♡ how i use CLIP STUDIO PAINT // tutorial + guide

Introduction

Hello everyone! Yes, you're seeing the title correctly: I’m actually doing a tutorial for once! Thanks to Celsius for generously sponsoring this video, I’m excited to walk you through Clip Studio Paint (CSP), a program I’ve been using for around three years now. I’ve recently upgraded from Pro to EX because I wanted to delve into animation, and I've been enjoying it so far.

Customizing the Interface

First things first: let’s customize the interface since it's often one of the most intimidating parts of using a new program. I’ve reset my interface for this video to something resembling the default settings.

Essential Windows Setup

To set up your workspace:

Open the Windows tab and ensure the following essentials are checked:
- Layer Window
- Navigator
- Color Wheel
- Tool Property
- Subtool Window

You can rearrange and resize these windows to fit your needs. I prefer to place my Color Wheel at the top and the Navigator in the middle section of my screen.

Adjusting Toolbars

You can also customize toolbars:

Hide unnecessary toolbars by clicking the two arrows.
Use Tab to hide or show windows quickly. Shift + Tab will allow you to hide or show the top command bar.

Creating a New Canvas

To create a new canvas, navigate to File > New.

Check the 'Record Time Lapse' option if you want CSP to automatically record your drawing.
I usually set the canvas size to 8.5 x 11 inches at 300 DPI for high-quality prints.

You can also hide the ruler using Ctrl + R if you prefer a cleaner workspace.

Brushes and Asset Store

You can organize and manage your brushes effectively:

Drag brushes to create new tabs.
The Clip Studio Asset Store has tons of materials, brushes, and tools that you can download. Simply find what you like, download it, and drag it onto your subtool window.

For pre-existing brushes, you can edit them in the Sub Tool Detail window.

Useful Tools to Know

A few tools I find particularly useful include:

Tonal Correction: Access the tonal correction options under the Edit tab to adjust the colors and values of your layers. Use correction layers for non-destructive editing.
Liquify Tool: This allows you to manipulate your layer via pushing, expanding, or twirling.
Brightness to Opacity: Convert lighter values to transparency; be cautious as it will turn colors black and white.
Textures: Clip Studio Paint has built-in textures that you can apply to your work.

Special Note on Version Updates

Clip Studio Paint 2.0 has recently been launched and comes with new tools. You can access a free three-month trial if you don’t own the program yet. Existing users can obtain discounts for updating to the new version.

Drawing Process Walkthrough

Now that we’ve covered the basics, I’ll guide you through my drawing process:

Setting Up the Canvas

I opted for a 350 DPI canvas for print quality.
I use the Sub View Window to import reference images.

Sketching

I begin with a thick brush (Brittle Pencil) for sketching, which helps with more committed strokes. I frequently switch between the transparent tool to erase issues rather than using the Eraser tool. To adjust sketches, I use the Transform Tool (Ctrl + T).

Lining

When I'm ready to line, I use my "Everything Brush." I work on separate layers for different sections (e.g., face, hair) to maintain flexibility.

Coloring and Shading

For flats, I normally use the Micron brush while being meticulous about cleaning gaps for the bucket tool to work effectively.
For shading, I apply the Alpha Lock feature on the same layer, allowing me to color without affecting other areas.

During the overpainting phase, I adjust colors using the colors chosen from the layers created previously, which adds depth to my illustration.

Final Touches

Use correction layers for vibrancy and saturation.
Experiment with backgrounds and tonal corrections until satisfied.
Before saving, use the sharpening tool to give your artwork a polished finish.

The final artwork is typically saved as a PNG.

I hope this guide has demystified some aspects of Clip Studio Paint for you. I’m looking forward to sharing more tutorials in the future. Thank you to Clip Studio Paint for sponsoring this video!

Keywords

Clip Studio Paint
Interface Customization
Essential Tools
Asset Store
Tonal Correction
Drawing Process
Overpainting
Layers and Masks

FAQ

1. What is Clip Studio Paint?
Clip Studio Paint is a digital painting program used for illustrations, comics, and animations.

2. How can I customize my interface in Clip Studio Paint?
You can customize the interface by arranging and hiding toolbars and windows according to your preferences.

3. What is tonal correction?
Tonal correction allows you to adjust the colors and brightness of your artwork either on the layer itself or through a separate correction layer.

4. Is there a trial version of Clip Studio Paint available?
Yes, Clip Studio Paint offers a three-month free trial for new users.

5. Are there resources available for brushes and materials?
Yes, the Clip Studio Asset Store provides a wide range of downloadable brushes and materials.