Making a Live2D model 1-2

Step 1: Mesh editing

After importing the PSD file of illustration into Live2D Cubism Editor, we have to edit the mesh on every layer. The Automatic Mesh generator is able to edit mesh easily, but for better results, Edit Mesh manually to set vertices on some objects could be a choice. 

Here are some samples and notices on how to edit mesh and set vertices for various elements. 

1. There are two manners for long linear objects like eyebrows and eyelashes. First by sandwiching the lines in the middle and adding points on either side to form a series of triangles. The second manner is to draw a centre line along the existing lines and add vertices to the sides of the lines to form a series of triangles. 
2. When making the mouth part, draw lines mainly along the lip line and wrap the skin part altogether.
3. Notice that to make perfect square triangles and dot the lines along the alignment of the existing lines.

   

   Fig 1 Samples for linear objects mesh editing
   

   
   

   

   Fig 2 My mesh edition on linear objects

   
   
4. For round objects such as the white eye and the pupil, adding vertices to form a circle that fits the shape, and then draw a smaller circle inside or some vertices in a line.

   

   Fig 3 My mesh edition on round objects

   
   

Step 2: Transformation

There are some tools for transformations of the objects.

1. Create Warp Deformer for distortion and deformation of components. Usually, a 3x2 warp deformer for rectangular objects like eyes face, and 3x3 or 2x2 warp deformer for square objects and simple ones.

   

   Fig 4 Warp Deformer

   
   
2. Create Rotation Deformer for rotating of objects.

   

   Fig 5 Rotation Deformer

   
   
3. Deform Path Edit suits for transformations of linear objects.

   

   Fig 6 Path Edit

   
   

Reference:

- live2d. (2019). [Official] Live2D basic tutorial 2: Preparing to move the illustration. Available at:

<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6kIprq5dSxE&list=PLqbLt-S6_fh6U_Y7a8CyaA05GqvcJmNln&index=3> [Accessed 16 November 2020]

- live2d. (2019). [Official] Live2D basic tutorial 3: Movement of facial expressions. Available at:

<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uIs9nh3qprY&list=PLqbLt-S6_fh6U_Y7a8CyaA05GqvcJmNln&index=4> [Accessed 16 November 2020]

- live2d. (2019). [Official] Live2D basic tutorial 4: Body movements. Available at:

<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0S7enC0aYi8&list=PLqbLt-S6_fh6U_Y7a8CyaA05GqvcJmNln&index=5> [Accessed 16 November 2020]

- live2d. (2019). [Official] Live2D basic tutorial 5: XY movement of the face. Available at:

<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_stg511RTs0&list=PLqbLt-S6_fh6U_Y7a8CyaA05GqvcJmNln&index=6> [Accessed 16 November 2020]