The landscape of online shopping is continuously evolving, and new concepts emerge daily. One of the most transformative concepts is, without a doubt, the concept of virtual models.
These are not real people. They are models made by a computer. They are shaping how brands are able to market clothes and products digitally. This evolution has the potential to increase sales for retailers, reversing the financial model and saving brands money.
Now, let’s look deeper into this brand new world. We will explore the virtual models and how these digital people are making waves in the world of fashion e-commerce. But how do they create these digital likenesses of people, and how may this ultimately be a game-changer for brands that want the best online presence?
What Exactly Are Virtual Models? Demystifying the Digital Human
So, what are we actually discussing? A virtual model is a being that does not physically exist. They are a digital avatar, or a CGI creature. They can be viewed in the same way that you would think about a character in a hyper-realistic video game.
Artists use specialized 3D modeling applications and artificial intelligence (AI) to generate the virtual model. The artist will use either program to create a virtual model that can be fully three-dimensional and photorealistic in nature. This would include features like hair that can shift in as well as float, skin that glows, eyes that sparkle, etc. It gives the impression of a blend of art and intelligence.
There are various kinds of virtual models, which all have different purposes.
The first type of virtual model is fully AI-generated avatars. These avatars are actual people generated from scratch. Alongside the computer-generated characteristics comes a new name and story as well as a personality. A popular example is Lil Miquela. She has millions of followers on social media as she has a digital footprint; however, she is not a real human being.
Next, we have a new type of model called a Digital Double. A Digital Double is a model based on a real human being. A real model is posed in front of special cameras that scan it and can create an exact 3D copy. A brand can then use the digital twin in multiple photoshoots without the real body needing to be present.
Lastly, we have the largest trend of all in the world of modeling, Virtual Influencers. Virtual Influencers are the social media stars of the digitally articulated world. They collaborate with brands, talk about their life online, and attract tons of fans. They are like any other influencer, but they are all made up. Imma and Shudu Gram are two of the biggest names of virtual influencers today.
All of these types of models come about through CGI, computer-generated imagery. This is the same technology that helps make dinosaurs a reality in films or build fantastical worlds in video games. The onus of CGI is to build something that looks entirely real. As the tech improves, separating digital models from human models becomes more and more challenging.
The Unignorable Benefits: Why Virtual Models Are a Game-Changer for E-commerce
You may wonder why a company would choose a digital person over a real human being. The answer is simple. There are several important advantages. These benefits are changing the way the business thinks about photography and advertising.
One of the most important benefits of digital photo shoots is Cost-Effectiveness. You need to rent a studio or potentially sponsor a brand shoot in a special location. That can be very expensive.
Now consider working with a digital model. You no longer need any of those people. Everything happens in a computer. That saves companies a considerable amount of money. That saved money could be used for something else that is significantly more important, like developing a better product.
The other benefit is Unparalleled Creative Freedom. Do you need a model with blue hair and glowing eyes? Done
Brands can basically create the ideal design for their look. Using a few clicks, they can change a virtual model’s hair, body type, and ethnicity, unlocking the pathway for brands to create fascinating and unique images that would be impossible to produce in real life.
Then we have Time and Efficiency. The planning for a photoshoot can take weeks, if not months. With virtual photography, the process is much more seamless. A full campaign can be created in a matter of days.
Once the model is created, it can be used on a continuous basis. Brands can easily take new photos for new products. This keeps brands fresh and forward-leaning in trends for their customers and websites.
Perhaps the most significant advantage is Augmented Diversity and Inclusion. All customers appreciate seeing models that resemble themselves. Virtual models allow for easy displays of products to customers of any and all shapes, sizes, and ethnic backgrounds. A brand can show one dress on ten different body types. This allows for even more customers to visualize how clothing will fit them, but it also makes the fashion experience itself feel more welcoming and inclusive.
Lastly, while a more sustainable offering may sound cliché, it serves as a third component to consider. Many traditional photoshoots involve travel, which has environmental side effects and carbon footprints; virtual photoshoots have no travel, thus creating no pollution. Virtual models provide an avenue toward more sustainable and efficient methods of creating breathtaking imagery.
It often takes basic foundational edits to achieve a “digital” level of perfection in product display. Our ghost mannequin services achieve a similar 3D effect on apparel, allowing for even greater emphasis on the clothes, both in fit and form.
From Product Pages to the Metaverse: Real-World Applications
How are organizations leveraging these digital humans? They are coming to life every single day, from product pages to the ever-expanding experience of the metaverse. The applications are innovative and quite practical.
Transforming the Online Storefront
One of the most common formats is Dynamic Product Photography. Rather than simply having a still of the t-shirt on a model, you can see that shirt on five models with five different body types. These digital humans enable customers to make better purchasing decisions and ultimately reduce product returns.
