Hello!
I’m Spiro, an illustrator.
In my previous article, How to Commission a VTuber Model, I shared some tips on preparing for and commissioning your own VTuber model.
This time, I’d like to talk about two important things that are easy to overlook when commissioning a VTuber character design.
These are things worth considering before placing your commission, especially if you plan to use your character for years to come.
Let’s take a look!
1. Complex Designs Can Affect the Cost of Future Art Commissions
VTuber character designs can include all kinds of unique details, such as intricate decorations, elaborate outfits, and numerous accessories.
Of course, there’s nothing wrong with creating a design full of details you love!
However, the more complex a character design is, the more expensive it may be to illustrate.
And this doesn’t just apply to the initial character design commission.
As you continue your VTuber activities, you’ll likely need new illustrations for various purposes.
For example, you might commission artwork for streams, special celebrations, or merchandise.
Each time you commission another artist, you may be charged extra depending on the complexity of your character’s outfit and accessories.
There’s also something worth keeping in mind when using Skeb.
According to Skeb’s guidelines, creators are not required to follow every detail of a request, and they have discretion over the content and level of detail in the finished artwork.
This means that if an artist feels your character’s design is too complicated to reproduce in full, they may choose to simplify or omit certain outfit details or accessories.
Of course, this doesn’t mean complex character designs are a bad thing.
An intricately designed outfit can be a wonderful part of what makes your character unique.
It’s simply worth remembering that a complicated design may lead to higher costs or additional work when commissioning illustrations in the future.
After all, this is a character you’ll hopefully be spending a lot of time with, so it’s worth thinking about a design that works well for you in the long run
2. Check the Copyright and Usage Rights for Your Character Design
Another important thing to check is who owns the rights to your character design and how you’re allowed to use it.
When you commission a VTuber character design from an artist, paying for the commission does not automatically mean that the copyright is transferred to you.
Copyright ownership and permitted uses depend on the terms of your agreement with the artist.
So why does this matter?
For example, you might not always want to commission the same artist who originally designed your character.
You may feel like trying something new and ask another artist to design a new outfit. Or perhaps your original artist is fully booked and isn’t accepting commissions for a while.
They may even need to take a break from work due to health issues or personal circumstances.
In situations like these, would you be allowed to commission another artist to create a new outfit or redesign while keeping your character’s recognizable features and overall identity?
Depending on the circumstances, making these kinds of changes may require permission from the original design’s copyright holder.
That’s why I recommend checking whether future redesigns or new outfit commissions are permitted before commissioning your original character design.
For example, you could ask:
“Would I be allowed to commission another artist to create new outfits or redesigns for this character in the future?”
Some artists already explain these permissions in their Terms of Service (TOS) or commission information.
If you can’t find anything about it, it’s a good idea to ask before placing your order.
You don’t necessarily need to purchase the copyright outright. In some cases, obtaining permission for the specific uses you need may be enough.
If the artist grants permission, it’s a good idea to keep a written record of the agreement, such as a contract or message, so you can refer to it later.
Also, keep in mind that additional fees may apply depending on the rights you’re requesting.
It might seem like a little extra work, but it’s an important step if you want to keep using your character for years to come.
Final Thoughts | Planning Ahead for Your VTuber Character
A VTuber character design isn’t something that stops being relevant once it’s finished.
As your activities grow, you may want new illustrations, outfits, or even upgrades to your VTuber model.
Here are the two main points to remember:
- Design complexity: Intricate designs may affect the cost of future art commissions and how accurately your outfit can be reproduced.
- Copyright and usage rights: Make sure you understand whether you can commission other artists to create new outfits or redesigns for your character.
Keeping these two things in mind from the beginning can help you avoid unnecessary expenses, misunderstandings, and potential problems later on.
Your character is something special that you’ve put a lot of thought into.
I hope these tips help you enjoy creating and developing your VTuber character for years to come!
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If you’re looking for a reliable illustrator who understands VTuber needs, feel free to check out my commission page.
