Hello, I’m Spiro — an illustrator who creates character designs and Live2D model artwork for VTubers, and someone who has drawn a large amount of fanart myself.
Many VTubers secretly think:
I wish people would draw fanart of me…
Other VTubers get so much fan art, but I barely get any. Why?
You’re not alone — many VTubers struggle with this.
But here’s the good news:
VTubers who naturally receive a lot of fan art all follow the same patterns.
In this article, I’ll explain — from an illustrator’s perspective —
7 practical ways to make your VTuber model more appealing to artists and encourage fan art in your community.
1. Publish a Clear Reference Sheet
The most important factor in getting fan art is simple:
Artists need accurate reference material.
Why stream visuals alone aren’t enough
Many details are hard to understand from streams:
- Outfit structure
- Accessories and small details
- Back view of the costume
- Hair length and decorations
- Hands, shoes, and other subtle elements
Artists genuinely worry about:
- “What if I draw something wrong and disappoint them?”
- “I don’t want to disrespect my oshi by making mistakes.”
Without a reference sheet, many artists hesitate — and never draw.
Important: Make sure your reference sheet is high-resolution
One of the most overlooked but critical points:
- The reference should remain clear when zoomed in
- No pixelation or jagged edges
- Small details (patterns, accessories, stitching, textures, etc.) should stay readable
Low-resolution screenshots or blurry images make fan art much harder to draw, and often discourage artists from creating anything at all.
Recommended approach
- Create a high-resolution reference sheet
- A 3-view sheet (front / side / back) is ideal
- Pin the reference sheet to your X (Twitter) profile
- Consider hiring a professional illustrator for a polished and accurate sheet
A clean, high-quality reference sheet increases fanart submissions dramatically.
2. Create a Fan-Art Hashtag
If you don’t set a hashtag, artists immediately hesitate.
Common worries artists have
- “Does this VTuber even accept fan art?”
- “Will I bother them if I post it?”
A hashtag is a simple signal:
You’re welcome to draw me.
Benefits of having an art tag
- Artists feel comfortable posting
- VTubers can easily find all fanart
- Using a hashtag lets artists credit you without sending a direct notification to your account.
On X, posting with @youraccount triggers a notification, which can make artists worry that they are bothering you or forcing you to react.
A hashtag removes that pressure, so artists feel more comfortable posting fan art freely.
Even small VTubers should set a tag. Don’t underestimate it — start today.
3. Announce Birthdays and Special Events Clearly
Events are when fanart explodes.
Most fan artists draw for celebrations.
Events that generate fanart
- Birthdays
- Debut anniversaries
- New outfits or new models
- Seasonal events (such as Christmas, Halloween, Valentine’s Day, etc.)
Practical ways to announce
- Announce early so artists have time to draw
- Include your art tag on the announcement image
Why does this work?
Most artists draw because they want to:
- “Celebrate my oshi.”
- “Join the hype and support them.”
Give them a clear moment to do so.
4. Commission Professional Illustrators and Show the Art Publicly
If you have the budget, commissioning professional art is extremely effective.
From the viewer’s perspective:
My oshi looks so happy to receive artwork!
Maybe I want to make something for them too.
Why commissioned art helps
- When you share commissioned pieces, more artists discover you
- A culture of “art appreciation” grows in your community
- Fans feel encouraged to join the fan-art movement
Showing excitement over commissioned art sends a clear message:
I love art, and I appreciate artists.
And artists respond to that energy.
5. Always RT and Comment on Fan Art
A single reaction from a VTuber can change everything.
Good reactions lead to…
- “I want to draw them again!”
- Increased loyalty and affection
- Other viewers deciding to draw you as well
However, you do not need to react in the following cases:
- Artwork that breaks your rules (such as NSFW art when you have clearly stated that NSFW is not allowed)
- Art that breaks character or lore
- Aggressive or uncomfortable content
You never have to engage with art that makes you uncomfortable.
6. Showcase Fanart on Stream
This is one of the strongest ways to increase fan art.
Why showcasing works so well
- The artist feels the joy of hearing their name from their oshi
- The whole community becomes inspired
- It creates a warm, welcoming atmosphere
Quality doesn’t matter — even simple art deserves appreciation.
Your reaction sets the culture.
7. Use Fanart in Your Schedule Graphics or Banners
Being “featured” motivates artists like nothing else.
Usage etiquette
- Most artists are happy even if you use their work without asking
- But if you want to be polite, simply ask: “May I use this?”
- For commercial use (merch, etc.), always get permission or buy the rights
Fan art grows when artists see their work being valued.
VTubers who naturally receive lots of fanart share these traits:
- Clear reference sheets
- Easy-to-use fanart tags
- Event announcements that motivate artists
- A positive attitude toward art and artists
- Warm reactions to fan art
- Showcasing art on stream
- Using fanart in visuals and schedule posts
By creating an environment where artists feel safe, inspired, and appreciated,
you’ll naturally build a community where fan art continually grows.
If you’re looking for a reliable illustrator who understands VTuber needs, feel free to check out my commission page.