Another exciting application is Virtual Try-Ons. Users can upload a photo of themselves through this advanced technology. From there, they can view how various clothing types would look on them; it is almost like a dressing room came to your home!
Social Media and Marketing Domination
Certainly, the models are taking over social media as well. Brands are utilizing models for Engaging Social Media and Marketing campaigns. AI-generated models can be in Paris one minute and Tokyo the next, producing delightful content that generates instant intrigue.
These virtual influencers grow large followings and become brand ambassadors. Followers enjoy seeing their stories unfold.
The Next Horizon: Digital Fashion in the Metaverse
Looking to the future, Virtual Models are integral to the metaverse. The metaverse is a digital world where people can socialize, play games, and shop. Brands are developing Digital Fashion Shows in these spaces.
The audience can view the shows using an avatar. The audience can even purchase virtual clothing for the avatar to wear. It is an entirely new avenue for brands and consumers to interact.
For every one of these technological usages, the original / base image must be perfect. Perfect imagery often means that the image will still need professional image touch-up and color correction before it looks dynamic and real.
Integrating Virtual Models into your marketing plan is an impactful move, but this is only going to work if the final image looks perfect. This is where traditional post-production will come into play.
The “Human Touch” in a Digital World: Why Post-Production Still Matters
As incredible as this technology may be, it is not always foolproof. An AI can generate a fabulous model. However, the image or pictures may still need a bit of help to fully appear professional. This is where a human editor’s abilities still really matter.
Why AI Even Needs an Extra Hand
Consider AI a very skilled photographer. Even the best photographers have their images edited. A little adjustment can help a good photo appear dazzling. The same is true for images produced with virtual models.
This is where skilled photo editors come into the picture. Editors give the extra love that really makes an image shine. Editors make sure every single image on a website or social media feed looks optimal.
Crucial Touch-Ups for Improved Production
Let’s explore the role of these services. Removing the background is one of the most significant. A good product image needs background distraction to be eliminated. A professional background removal service is necessary for a professional and consistent look.
At some point, you will need to combine a virtual model with other images. That is the purpose of a Clipping Path service. Our clipping path services are artistic, very detailed, so that everything is edited perfectly for creative ads.
Finally, getting the little details right is also important. Shadow & Color Correction is an important step. An editor can add the right shadow realistically as well as ensure the color of the clothing is bright and correct. Getting this right is critical to maintain consumer trust.
While computers are capable of many things, their precision can never replace the focused perspective of a professional artist. The best outcome is a combination of a tech-based powerful technology and human capabilities.
As this technology continues to develop and become more and more sophisticated, we are naturally concerned about what else will occur and what else we will have to encounter.
Are Virtual Models Right for Your Brand? A Final Verdict
We have come a long way. We’ve discovered that virtual models are not only a new, powerful option, but one that can offer fantastic advantages against other logistics savings, creativity enhancement, and efficiency gain for fashion ecommerce brands.
As we noted in our prior discussions, virtual models are not just a fad. This represents an enormous shift in how we view digital marketing. This technology has opened up many new possibilities that would have only been a figment of our imagination a few years ago.
What we have learned is that it is not all about the technology. The human touch will always be present so that we can fine-tune every image to perfection. It is quality that turns a passerby into a customer.
So whether you are doing an exploratory dive into the world of virtual models or continuing to nail the product photography that is taking up space in your office, the goal is the same. Generate an outstanding collection of stunning images from a production of quality that will turn visitors into buyers. Whether you are using virtual models or simply photo editing, you have laid a foundation to prepare your brand for the future of retail.
FAQs
What exactly is a virtual model?
A virtual model can be defined as a digital character. They are not real, and they are designed in a program, usually 3D software or an AI program. Brands use them in photo shoots and marketing.
Are virtual models actually people?
No, they are completely digital creations. They are like characters, except that they are much more realistic, from a very realistic video game. Virtual models are all designed by artists and programmers using advanced computer technology.
How are virtual models created?
A virtual model can be designed by any artist: the artist usually uses tools, for example, 3D modeling software, and may use artificial intelligence (AI). The designer can create everything down to the model’s face, making the model as lifelike as possible, from the clothing. Occasionally, designers base a virtual model on a scan of an actual human body.
Why do companies use virtual models?
Companies use virtual models to save money on photoshoots and for more creativity. Creating new images is quicker. They can give visibility of products on a variety of body shapes very easily.
What is the cost of virtual models?
Costs can vary a lot. A simple model could run you a small price, while a well-known virtual influencer can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, probably more. However, it will often be cheaper than a real model and an entire crew.
Will virtual models take the place of real models?
Most likely, they will not take the place of all real models. A lot of professionals think the two will exist simultaneously, with real models being the aspect of models that have a real human connection that cannot be easily replaced, so a hybrid future is likely.
And what is a virtual influencer?
A virtual influencer is a digital character with its own social media accounts. They have a big follower base and partner with brands to promote products- similar to what a real influencer does.
