Theory
Introduction
Before starting any artwork, it is essential to study the fundamentals. For beginner artists, understanding the difference between isometry and perspective is crucial. In this tutorial, we will explore their characteristics and the principles of constructing isometric objects.
What is Isometry or Diorama?
Isometry is a type of perspective where all three sides of an object are visible, the lines remain parallel, and there is no distortion. This method preserves the object's true dimensions and shapes, making it ideal for precise technical drawings, design, and dioramas.
Rules for Drawing Isometric Illustrations
The main rule of isometric drawings is that all lines remain parallel and do not follow the rules of perspective.
- Vertical lines stay vertical.
- Horizontal lines are typically angled at 30° or 45°, depending on the chosen isometric grid.
- There is no perspective foreshortening, meaning that objects retain their original size regardless of their distance.
Essential Tools and Materials
Now that we understand how isometry works, let's create an isometric grid before moving on to practical application.
An isometric grid is based on parallel lines at 30° or 45° angles, which help maintain a uniform perspective. To create one, you can:
1. Draw a horizontal straight line.
2. From its midpoint, draw two lines at 30° angles.
3. Add parallel lines to these at equal distances.
4. Repeat the process in the opposite direction to complete the grid.
Here’s how to quickly and easily create an isometric grid in Clip Studio.
Open a new window and set the canvas size to 100x100px.
Select the Figure Tool and draw a vertical line downward from the center of the canvas.
Duplicate that layer.
+ Then,usethe**FreeTransform**toolorpress**CtrlShiftT**tomodifytheduplicatedlayer.
Rotate the line by 60 degrees to achieve a 30-degree angle. After this step, confirm the transformation to apply the changes.
Duplicate the layer again, then use Free Transform, apply Flip Horizontal, and confirm the transformation.
Merge the three layers into one.
Then, select the Selection Area tool, choose the Rectangle Selection, and make a selection as shown in the image. After that, press the Delete Outside Selection button.
Take your prepared layer and move it into the Materials section. It doesn’t matter which category you place it in, but make sure to remember its location. I placed mine in the Pattern category.
Here is our grid in pattern form, almost ready for the background!
Double-click on the pattern, and the Material Property window will open. Here, you can rename it—I usually add the angle next to the name.
Make sure that the Scale Up/Down and Tiling options in the Paste Options section are enabled.
Finally, click OK to save the settings.
Congratulations! Our Pattern is ready. You can now close this file and open a new canvas for drawing. The pattern is saved in our Material Library.
Once you open a new canvas, simply drag and drop the pattern onto the canvas. You can adjust its size to your preference, make it slightly transparent, and start drawing!
Detective’s Room Sketch – Storytelling
Diorama Style Illustration is perfect for storytelling, as every element of the environment can convey part of the story without words.
This time, I decided to illustrate a detective’s room. The setting can reveal the character’s past, current case, or personal life through the arrangement of objects. For example:
- A cluttered desk with scattered documents and photographs suggests that the detective is deeply immersed in a case.
- An ashtray filled with cigarette butts may indicate stress or deep contemplation.
- A locked drawer or safe hints at hidden secrets.
- An open window letting in light can help create a tense and moody atmosphere.
- Dim lighting and strong shadows enhance the mysterious ambiance.
How to Start
First, place the isometric grid mentioned above and scale it correctly. Then, draw the walls of the room to establish the basic structure of the space.
Next, add large furniture as simple cubes, such as a desk, cabinet, and armchair, to find the right composition and balance.
Once the composition is clear, start refining individual details that serve as key storytelling elements:
- An ashtray to indicate tension,
- Crookedly placed windows to convey a chaotic atmosphere,
- Scattered papers or photographs to make traces of the story visible.
As a result, I wasn't satisfied with the first sketch due to too many objects, which created visual clutter. In the second sketch, I reduced the number of objects and added a hidden room to enhance the mysterious atmosphere.
Common Issues in Isometric Drawings
So, we have the initial sketch and begin refining it.
During the refinement process, we may notice that even though all objects are correctly constructed according to isometric rules, they sometimes appear visually incorrect.
This happens because our brain is used to perceiving the world in perspective, where objects appear smaller as they recede into the distance. In isometry, this effect is absent, which can make certain elements look unusual or inconsistent to us.
Below are the 2 main issues and their solutions to ensure the illustration remains visually appealing.
How to Find the Center of an Object
Finding the center in isometric perspective is more challenging since standard vertical and horizontal divisions don’t apply. However, there are several methods to do it accurately.
Finding the Center of Rectangular Objects
- Draw diagonal lines, connecting the opposite corners of the object.
- The intersection point of these lines will be the center of the object.
Inner Ellipses in Isometric Objects
Finding the Center of Circular and Complex Shapes
- First, determine the center of the bounding rectangle using the previous method.
- Use isometric guides to accurately position the center of circles or curves.
- If you want to draw an ellipse within an ellipse, make sure that the spacing between them remains equal on all sides to maintain a symmetrical appearance.
These methods help place details correctly and avoid compositional inconsistencies.
Refining the Sketch
We take our initial sketch and make it transparent so that it serves as a guide. Then, on a new layer, we begin refining our linework, adding maximum detail for a more polished and precise illustration.
Choosing the Light Source
We determine the light source, which will help accurately depict shadows and tones. The direction of light is crucial, as it shapes the mood and atmosphere of the illustration.
In our scene, I decided that the light will come from the right window. This direction will create a natural, atmospheric lighting, where the light streaming through the window will fall on the main objects, emphasizing their volume and depth.
Choosing the Color Palette
Colors should be chosen thoughtfully, as they not only set the mood but also enhance the depth and key details of the scene. Well-selected tones will make the illustration more expressive and visually cohesive.
I have chosen a cool monochrome color palette, which creates a contrast between the warm sunlight and the cold atmosphere of the room. The primary colors will be dark blue, gray, and purple, while certain details affected by the light will take on warmer tones, enhancing the dramatic feel of the scene.
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