How to Make a VTuber Avatar 2D: Quick Guide for Beginners

Do you aspire to be one of the popular VTubers out there? If so, you must know how to make a VTuber Avatar 2D first.

Thankfully, creating a 2D VTuber model is not as difficult or expensive as you think. In this article, we will guide you on how to make a 2D VTuber avatar without breaking the bank.

Let’s begin!

How to Make a 2D VTuber Avatar

Making a 2d Vtuber avatar is pretty simple. As a matter of fact, we can sum up the process in just 3 easy steps! Below are the steps on how to make a 2D VTuber avatar:

Step 1: Commission an Artist to Make Your Avatar

The first step on how to be a VTuber is obviously to acquire your own avatar. To do so, you must first design the avatar.

Many software, including the popular Adobe Photoshop, can serve as a means to create 2D VTuber avatars. However, learning to draw using such programs can take time, and you may want to save time for brainstorming your VTuber persona and VTuber content ideas.

In that case, it is possible to hire a character illustrator to make you a 2D avatar. Today you can easily find artists who accept commissions for VTuber avatars on freelancing websites, such as Fiverr.

2D avatar designs can go up to a few hundred Dollars each, but it also depends on the level of intricacy. We recommend you to discuss with different artists to get the best price.

More importantly, make sure to check the credibility of the illustrator’s work. You do not want to give your money to scammers who claim artists’ works as theirs.

To confirm the legitimacy of your illustrator, ask for their portfolio and read what customers say about them. For that reason, you would not want to hire a designer that has few to no reviews.

Another Option: Draw Your Own Avatar

If you’re willing to invest your time in learning to use avatar design software, you can choose to draw your own avatar instead.

To design your own VTuber avatar, you’ll need a graphic design program that can export your design as a PSD file. This is important since 2D animation software, which we will talk about later, mainly supports that file type.

There are various software that can produce PSD files. You are free to choose paid options like Adobe Photoshop or free alternatives, such as MediBang Paint.

When choosing among programs to create 2D VTuber avatars, you do not need to think about how thorough their features are. At the end of the day, all of them allow you to create awesome-looking avatars.

What is more important, you need to ensure that the internet offers an extensive tutorial for the software that you decide on. MediBang Paint, for example, has complete documentation on its website to guide you through using the software.

After getting used to the software, start creating your avatar by drawing it as a whole, then divide it into smaller elements like hair, eyes, and pieces of clothing as different layers. That is how to make a VTuber avatar 2D design.

Read : Best Live Streaming Platforms in 2023

Step 2: Animate Your Avatar

After you know how to make VTuber model 2D, it is time to bring the static character to life. Thankfully, you do not need a degree in animation to do so.

There are some VTuber softwares that help you to animate 2D VTuber avatars. One of the recommended options is Live2D Cubism.

How to make a VTuber avatar 2D animated using Live2D Cubism? You need to export your avatar design to the software and use its editor to decide how each of your avatar’s elements will move in certain situations.

If that sounds a bit complicated, you are not mistaken. Users claim that learning to maximize the potential of Live2D Cubism takes some time. But with practice and a lot of patience, you can take your Vtuber content to the next level!

This is because the software provides a great deal of freedom in animating your avatar. Plus, Live2D Cubism’s free version offers all the features you need.

Animating via Motion Capture

Though if you want an easier time in animating your 2D Vtuber Avatar, you can opt to use VTube Studio. This software helps to animate your avatar using motion capture through your webcam or phone camera.

To start with motion capture, you need to connect your PC to a webcam that supports motion tracking. Alternatively, you can also use an iOS or Android device that supports the capability.

After all is set, you only need to be in front of the camera, and VTube Studio will capture your facial expressions, hand movements, and upper body gesture. The data from those motions will be the base of your avatar’s animation.

If that is not interesting enough, VTube Studio is free to use if you’re not bothered by its watermark on your content. You only need to pay $14 to remove the watermark that shows up on your avatar.

Step 3: Prepare Your Streaming Setup

Now that you know how to make a VTuber avatar 2D, you are only a step away from creating content.The last thing you need is a streaming setup.

Ideally, a VTuber streaming setup consists of a PC, camera, lighting, and microphone. While VTubing does not require top-of-the-line equipment, it is still important to invest in decent gear.

First of all, make sure that your computer at least has these specifications:

• Intel or AMD processor running at 2.5 GHz
• Nvidia or AMD graphics card with at least 4GB of dedicated VRAM and with at least DirectX 11
• 8GB RAM
• Windows 7 64-bit operating system

For the camera, an iPhone or Android phone is suitable as long as your avatar animation software supports it. However, you can replace them with a decent webcam since they are as affordable as under $100.

To help the camera to do motion capture, you need good lighting. There is no need to get expensive softboxes since you can start with desk lamps.

As for the microphone, we recommend that you get an external microphone. Even better, choose one that comes with a pop filter to reduce distortion.

Read also : How to make a 3d vtuber model

Final Thoughts on How to Make a VTuber Avatar 2D

At this point, you already know how to make a 2D VTuber avatar. To start, you can hire an artist to design an avatar or make it yourself using Adobe Photoshop or any program that saves your avatar in PSD format.

Regardless of how you get an avatar, animating it using software like Live2D Cubism and VTube Studio would be best. These software offer free versions to save money to invest in a proper streaming setup.

Becoming a 2D VTuber is quite easy, right? Let’s kickstart your VTuber growth today!

Interested in learning more about Vtubing? Download our eBook: A Vtuber’s Journey: From Zero to Hero today!