3D Modeling

Virtual Avatar

During fall's online semester, I enrolled in Video Games and Media Discourse at Scripps College. It quickly became one of my favorite courses taken at the 5C's because of the fascinating readings, class discussions, and projects. During a particular class discussion, virtual YouTubing was brought up. Virtual YouTubing (or VTubing) is the practice of livestreaming while using face-tracking technology to appear as if a virtual avatar is doing the streamer's actions. VTubing was a foreign topic to me but the concept was so captivating to me that I decided to dedicate my final presentation to it.

I decided to not only research and write the assigned fifteen-paged paper but to also present my findings as my very own virtual model. Here is my process:

Research

First things first, I did hours upon hours of research on VTubing as well as virtual avatars in general such as vocaloids and 3D modeled public figures.

Character Design

I embarked on my own VTubing adventure starting with developing the design of my avatar. Virtual YouTubers, in essence, are an extension of your own personality projected onto an artistically modeled avatar. Because of this, the design of your character is symbolic. It is how you want to present yourself since it will be a representative figure of yourself.

I decided to create an avatar that had similar features to myself. However, I gave her purple eyes (my favorite color) and added hearts to her cheeks. I based her outfit on one of my favorite idols. With this rough drawing, I was ready to begin modeling.

VROID STUDIO

While researching, one of the main 3D programs I found was a software called VRoid Studio. (*Note: There are much better programs for 3D modeling for specifically virtual YouTubers but this was the only software that could properly run on my MacBook Air.)

VRoid Studio turned out to be a great, efficient program for this project's purposes, however, and I had a great time editing clothing textures and watching my drawing become 3D.

I created the model and exported it when it was finished to be ready for face tracking.

3Tene Beta

This phase of this project was definitely my favorite. I found this software that allowed you to import your 3D model and have it be rigged and paired with face tracking. I imported my model into the program and set it so it used my computer's webcam to monitor my face. When I tilted my head, she tilted hers. When I opened my mouth, so did she.

I was extremely satisfied with 3tene for many reasons. The top reason was because it was able to have lip-syncing as well as the body tracking despite the awful quality of the built-in webcam.

Real VTubers typically buy much higher quality webcams that are suitable for streaming and face identification.