What should I draw on a 3D doll? 》
The theme this time is "Tips for using 3D graphics".
Since the CLIP STUDIO PAINT Ver.4.0 update, you can freely draw images on 3D Sketch Figures and 3D Basic Shapes, and then the image will change the viewing angle along with the 3D model!
This time, the focus is on some objects that can be used to draw on the [3D Sketch Doll], which are very common in character illustrations but are difficult for beginners to master, so that you can easily obtain angle references.
In this article:
1️⃣In the first part, I will briefly introduce the usage of 3D models, how to draw on them and list some related operations;
2️⃣The second part is some things you need to pay attention to when painting on 3D dolls;
3️⃣The last part introduces objects that can be easily referenced by using the function of drawing on 3D dolls.
So, let’s get started!
1️⃣【Introduction to 3D model usage】
▶Add 3D model to the canvas:
In the Objects panel, select the 3D model and drag it to the canvas.
▶Adjust 3D model shape:
If necessary, adjust the model shape in the following locations.
[Settings] → [Configuration] → Unlock "Fixed ratio" → Adjust the values of X and Y
You can also adjust the hexagonal prism into a triangular prism, etc.
▶Painting on 3D models:
- As of Ver.4.0, you can only paint on basic 3D models and dolls.
- After selecting the 3D model with the [Object] tool, you can directly draw it by switching to the [Brush].
- Choose from different brushes for painting. Even decorative brushes downloaded from the library and shared by users can be used effectively.
- However, if the brush contains special color change or blending effect settings, it will not be displayed properly.
- You may need to adjust different camera angles while painting. After completion, adjust to the angle required for composition as a reference.
▶Use ruler and preset lens to describe:
If necessary, add a ruler (such as a symmetry ruler) to assist with drawing.
But the newly added ruler will not change with changing the 3D model angle.
After adding a ruler, you need to use the [Object] tool to select the perspective ruler that comes with the original 3D model and set it to invalid. This way you can align only to the symmetry ruler when drawing.
Also, before adding the symmetry ruler, use a preset shot to make sure the puppet is completely front/back if necessary.
▶(Important) Using the switch camera function:
You can first adjust the puppet to an angle that suits the composition, and then click [Copy Camera in Use] in [Camera].
Since you need to change the angle frequently when painting on the puppet, this way you don't have to spend time readjusting.
2️⃣【Things to note when painting on 3D doll models】
▶Painting on 3D puppet models
- Adjusting the body shape will affect the pattern you draw, so you need to adjust the body shape before drawing.
- If you need to apply to the whole body, you need to adjust the camera angle and puppet movement to depict that location (such as the armpit).
- Usually, when drawing clothing on the human body (such as socks), curved lines are used as the edges of the socks to emphasize the three-dimensional sense of the human body. However, when painting on a 3D puppet model, please note that the reference line on the puppet is the correct curvature, and there is no need to add additional curvature to emphasize the three-dimensional effect.
- If you cannot use the symmetry ruler due to adjusting the camera angle or changing the puppet's movements, you can also draw approximately symmetrical shapes based on the reference lines on the puppet for reference.
▶Adjust the body shape and posture of 3D dolls
You can use the settings to adjust the 3D doll's height, head-to-body ratio, fullness, etc. Please refer to this official tutorial.
For changing poses, please refer to this official tutorial.
By changing the perspective parameters of the [Camera], you can adjust the deformation of the object.
The higher the value, the greater the deformation will be.
▶Pay attention to the three-dimensional sense of the objects you draw
When painting on a doll, it depends on what you want to paint on the 3D object. Unless it is a tattoo-like pattern that fits completely on the body, otherwise, please remember the points to pay attention to when formally painting:
Need to draw the thickness of the object
How the skin behaves when pressed by an object
Consider whether the object will be lifted by the body
3️⃣【Effective use of 3D puppet drawing reference】
Next, it’s time to actually paint on the 3D figure!
Please note that this is drawn for reference purposes, so the drawing will not be strictly done on the doll.
The key is to obtain the correct shape by painting on the doll after changing the camera angle and perspective, as an aid to the formal drawing of the illustration.
💡 Head
▶Hairline (hairstyle with combed hair)
This is one of the things that is easy for beginners to overlook, but also easy to make mistakes in drawing.
