Top 5 Mistakes When Commissioning Live2D Rigging

1. Why this guide?

If you are planning a Live2D rigging for VTubers project, it can be hard to know what to ask for and how to prepare. This short guide lists the most common mistakes we see in VTuber model rigging commissions and how to avoid them, so you get a model that feels alive and is easy to use in VTube Studio and other apps.

For a full overview of our tiers (Normal, Detailed, Chibi Normal, Chibi Detailed) and pricing, see the Live2D Rigging service page and the Live2D Rigging Commission Guide.

2. Mistake #1 – PSD is not rig-ready

The biggest issue is sending a PSD that is not prepared for Live2D rigging. Important parts are merged together, facial features share the same layer, or there are heavy effects between pieces that should move separately.

How to avoid it:

• Ask your illustrator to prepare a Live2D-ready PSD if possible.
• Keep eyes, eyebrows, and mouth on clean, separate layers.
• Separate hair, clothing, and accessories into parts that can move.
• If you are unsure, ask your rigger for a quick PSD check before you confirm the commission.

You can also commission both art and rigging from the same studio – for example, Live2D Art + Live2D Rigging at Myth-Ink Studio – so the PSD is designed for animation from the start.

3. Mistake #2 – Unclear scope and tier

Another common mistake is asking for “high quality rigging” without a clear scope. Some clients expect full detailed physics and many expressions while only budgeting for a basic tier, or they do not specify whether they need a Normal or Detailed rig.

How to avoid it:

• Decide whether you want Normal or Detailed rigging (for normal proportion) or Chibi Normal / Chibi Detailed.
• Describe how expressive you want the model to be and how much physics you expect.
• Share examples of VTuber movement that you like (YouTube clips are fine).

Our Live2D Rigging page explains what each tier includes so you can match expectations with budget.

4. Mistake #3 – No clear reference or personality notes

Rigging is not only technical; it is also about personality. Without a clear reference sheet and notes about who your character is, the rigger may guess how the model should move or which expressions matter most.

How to avoid it:

• Provide a character reference sheet or at least front-facing full-body art.
• Write a short note about personality (calm, chaotic, cute, elegant, etc.).
• List your must-have expressions and toggles (e.g. “angry”, “teary”, glasses on/off, hood up/down).

5. Mistake #4 – Rushed timeline without buffer

Many VTuber debuts have fixed dates, but rigging always takes time. A tight deadline with no buffer can add stress and reduce space for polishing and revisions.

How to avoid it:

• Contact your rigger early, especially if you want a specific debut date.
• Be honest about your deadline and ask which timeline path (Standard / VIP / VVIP) is realistic.
• Leave a small buffer after delivery for testing and minor adjustments.

You can read more about our scheduling and paths on the Timeline & Protection page.

6. Mistake #5 – Ignoring long-term use and content plans

Some VTubers commission rigging only for a debut stream, without thinking about long-term content: singing, collabs, events, or future outfits. This can lead to a rig that feels limited later.

How to avoid it:

• Tell your rigger if you plan to sing, do heavy reaction content, or use many props.
• Consider whether you might add new outfits or expressions later.
• Ask what is easier to add now versus later in terms of parameters and physics.

If you already know you want a long-term model, a VTuber debut art and rigging package or Live2D bundle may be a better fit than separate, minimal commissions.

Next steps

Ready to start a Live2D rigging commission for your VTuber model? Check the Live2D Rigging service page for full pricing and tier descriptions, or explore bundle options on the Bundle Packages page. When you are ready, head to Contact & Closing to send your brief.