a perfect full-body illustration from the start.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As you continue your activities, if you think, “I want it to be a bit more animated,” or “I want to change the outfit,” you can improve based on existing data.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As you stream, cultivate a full-body illustration that expresses your individuality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Making gradual adjustments will turn your activities into a record of growth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In the next section, we will discuss how to request the creation of a full-body illustration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When considering commissioning an illustrator, many may not know where to start in terms of communication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Creating a full-body illustration relies heavily on aligning the client\u2019s vision with the illustrator’s artwork. By organizing points in advance, you can avoid troubles and obtain a full-body illustration that closely matches your ideal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here, we introduce five important items to decide before making a request.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The first thing to think about is “what kind of character do I want to be?”.<\/p>\n\n\n\n By organizing not just appearance aspects like hairstyle and clothing but also personality, speech, and background stories, you can create consistency in the full-body illustration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For example, general directions like “a lively and bright idol” or “a calm researcher” are fine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Deciding on the core of the worldview reduces confusion in design and makes the explanation during requests smoother.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For a detailed guide on how to decide VTuber character settings, refer to the article below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
VTuber Avatar Creation Guide\uff5cHow to Create Live2D and 3D for Free \u3010Beginner’s Guide\u3011<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat is the Difference Between a Full-Body Illustration and Key Visuals?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
On the other hand, key visuals are often treated as standalone illustrations for announcements or branding.<\/p>\n\n\n\nHow to Obtain a VTuber Full-Body Illustration: Three Methods! Differences between Self-Creation, Commissioning, and Purchasing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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<\/figure>\n\n\n\nNecessary Skills and Software for Self-Creation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Flow for Commissioning an Illustrator<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How to Purchase a Completed Model<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Points to Consider When Choosing the Right Method for You<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
What are the Steps for Creating a Full-Body Illustration Yourself? Fundamentals Beginners Should Know<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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<\/figure>\n\n\n\n1. Gather Your Materials<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
2. Consider Character Design<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
3. Keep Layer Separation in Mind When Drawing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
4. Prepare Expression Variations<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
5. Export as Transparent PNG and Position It<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
6. Gradually Update<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Five Things to Decide Before Requesting a Full-Body Illustration<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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<\/figure>\n\n\n\n1. Clarify Character Settings and Worldview<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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