Due to changing utility infrastructure with regards to increased penetration of inverter-based generation and retirement of conventional generation, dynamic shunt compensation solutions are becoming ever more vital for transmission system operation and reliability. The emergence of Voltage Source Converter (VSC) STATCOMs with and without energy storage has increased potential grid support applications through grid-forming control strategies. This tutorial presents study methodologies covering functional network and performance requirements during different stages of a grid-forming STATCOM project, including Planning, Specification, Design, Manufacturing, and Commissioning. Validation of the performance using hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) and software-in-the-loop (SIL) testing will be discussed. Case studies and examples will be presented.