Join us as we continue our interviews with various creators! This time, we interviewed Teoteku to learn about how he got into Live2D model making, quality over quantity, and why you need an online portfolio to help establish your name! Read on to get the full scoop or watch the interview on YouTube: https://youtu.be/bdcrEXFVNZc
Please introduce yourself!
Hello there, I’m Teoteku! I am a Vartist who likes creating illustrations and specializes in Live2D modelling. Pleased to meet you!
How did you get into the creative field? Were you always in the creative field and wanted to be a creator?
I hadn’t always been in the creative field. I actually have a different career as a software engineer. But my passion for art has always been present ever since I was small. It began as a little hobby which I grew to love more over time. When I became more confident with my skills, I started posting online for fun. And not I’m just happy seeing people enjoy what I’ve been creating and sharing online.

Whenever I look at the character models you’ve created, one of the things that stands out to me most is the eyes, how do you come up with such unique designs?
Exploring other artworks when designing character models helped me a lot. Often, the people I design for want to have their characters be unique and eye-catching. So, I found it helpful to observe what traits and elements may be common to the themes they like, and then add my own twist on it. This approach also comes in handy to make sure I avoid accidental plagiarism, especially when working with very popular themes.
How did you get into the Vtubing space and what led you to want to try making models?
A couple of years back, I stumbled upon a Brian Tsui rigging tutorial and I remember being fascinated by the idea of making my art come to life as a virtual model. This is what motivated me to learn how to make Live2D models.

You’ve been creating Live2D models for the last couple of years already, Is it still challenging or do you feel you’ve got a solid feel for everything already?
While I’ve already developed my own routine when creating Live2D models, I do get surprises from time to time. When Live2D introduces new features or when a character has traits I haven’t encountered before, I start experimenting to try and improve. Sometimes it can feel time-consuming, but it makes me happy when I discover a new technique that could be useful in the future.
How important is having a portfolio like foriio?
Having a digital art portfolio online is very important for any aspiring artist. It’s like a virtual gallery where you can organize and showcase your work to everyone. And it’s quite useful in helping you build your personal brand. In fact, some of the clients I’ve worked with discovered me through my portfolio. So it’s a great way to attract opportunities as well!

What’s your process like when you are doing commissions? Any specific questions you tend to ask or how much reference material do you like to receive?
When doing commissions, I like to start with a clear understanding of what my client wants. I usually ask questions regarding their preferences and seek clarification about their characters. Some of the questions go like “What vibe do you want to give off?” or “Which feature should stand out the most?” There are also times I watch my client stream to match the model with their voice better when possible. The more details I receive, the better I can understand their vision and expectations. So it helps a lot when there is a clear understanding on both sides.
You’ve accumulated a pretty decent following across your SNS channels but it looks like you’ve taken a bit of a break recently; Do you have any advice for creators when it comes to managing their SNS accounts?
I suppose that to artists like me who like to work at a slower pace, focusing more on quality over quantity can help a lot! That way, it’s easier to strike a balance between resting, creating, and handling other responsibilities. Since using up all your energy every day just to keep churning out art could cause early burnout.

What’s the next thing that you’d like to challenge yourself with?
I’m eager to try making Live2D assets! They are moving props that you can attach to any Live2D model. And they are quite faster to make than character models. In fact, I have one currently in progress! I hope to be able to share it soon.
Do you have any advice for artists who are looking to get better or start taking on commissions?
Be ready for proper time management. When taking commissions, it’s helpful to know your limits on how much work you can efficiently handle. I’ve seen some cases of artists who seemed to have bitten off more than they can chew. And the consequences for both the artist and the client are… Um… Far from good. So it’s best to be careful with your schedule.

What’s your favourite feature on foriio?
What I love most about foriio is how easy it is to navigate, both as a creator and a viewer. It didn’t take me long to get used to its features and functions. It’s simple and tidy. I never feel overwhelmed or lost whenever I use foriio. Whether I come back to add another artwork within a few days or even after several months, navigating the platform remains effortless and intuitive.
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Just wanted to say thank you again to Teoteku for the lovely interview.
Remember to follow Teoteku on their socials here:
foriio – https://fori.io/Teoteku
Twitter – https://twitter.com/Teoteku_
And remember, you can create your own foriio account for free in minutes. foriio is a tool for those who want to share their works in an easy and intuitive manner. Sign-up is a mere seconds and adding work is as easy as dragging and dropping. We’ve also added new import features for those who want to easily transfer their work from their other places. So check us out here and make your own! Hope to see you everyone on foriio!