14 Things About AVATAR CREATION I Wish I Knew Sooner

Introduction

This tutorial provides essential tips and tricks for avatar creation in VRChat. Based on insights collected from a video discussing 14 valuable lessons, this guide covers everything from enhancing the visual appeal of your avatars to optimizing workflow in Unity. Whether you're a beginner or looking to refine your skills, these steps will help you create more dynamic and visually appealing avatars.

Chapter 1: Specular Reflections and Clear Coat

• Use Specular Reflections:

  • Apply the default Poiyomi mat cap to your avatar.
  • Adjust the metallic setting on the metal mat cap to enhance reflections.
  • Be aware that reflections vary depending on the Unity scene's skybox.

• Change Metal Color:

  • Navigate to the color section at the top of the material.
  • Change the color to your desired hue (e.g., use yellow for gold).

Chapter 2: Gesture Manager

• Use Gesture Manager for Testing:
  • Download and drag the Gesture Manager package into the Unity hierarchy.
  • Click on it and hit play to emulate a radial menu.
  • Test all toggles, shape keys, and color changes without needing to upload the avatar to VRChat.

Chapter 3: Pumpkin

• Utilize Pumpkin for Easy Transfers:
  • Open Pumpkin and add your new avatar to the top section.
  • In the copy from section, add your old avatar to migrate settings.
  • Hit copy to transfer all settings except materials.

Chapter 4: VRCFury

• Integrate VRCFury for Enhanced Features:
  • Drag the GoGo Loco prefab into your avatar from the VRC Fury prefabs folder.
  • Upload your avatar after hitting play.
  • For additional packages (like markers), drag the prefab directly onto your avatar.

Chapter 5: Data Transfers

• Understand Data Transfer for Clothing:
  • When clothing appears unrigged, use the Data Transfer modifier.
  • Choose settings, apply them, and ensure nothing is selected to achieve rigging to your armature.

Chapter 6: Improving Quest Materials

• Enhance Quest Avatars:
  • Use shaders compatible with Quest. Consider adding fake rim lighting.
  • Create a simple matte cap with white and gray to enhance shading and depth.

Chapter 7: Adding Colliders

• Implement Colliders for Movement:
  • Add colliders to your neck, chest, shoulders, and breasts for better hair movement.
  • Individual colliders can enhance the appearance of larger breasts.

Chapter 8: Faster Phys Bones

• Speed Up Fizz Bone Application:
  • Select all bone strands you want to apply the same Fizz bone settings to.
  • Add a component and set your desired Fizz bone settings. This applies them to all selected strands at once.

Chapter 9: Locomotion Fix

• Improve Animation Behavior:
  • Download the Wet Cat Locomotion fix.
  • Add it to your project and select the V5 option for better sit and crouch animations.

Chapter 10: Fixing Breast Movement

• Avoid Common Mistakes:
  • Avoid using "fix model" on certain bases like the panda bear base, as it can break breast bones.
  • When applying Fizz bones, add an endpoint to the X, Y, or Z axis for proper movement.

Chapter 11: Avoiding Flat Skin

• Enhance Skin Texture:
  • To avoid flat skin appearance, add rim lighting, specular reflections, or glitter for depth.
  • Consider using a skin matte cap for a non-glossy look, if preferred.

Chapter 12: Custom Avatar Picture

• Set a Custom Picture:
  • Take a picture of your avatar in VRChat.
  • Import it into Unity, change it to Sprite, and drag it into your scene before uploading.

Chapter 13: Finding Assets with Jinxxy

• Use Jinxxy for Asset Discovery:
  • Search for assets on the Jinxxy marketplace, filtering for free options if needed.
  • Avoid using ripped assets from sites like DeviantART to ensure better quality and respect creators' rights.

Chapter 14: Preventing Clipping with Shape Keys

• Implement Shape Keys for Non-destructive Clothing:
  • In Blender, go to object data properties and create shape keys for clothing.
  • Use Alt + S to resize arms instead of deleting them to prevent clipping.
  • In Unity, link blend shapes to animations for toggles.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you can significantly enhance your avatar creation process in VRChat. Implementing these techniques will not only save time but also improve the quality of your avatars. Experiment with different settings and tools to find what works best for your style. Happy creating!