Hello!

Would you like to create illustrations that tell a whole story in a small space? Or design detailed dioramas that make you want to turn them into decorative miniatures?

 

Then you've come to the right place! In this post, I'll share how to create diorama-style settings with an isometric perspective, perfect for illustrations full of detail and charm.

Introduction to perspective

Before diving into the creative process, let's talk about perspective, which is fundamental to this type of illustration.

 

While to create a diorama-style illustration, you can use angular or oblique perspective—which can be seen in the examples I show you in the following images, or, depending on your perspective, can have these variations with these cubes—it is formed by two vanishing points. But the ideal way to show a room without distorting the proportions is to use an isometric view.

🤓 In general terms, isometric perspective is a technique for showing three-dimensional objects in two dimensions, forming 30° angles with the horizontal. Unlike conical perspective, it doesn't have a vanishing point, so it better preserves proportions.

Tip: Isometric perspective is used a lot in retro video games and concept art. If you've ever played farming simulation games, you've probably seen it.

Step 1: Preparation and materials needed

For this tutorial, we'll be using Clip Studio Paint. Thanks to its tools, this task is made easier.

Prepare your canvas with proportions appropriate for your project.

And for all the methods I'll show you, you must enable the brush snapping to the rulers, as shown in the following image.

And that the guides that are created are displayed in all layers, like the selection I show you in the following image.

Step 2: Methods for creating the base structure

Method 1: Rules of perspective

For this, from the Ruler tool, we'll select the perspective ruler, placing the vanishing points with lines of approximately 30° and 45° angles. We'll make the guides visible on all layers, and activate the automatic snapping to the rulers option on the top layer. This way, the brush follows them, allowing us to draw the base.

Method 2: Using a 3D cube

From materials in 3D objects, drag a cube onto the canvas, adjust the camera view, and, as in the previous example, activate the rulers visible on all layers and auto-adjust. This method is simpler if you don't want to mess with manual lines.

As you've seen, both methods are simple; however, these options are in a conical perspective.

The distortion isn't as noticeable. But there is a way to make it completely isometric, so why do we do it this way?

Clip Studio Paint has downloadable grids for isometric perspective. You can find them in the program's Materials Store.

My favorite for isometrics is a guide grid that you just drag onto your canvas. I'll leave the link below for you to download it. Credits to Mattlamp's.

Method 3: Downloadable Material Guides

For this cube-like tool, you just need to drag the guides onto your canvas once you download the tool.

Step 3: Design and details of the space

Before adding final details, think about the space's story. Is it a haunted room? An alchemy workshop? References are key. For this illustration, create the following reference groups:

*General Structure: For the basic layout of furniture and walls.

*Characteristic Objects: Take objects you want to include in the illustration. Elements that tell something about the character or place.

*Atmosphere: To define the atmosphere of the space. Add examples of places with atmospheres you want to emulate, as well as color palettes.

I love spooky and fantasy, but it's spring, so we're going to make a little witchy space with a cozy vibe and lots of plants.

Step 4: Sketch of the room or diorama

With the references in hand, the sketching stage begins.

First, I place the basic objects in the shape of cubes, using the perspective rule to distribute everything.

Then I make a looser sketch, detailing each element. With that first sketch, it's easier for me to define the volume. I work on separate layers for the main furniture and the smaller objects, so I don't ruin anything if I need to move something.

For this type of setting, small objects are invaluable, as they add a sense of history to the space. Don't be afraid to get a little messy! Controlled chaos makes the space feel lived-in.

 

I know at this point it might look a bit messy and have a lot of lines, but that's why I came up with the next step: cleaning up the lines.

Step 5: Adding Final Details

Now it's time to work on the final details of the illustration. I've separated the steps with an example in images of how I usually work.

 

For the line, what I usually do when I leave the line visible is use vestor lines, as this option allows you to clean up the line more clearly, in addition to erasing the lines that have been left out of the intersections.

For color, I work with separate layers for each object, giving me more freedom to adjust.

In this illustration, I used the color palettes from the references as a base, maintaining greens and warm colors to create a cozy atmosphere.

Finally, I added shadows and highlights on separate layers to play with the atmosphere. I also added sparkles and highlights to the potion the witch was preparing to give it more life.

Conclusions and recommendations

Creating isometric dioramas may seem challenging, but it's a great way to practice composition and perspective. Don't be afraid to experiment and look for references. It's the little details that make the difference! In the image above, I've provided some examples of the shapes you can create.

 

If you're inspired to create your own diorama or have any tips to share, leave them in the comments. I'd love to see them!