How To START Making DIGITAL ART With Clip Studio Paint!
Howto & Style
Introduction
Have you ever wondered how animated shows or comics are created? If you’ve always loved to draw, starting your journey into digital art might be the next step for you! In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of making digital artwork using Clip Studio Paint—from basic equipment to creating your first illustration.
Equipment You'll Need
To get started with digital art, you'll need a few essential pieces of equipment:
Computer: You can use a desktop computer, laptop, tablet, or even your phone.
Drawing Tablet: This device connects to your computer, allowing you to draw as if you were on paper. There are three main types:
- Pen Tablets: Affordable and great for beginners.
- Pen Displays: Allow you to draw directly on the screen, providing a more intuitive experience.
- Standalone Tablets: Portable devices that do not need to be connected to a computer.
Drawing Software: You’ll need a program to use with your tablet. This article will focus on Clip Studio Paint, a powerful application perfect for drawing, painting, and animating.
Getting Started with Clip Studio Paint
- Download Clip Studio Paint: You can sign up for a three-month free trial at clipstudio.net. Make sure to select the EX version.
- Creating a Canvas: Once installed, open Clip Studio Paint, and navigate to “File” → “New.” Choose a canvas resolution (e.g., UXGA 1600x1200 with 300 DPI for print quality) and name your project.
Drawing Process Overview
Step 1: Brainstorm and Thumbnails
Start by brainstorming ideas for your illustration. Create small sketches called thumbnails to visualize your concept. Thumbnailing helps you identify potential issues with your composition early on.
Step 2: Clean Up Your Drawing
Once you have a rough sketch that you like, it's time to refine your drawing:
- Lower the opacity of your sketch layer.
- Create a new layer for inking using a pen tool.
- Proceed to outline your artwork with varying brush sizes for detail.
After inking, add flat colors on a new layer beneath the ink layer. Utilize the paint bucket tool to fill in uniform spaces quickly.
Step 3: Rendering and Highlights
In the final stage, you'll add shadows and highlights:
- Create a new layer for shadows and set it to Multiply.
- Choose a shadow color and paint where shadows fall.
- For highlights, create another layer, adjusting the blend mode as needed.
Exporting Your Artwork
Once satisfied with your illustration, export your work:
- Go to “File” → “Export Single Layer” and select the PNG format.
- Save to your desired location.
Congratulations! You’ve completed your first digital illustration.
Keyword
- Digital Art
- Clip Studio Paint
- Drawing Tablet
- Animation
- Illustration
- Thumbnails
- Layers
- Shadows
- Highlights
- Export
FAQ
Q1: What do I need to start making digital art?
A: You need a computer, a drawing tablet, and digital art software such as Clip Studio Paint.
Q2: What's the best tablet for beginners?
A: Pen tablets are highly recommended for beginners due to their affordability and simplicity.
Q3: How do I create a new canvas in Clip Studio Paint?
A: Open Clip Studio Paint, go to “File” → “New,” set your desired resolution, and create your canvas.
Q4: Why is thumbnailing important?
A: Thumbnailing helps identify composition issues early on in the creative process, saving you time later.
Q5: How do I export my artwork?
A: To export, go to “File” → “Export Single Layer,” choose PNG format, and select your save location.
By following these steps and tips, you can dive into the exciting world of digital art using Clip Studio Paint. Happy drawing!
