How to Commission VTuber Standing Illustrations | Finding Artists & Pricing Guide

To start your career as a VTuber, the first thing you need is a character "standing illustration" (tachie). A VTuber standing illustration is the central visual of your streaming screen. For 2D models, it requires specialized processes like layer separation (parts splitting) for Live2D animation—far beyond ordinary illustration work.

This article thoroughly covers how to commission VTuber standing illustrations, where to find illustrators, pricing benchmarks, key points for 2DLive (Live2D) compatibility, and important considerations. If you’re commissioning a VTuber standing illustration for the first time, read on for everything you need to know.

What Is a VTuber Standing Illustration? How It Differs from Regular Art

A VTuber standing illustration is a full-body drawing of a character that appears as an avatar on the streaming screen. For 2D VTubers, this illustration is animated using Live2D software, which requires each element—hair, eyes, mouth, eyebrows, arms, clothing—to be separated into individual layers. The more precise the layer separation, the smoother and more beautiful the model’s movements become, but the production workload also increases. VTuber illustrations can require 10 to 50 times more layers than standard illustrations, which is why they cost significantly more.

VTuber Standing Illustration Pricing Guide

For a full-body standing illustration including character design and parts splitting, expect to pay ¥50,000–¥150,000. Bust-up (chest and above) illustrations may be available for ¥10,000–¥20,000. Popular or highly experienced illustrators can charge several hundred thousand yen or more.

Live2D modeling (animating the illustration) typically costs an additional ¥50,000–¥150,000 if commissioned separately. More creators now offer illustration and Live2D modeling as a bundle, often at a better price than ordering them individually.

Expression variations (smile, surprise, sadness, etc.), outfit changes, and pose variations are generally treated as options, costing around ¥2,000+ each. Commercial use (monetization, merchandise) adds ¥5,000–¥20,000, and full copyright transfer can add tens of thousands of yen more.

How to Find an Illustrator

There are three main ways to find illustrators for VTuber standing illustrations. You can reach out directly via SNS platforms like X (formerly Twitter) or pixiv using hashtags such as "#VTuberMamaRecruitment" or "#IllustrationCommissionsOpen." Alternatively, commission services like Coconala, SKIMA, and nizima offer dedicated VTuber categories with transparent pricing and escrow payment protection. nizima is Live2D’s official marketplace and is particularly active for VTuber model transactions. For enterprise-level or highly polished results, specialized VTuber production studios offer reliable quality control and comprehensive rights management, though at higher price points.

Key Points for Commissioning 2DLive (Live2D) Compatible Illustrations

When commissioning a VTuber standing illustration meant to be animated with 2DLive (Live2D), there are unique considerations beyond standard illustration commissions. Always confirm that the illustrator has experience with Live2D-compatible parts splitting—without this expertise, the model may break when animated. If you hire separate creators for illustration and modeling, ensure they can collaborate effectively.

To keep costs down, consider commissioning a creator who handles both illustration and Live2D modeling as a bundle. With the same person handling both stages, adjustments for Live2D movement are naturally incorporated during the parts-splitting phase, resulting in more stable quality.

The Commission Workflow

Start by defining your character’s image: personality, color palette, hairstyle, outfit, accessories, and more. Prepare reference images to help the artist visualize your concept. Select an illustrator and communicate your requirements—character details, required assets (full-body standing illustration, expression variations, outfit variations), Live2D compatibility, desired timeline, and budget. Once the quote is agreed upon, production begins.

The production workflow follows: rough sketch review → line art → coloring → parts splitting. Provide detailed feedback at the rough sketch stage to avoid costly changes later. Delivery formats are typically PSD or PNG. Expect a minimum turnaround of 2–3 weeks, extending to over a month during peak periods.

Important Considerations When Commissioning

Copyright and usage terms are the most critical points to verify. "Commercial use permitted" and "copyright transfer" are different things—clarify exactly what is and isn’t allowed, especially if you plan to monetize or create merchandise. If you might change illustrators ("mama artists") in the future, sort out design ownership rights in advance.

Confirm the number of included revisions and additional fees upfront. Free revisions are typically limited, with charges for extras. Review details carefully at the rough sketch stage to minimize late-stage changes. For payment, commission platforms offer secure escrow, while direct transactions require clear agreement on upfront versus post-delivery payment terms.

Conclusion

Your VTuber standing illustration is the element that defines your first impression on stream. Full-body illustrations with character design and parts splitting typically cost ¥50,000–¥150,000, and platforms like Coconala, SKIMA, and nizima make it easy to find creators within your budget.

If you plan to animate with 2DLive (Live2D), choosing an illustrator experienced in parts splitting is the most important decision. A bundled illustration-and-modeling commission keeps costs lower and ensures consistent quality. Verify copyright, usage terms, revision limits, and payment conditions before placing your order, and make your ideal VTuber debut a reality.