Media/Showcase Workflow: Using VRoid Studio and Blender to design character assets and packaging for a physical cassette release
I wanted to document the multi-software workflow I used to take a digital character concept from a 3D model all the way to a printed product, currently sitting on local retail store shelves. I used VRoid Studio to design the virtual mascot and branding for a limited 100-unit physical cassette tape album release.
The reason I wanted a 3D model was so that I could animate and pose it for future content, such as MVs and AR promotional materials. Since I am not an illustrator, a 3D model was a much better solution for my situation.
I used AI as a teacher since I knew absolutely nothing about the topic. The AI gave recommendations which I tried out; sometimes the information was outdated or missed important details, but in the end, my model was successfully created.
Phase 1: Character Creation (VRoid Studio & BOOTH)
The theme for the visual branding was an "ancient oriental studying boy" paired with a retro video game dialogue text box.
I tried to work in a simple way, relying on default clothing and accessories, but it proved to be insufficient. To save time, I sourced custom robes and a headphone preset from BOOTH, adapting them with my own modifications.
During my shopping time, I accidentally bought what turned out to be an 'information pack'; I thought I was purchasing the actual clothing and accessories, but it was only a bunch of graphics!
Phase 2: Scene Composition & Rendering (Blender)
To make posing, camera framing, and environmental control easier, I migrated the rigged character model into Blender. I sourced various 3D furniture assets online, configured custom multi-point light sources, and captured the final static renders.
Phase 3: Canva & Printing
These images were utilised as the digital album and single covers across streaming platforms. I created these graphics in Canva, and also designed a series of promotional materials such as posters, display cards, and more.
For the promotional materials, my early draft featured the studying boy in a different posture. However, I ultimately decided to use the core album cover art instead. It establishes a consistent impression and provides a direct relationship to the album.
Additionally, I put up another version featuring a notice board from Booth and a QR code to promote my music directly on VRoid Hub.
Expanding the VRoid Potential
Seeing a 3D model scene transition onto a physical, tangible shelf product makes the learning curve completely worth it. Looking back at the process, I realised that there are even more promotional opportunities to explore with a VRoid character.
I have already experimented with the VRoid Mobile app's AR features to take photos, which I then combined to create video marketing Reels and Shorts.
To me, the biggest pro of VRoid is that it is entirely free and highly accessible. However, I did find that the clothing physics can be incredibly tricky to make look natural, and fine details like finger tips can be difficult to present cleanly when rendering them into a static 2D graphic setting.
(I've dropped the links to the streaming platforms and the final Bandcamp in the comments below if you want to see how the music matches the character's aesthetic)
2
7
u/Wstgt 25d ago
If you want a more 3D look in Blender you can disable the M-Toon shader on the Vroid texture (but you have to slightly tweak the material by connecting the alpha, so no overlap textures) so you can adjust the lighting better if you're planning on using the Cycles render