u/Total-Presence-8096

I mainly post finished 3D models on BOOTH in Japan, but since coming to Reddit, I feel like I keep seeing these polished “3D model showcase” videos.

Are there any convenient apps or templates that people use to make these? Or are you all making them from scratch?

I always end up starting another doll before I’ve even finished the one I was working on.( ᐕ)

I'm currently putting the finishing touches on this model for release.

In my case, I make both a full set that includes the outfit and hairstyle, as well as a version with some of the shading removed, intended to be used as a base for outfit swaps.

This time, even in this completely bald state, the model already has a luxurious feel to it. I think it's going to turn out really well, so I'm working hard to finish it!

This one was made by generating a poem reading with TTS (text-to-speech) and running the MP3 through Warudo, which handles audio-based lip-syncing really well for VTubers.
I’m eager to test other apps, so let me know if you have any go-to apps you love using!

I make oversized hair accessories that sway a lot, so they look great in dance videos.
I'm more used to making classical-style avatars, so this was definitely a challenge. ₍ ᵔ· ̫·ᵔ₎

I wanted to share something that's a bit closer to real-life doll customization.

The doll in the background is the original base doll provided by the software, while the one in the foreground is my repainted version. I was aiming for a more modern BJD-inspired look.

Doing the makeup is one of my favorite parts of the process! That said, I have so much respect for people who can paint symmetrical makeup by hand on physical dolls. I have the luxury of digital tools, and it's still not easy. ( ੭ ᐕ)੭

Hi! Since my previous post got some interest, I wanted to share a screenshot of the app I use to create, pose, and photograph my digital dolls!

VRoid Studio

I’m a huge doll lover! I know most posts here seem to be about physical dolls, so I wasn’t sure if digital dolls belong, but I wanted to say hi. It’d be awesome to meet anyone else who enjoys digital dolls too! (੭˙꒳ ˙)੭

A comment on one of my works described it as "anime-style." I started writing a reply... and somewhere along the way I realized I don't actually know what people mean by that.

Is it the line art?
Large eyes?
Flat colors with little shading?
Or is any stylized, non-realistic human figure automatically considered "anime"?

I'd really like to know what you think makes something feel "anime."

The images are an antique-inspired 3D doll that I made purely for my own taste. It's the kind of work that, honestly, only a fairly niche group of doll enthusiasts would probably want to buy.

Because of that, I've been experimenting with combining vintage doll aesthetics with more modern, eye-catching visual language.

But now I've run into a strange question:

What is "anime," really?

I'm curious where everyone draws that line.

Edit: Just to add a bit of context—I primarily make 3D avatars that are meant to be worn and animated by real people in virtual worlds.

I think every medium has its own strengths and its own artistic challenges. A traditional painting and a wearable, animated 3D avatar ask very different things of the artist, so it's only natural that they evolve different visual languages.

Honestly, if it weren't for the stone dust, I'd probably be sculpting antique-style dolls out of clay instead. Unfortunately, my lungs have veto power over that career path.

Small clarification: I think I caused some confusion! 😭
The "anime-style" comment I mentioned was actually about a different doll I posted before this one.

This doll is a completely separate piece — I made her purely with my own antique doll aesthetics in mind.

If you're curious, you can find the previous model here:
[URL]A question about finding my own artistic identity : r/Artists

A question about finding my own artistic identity
I feel like I’ve finally reached a point where I have gained the “minimum level of skill” I was aiming for. (Although I usually feel the opposite again the next day!)

Now I’m facing my next challenge: my creations are beautiful, but I’m not sure if they have a unique identity. Sometimes I worry that I’m only imitating other artists.
I don’t have a strong message or story that I want to express through my art. Honestly, I would be happy just creating beautiful 3D dolls forever.
But I wonder if that means I’m refusing to grow, and whether it can remain a lifelong creative hobby.

So my question is:
How did you find your own artistic identity?
Do you think individuality comes from having a strong concept or message, or can it also come from continuing to create what you love and developing your own sense of beauty over time?

I have a question about character design, especially for doll-like characters.

I create 3D models with a dolly / semi-realistic style. Because of that, I personally like the idea that a character should still be recognizable even without a specific outfit — as if the doll head alone is enough to tell you who they are.

Since my models are meant to be customizable, I don't really want a character to become "that character only because of this particular costume." I believe the character's identity should come from their face, features, and overall impression.

However, I also understand that modern character design often puts a lot of emphasis on strong silhouettes, flashy outfits, and instantly recognizable motifs. I am not saying this is good or bad — I simply want to understand and learn from that approach.

The problem is that I have spent so much time looking at dolls and doll customization that I feel disconnected from current character design trends. I don't really know:

• Where do people study modern character design trends?
• What are good resources for learning visual identity and costume design?
• What kinds of outfits work well with a semi-realistic, doll-like character style?

I would really appreciate recommendations for books, artists, courses, communities, or any place where I can start learning.

Thank you!

You place what you don't want to sully into a box and keep it safe.

Model by me. Background: free stock image.

Someone who saw my previous post kindly gave me a VGen code. Thank you so much for your generosity and support!

I'll do my best as an artist and make the most of this opportunity. I really appreciate it! 💜

Image: Some anime doll-style eye textures I made.

I have no idea how people get their VGen creator codes.

I gave up for now and made another model instead.

This is what happens when a madman gets obsessed with details. ( ੭ ᐕ)੭

I usually make hard dolls out of bisque or resin, so I'm not very good at making furry avatars.

Recently I made a friend in VRChat who's really into kemono avatars, and I also saw a post asking what a truly fluffy, voluminous hairstyle would look like. That inspired me to make this as a little experiment.

Hi! I haven’t finished it yet, but here’s a little tip: you can make a skirt using the rabbit tail accessories. Since they’re actually tails, they follow the hip bone naturally and move really nicely.

Anyway…
The post I made earlier today asking about commission prices got deleted because I made a mistake. Luckily, a few people replied before it disappeared. Thank you so much!
Edit: I joined the VGen Discord that was recommended to me! Thanks again for the suggestion—I’m looking forward to checking it out.

But the more I think about it, the less sure I am.
I genuinely think the dolls I make are really cute, but everyone has different tastes. If there’s no demand, even a diamond is just another rock.

Capitalism is too complicated for me. (՞ . ̫.՞)

So here’s a simple question:
How did you decide the price of your own work?
Did you mostly figure it out through trial and error, gradually raising or lowering your prices over time?

Hi! I'd like to ask for some advice about pricing.

All of the examples I've attached were made entirely in VRoid Studio. No Blender, no custom meshes—just VRoid Studio.

In Japan, I sell premade, VRChat-ready VRoid models on BOOTH for ¥3,000 each (about $20 USD).

For custom commissions, I usually charge ¥50,000 (about $320 USD) for a fully custom, one-of-a-kind model. This includes custom outfits, VRChat setup, and everything needed to deliver a finished avatar.

Recently, someone recommended Ko-fi and VGen, and I'm thinking about opening commissions internationally. The problem is... I have absolutely no idea what people typically charge outside Japan.

If you were selling or commissioning a VRoid model made entirely in VRoid Studio, what price range would you consider reasonable?

I'd really appreciate any opinions, even if it's just, "I'd expect around $XXX."

Thanks!