How to Make a Comic! (with Clip Studio Paint!)
Film & Animation
Introduction
Hello, lovely art enthusiasts! Gather your art tools of choice because it's time for another tutorial. Today, we’re diving into the complete process of creating a comic page from start to finish, specifically using my web comic, Cast Off, as an example. If you’re a new comic artist unsure about the process or someone with some experience looking for new insights, this guide is for you. Let's get started!
The Comic Page Process
1. Start with a Script
Before putting pen to paper, I always begin with a well-structured script. In my case, I script several chapters ahead, which gives me ample opportunity to refine my story ideas. Since Cast Off is a long-form continuous story, scripting ahead allows me to add foreshadowing and make significant adjustments based on inspiration that strikes during the drawing process.
The formatting of my scripts is simple: I use the first letter of each character's name to denote dialogue, and I jot down movements, expressions, and stage directions. This organized script serves as the foundation for my comic pages.
2. Thumbnails
Next up are thumbnails—quick, rough sketches that help plan layouts. Thumbnails should be messy and simple to encourage flexibility. I typically thumbnail an entire scene at once, as this helps gauge pacing and flow better than scripting page-by-page. Don’t hesitate to create multiple iterations of any layout until you find the right one.
3. Page Formatting
Once the thumbnails are complete, it’s time for page formatting. Starting with a template that has a marked safe working area is crucial. I recommend drawing at print resolution (300 DPI) even if you're only posting online. The dimensions don’t need to be exact; think about a size that feels good to you and could work in various formats.
4. Lettering
Believe it or not, I do my lettering before the sketching phase. Words are just as significant as images in a comic. I copy the script dialogue into my page layout and adjust accordingly. Tools in Clip Studio Paint allow me to set text presets which keep my lettering consistent.
5. Using 3D Models
For complex backgrounds, I utilize 3D models. Tools like Blender or Clip Studio’s pre-made assets can provide useful references that help maintain consistency and assist with perspective. Incorporating these references saves a lot of creative effort during the sketching phase.
6. Sketching
Now for the sketching phase, where I typically sketch over my thumbnails and any 3D references. This maintains the consistency established in the earlier steps. Once satisfied with the sketch, I'll finalize the lettering and add word balloons for clarity.
7. Inking
After sketching, inking begins. I use Clip Studio’s default hard round brush, making sure to separate character and background inks into different layers for easier adjustments. The inking process can take several hours, depending on detail, so patience is key.
8. Flat Colors
Next, I lay down flat colors. I’ve started pre-planning my color palettes for each scene, which streamlines the flatting process greatly. Clip Studio’s fill bucket tool proves to be extremely helpful, especially when adjusted correctly to avoid gaps in coloring.
9. Rendering
Rendering in my workflow starts with backgrounds, using multiply layers for shadows and overlay layers for highlights. Once my backgrounds are done, I shift focus to character shading. Tutorials on my channel provide additional details on this method.
10. Final Render
The final render is where colors come together. This step involves using airbrush techniques and adjustment layers to fine-tune the overall aesthetic of the page. This is where the magic happens and pages start to look finished and beautiful.
11. Exporting
Finally, when it’s time to export, remember to reduce the page size for online posting. Clip Studio allows you to export at desired dimensions, ensuring that your pages are web-friendly.
And there you have it! With these steps, you can begin to create your very own comic pages.
Keyword
- Comic Making
- Script
- Thumbnails
- Page Formatting
- Lettering
- 3D Models
- Sketching
- Inking
- Flat Colors
- Rendering
- Final Render
- Exporting
FAQ
Q: Why is scripting important for making a comic?
A: Scripting allows you to plan ahead, refine your ideas, and add depth to your storyline through foreshadowing and character development.
Q: What are thumbnails, and why are they useful?
A: Thumbnails are rough sketches used to plan page layouts. They're important for brainstorming and refining the pacing of scenes without committing too much detail.
Q: Should I always draw at print resolution?
A: Yes! Drawing at a higher resolution ensures that your artwork is scalable for both digital and print formats.
Q: Why do you do lettering before sketching?
A: Lettering is integral to comic pages. By adding it early on, you ensure that words and pictures have their own space without conflicting with each other.
Q: How do 3D models benefit the comic-making process?
A: 3D models help maintain perspective and ensure consistency in detailed backgrounds, allowing for creative camera angles and layouts.
Q: What tools do you use for inking?
A: I primarily use Clip Studio Paint's default hard round brush for line art, which I've customized slightly for my drawing style.
Q: What’s the final render, and why is it essential?
A: The final render involves applying layers and adjustments to unify the colors and enhance the overall visual appeal of the comic page.
