Laev Kaelhart

The project involved transforming an initial collection of sketches, references, and lore concepts into a fully rendered VTuber model suitable for rigging and streaming use.

Challenge

The client provided core design ideas, including facial features, horns, and thematic inspiration, but several visual elements required further development before production.

Key challenges included:

• Designing a convincing dragon-scale corruption effect across one arm

• Creating a burnt fabric treatment with glowing embers

• Developing accessory details with limited visual reference

• Maintaining visual cohesion between fantasy, draconic, and VTuber aesthetics

• Translating multiple reference sources into a unified final design

Several costume elements required additional research and design exploration before implementation.

Process

The design process was highly collaborative and iterative.

Working from the client's sketches, lore concepts, and reference collection, I developed the final model design through continuous feedback and review.

Throughout production, progress updates were presented regularly to ensure design choices aligned with the client's vision.

Additional research was conducted for:

• Ornamental belt and accessory designs

• Scale pattern placement and structure

• Burn damage and ember effects

• Clothing detailing and silhouette refinement

Concept exploration and revision cycles were used to refine the final appearance before rendering.

Solution

To emphasize the character's draconic corruption, I referenced several existing concept arts and then rendered a scale pattern that gradually spread across the affected arm, creating a visual transition between human and dragon features.

The coat's damaged areas were rendered using layered burn textures and ember effects to reinforce the character's fire-themed identity.

For accessory design, external research and reference gathering were used to create an ornate belt piece that complemented the overall aesthetic while remaining functional within the model's silhouette.

Result

The completed model successfully translated the client's initial concept into a cohesive VTuber design while preserving key story and visual elements.I prepared and organized layered assets for Live2D compatibility, ensuring clean separation of movable elements and future rigging flexibility.

The project strengthened my experience in:

• Client collaboration

• Visual development

• Character design refinement

• Research-driven design decisions

• Preparing artwork for Live2D production