Commissioning VTuber Art: Layered PSDs, Live2D Rigging and Usage Rights
Published:
Last Updated:
Category: Side Jobs
Authors: Shusaku Yosa
Static VTuber character art and a functioning Live2D model are different deliverables. Separate character design, illustration, part separation, rigging and application testing before requesting quotes. A static-art price is not comparable to a complete animated-model package.
Select the deliverables you need
Stage | Purpose | Handover to specify |
|---|---|---|
Character design | Appearance and costume | Reference sheets, colors and views |
Static art | Introductions and thumbnails | Transparent images, size and variants |
Part separation | Artwork for moving components | PSD structure agreed with the rigger |
Live2D rigging | Movement and expressions | Editable and runtime files included |
Testing | Operation in the intended setup | Application, equipment, settings and fixes |
Connect the artist and rigger before production
The official Live2D material-separation guide explains preparing separate components for modeling. Areas revealed by movement may need additional drawing, so a completed flat image cannot always be converted by simply cutting it apart.
If different people handle art and rigging, agree component divisions, layer names, dimensions, additional drawing and delivery dates in advance. Estimate work from requested movement rather than a universal layer count or price multiplier.
Separate quote components
Component | Potential additions |
|---|---|
Design and artwork | Costumes, props, expressions and poses |
Layer preparation | Hidden-area drawing and revised separation |
Rigging | Motion ranges, expression switches, physics and hands |
Configuration | Target application, tracking and corrections |
Usage and future work | Monetization, merchandise, new outfits and third-party changes |
A commissioning worksheet
Activities and character brief: [ ]
Stages required: [static art, layers, rigging, setup]
Expressions and movements: [ ]
Intended application and equipment: [ ]
Artist, rigger and communication: [ ]
Rough, PSD and model review dates: [ ]
Budget, revisions and extra-work approval: [ ]
Monetization, ads, merchandise, costumes and modification: [ ]
Agree usage and source-file rights
Describe intended streams, clips, promotions, merchandise and future outfits. Receiving a file does not by itself permit another supplier to modify it. Discuss creator credit, portfolio-release timing and what happens if the activity ends.
Acceptance checklist
- Check transparent exports, variants and the agreed PSD naming and components.
- Confirm which editable and runtime files are included.
- Test agreed head movement, blinking, mouth movement and expression switches in the agreed application and equipment.
- Look for gaps and incorrect overlaps during ordinary motion.
- Clarify correction periods, future application updates and paid additions.
A demonstration video alone does not establish that the model works in your agreed setup. Retain the files, permissions and configuration instructions together so future work can be commissioned coherently.
Related guides
Related Otame4 guides currently link to Japanese pages.
Sources and further checks
Public information checked on September 30, 2026. Japanese official sources are linked below; verify current requirements for your situation.
