#There's so much variety out there but people just look at fuckin I dunno Vox Akuma and are like OH I'VE SEEN EVERY VTUBER

[greed-the-dorkalicious]

I want to take a minute to address the “VTuber design style” thing, since it seems to have become a hot topic in light of the new Fire Emblem stuff, but I’ve noticed there’s a lot of misconceptions going around. I’m a VTuber myself and I can say from experience that there’s a ton more variety in the VTubing community than people seem to think there is, so I’d like to explain why people think VTubers look a certain way, as well as give some examples of other looks.

When you think of VTubers, you probably think of something like this, right?

Now, there’s nothing inherently wrong with these designs, but you may notice a sort of uniformity to them. They all seem to feature fairly detailed designs in a contemporary anime style, almost a sort of gacha character-esque feeling. Why is this?

All of the VTubers shown above are members of Hololive Production, a talent agency owned by Cover Corporation, a Japanese tech entertainment company. What does this mean for these designs? Well, it means two things: 1. As part of the same corporation, they’re aiming for a uniform, highly marketable look, and 2. again, as part of a big budget corporation, these VTubers have the backing to afford extremely expensive models. 

In addition to Hololive, the other main VTuber talent agency is Nijisanji, known for having more male talents and also for their extremely shiny look. Again, they’re a corporation and they are aiming for a certain look.

In addition, there are many non-corporate VTubers who try to emulate the look and production quality of groups like Hololive and Nijisanji. This sometimes works out, and sometimes doesn’t. I’ve seen a lot of indie vtubers sink hundreds if not thousands of dollars into their models and graphics, only to decide a few months later that VTubing isn’t for them, or that they don’t like their character, and disappear into nothingness. So if you’re thinking of becoming a VTuber, PLEASE start with a cheap model, or even try streaming without a model just to be sure it’s something you enjoy doing.)

Why do these models cost so much? Well, most of them are made using a program called Live2D. This is the same technology used in games like Project Sekai, for example. But while those sprites are fairly simple, VTuber models require many, many points of articulation. The art must be drawn in a certain way, often split up into hundreds of layers, and then rigged in Live2D, either by the artist or a dedicated rigger. In many cases this can get so detailed as to rig individual strands of hair, fingers, different parts of the inside of the mouth, the highlights in the eyes, etc. 

Ok, so we’ve established the reason why corporate VTubers and copycats look like that: They’re aiming for a recognizable and uniform style, and they have the money to afford incredibly complex rigs. But what do non-corporate VTubers look like?

While many of them do look similar to Hololive and Nijisanji, in general indie and small agency VTubers tend to have more variety in design, as they’re not restricted by corporate direction and can focus more on what they personally like. Many make their own models. Also, in addition to Live2D, some VTubers use 3D models, either made using a program called VRoid Studio or more traditional 3D model software. Here’s a fun example: My pal Auntie Katie (@old_lady_katie on Twitter), who recently revealed her new model which she made in Blender! Along with her dear pet Catburger.

Here’s Crow (@crow_creates), who worked hard to make a plus size model in VRoid, and did an absolutely gorgeous job:

On the 2D side, we’ve got Monacht (@MonachtVT), a trans fighting game legend:

Kaijuu-san (@monster0721), a Godzilla enthusiast- Yes, his model really moves!

I’d be remiss not to mention Auntie Calc (@HotCalc), who uses VRoid to change her outfits on a regular basis:

And of course, for the curious, here’s me (@AkumajoAurora)! I made this model myself in VRoid, and she was largely designed to look like a fantasy version of my IRL appearance. Her design takes some inspiration from late 90s and early 2000s fashion in addition to other elements.

I hope this post helps clarify why corporate VTubers look the way they do, as well as open some eyes to the wide variety of amazing VTubers in our community. And keep in mind that these are just some of my personal favorite VTubers- There’s a lot more out there as well! Take a look around, you might find someone you really vibe with! Thank you for reading <3

#Long post #Sorry I just. indie VTubers need more love #There's so much variety out there but people just look at fuckin I dunno Vox Akuma and are like OH I'VE SEEN EVERY VTUBER #No!!! Open your eyes and your hearts