Especially when the hair is combed back, the drooping hair will easily interfere with the judgment when drawing from different angles. At this time, if you simply draw on the 3D doll, you can easily get a reference.
▶Bottom of the hat
Drawing the baseline of the bottom of the hat directly on the 3D figure can save time in "putting" the hat on the character (adjusting the hat to the correct position and angle). When formally painting, also pay attention to leaving space between the hat and the hair.
However, this would be more suitable for painters who have a general understanding of the structure of hats, and beginners may need to find additional reference materials. Therefore, you can also spend more time to set the hat and doll as parent-child relationship. This way, when you change the 3D doll's head pose, you don't need to readjust the hat.
For information on how to set up a parent-child relationship with a 3D model, please refer to this official lecture.
▶Maid headdresses, headbands, etc.
Another convenient reference is the headband.
It should be noted that when drawing, you need to pay attention to the position of the ears. Sometimes the ears of anime-style characters are positioned slightly forward (or the back of the head becomes larger), so it depends on your style to decide the position of the ears and the headband.
▶Eye Mask
Just like the headband, pay attention to the position of the ears when drawing.
💡 Upper Body
▶Shoulder straps on clothes, thin straps tied around the neck, etc.
The picture below shows a design where the straps of the garment are tied at the back of the neck.
Sometimes anime-style characters (especially female ones) have slightly thinner necks than real people, so depending on your style, you may need to take this into account when drawing, or simply adjust the neck thickness before drawing.
When drawing the figure formally, pay attention to the thickness of the straps, the fabric pushed up in front of the chest, and the effect of the chest being squeezed.
In addition, it is also helpful for some complex clothing strap designs that are common in fantasy style illustrations:
▶Holsters, belts, etc.
Similar to the thin straps of the clothes above, some belt decorations worn on the body can also be drawn directly on the 3D doll model for reference angles.
When you start drawing, start by drawing the harder objects (such as hoops), and be careful that they do not deform completely according to the human body. Then draw the rest of the belt according to the position of the iron ring.
▶How clothes look on busty figures
Sometimes, beginners are not familiar with the shapes of low-cut women's clothing (such as bunny girl costumes, swimsuits, etc.). At this point, you can easily get a reference by painting on the 3D puppet model.
First, adjust the figure's body to a fuller shape:
When formally drawing, you need to consider the material hardness and cut of the clothes, as this will affect how they appear in the cleavage.
Also, be aware that 3D figures cannot well represent the effects of gravity on the chest when a person bends over or lies down. So it depends on the drawing posture to decide whether to use this reference method.
💡 Lower body
▶Brief briefs/underpants
When formally drawing, you need to pay attention to the elasticity of the hips.
▶Printed socks/stockings
Some socks or stockings have cute designs printed on them, and the new feature makes it easy to draw them.
💡 Full body
▶Tattoos, body marks, scars, etc.
This usage is very direct and I believe no further explanation is needed.
If it is a setting for some commonly used characters, it is recommended to draw it and then register it as a material for repeated use.
How to register materials: Please refer to the last part of this official help.
In addition, you can also use the decorative brush to draw the tattoo pattern.
However, when the figure's pose is changed or the camera angle is changed, there is a chance that areas that cannot be drawn will be revealed. For example, in the example picture above the shoulder, in addition to the broken pattern, there is also deformation.
Although it is normal for the pattern to be deformed based on 3D, please imagine that when you get a tattoo in real life, the tattoo artist will not tattoo the side of your body from a frontal angle. Therefore, areas like above the shoulders require special attention and need to be turned to the appropriate angle to paint.
▶Muscle location
In the material library, some users have shared reference 3D dolls with human muscle positions marked!
Search for "muscle" or "anatomy" to select the material you like.
When using materials to assist in drawing, please note that 3D figures may not be able to accurately show the layers of muscles in different movements. In addition, attention should also be paid to drawing the bones (such as elbows, shoulder blades, etc.).
However, for some less frequently drawn subjects, such as "giants with strange appearances and well-developed muscles that attack humans", the drawing time may be greatly shortened.
💡 Others
▶Character Mark
CSP can register the adjusted body shape in the material library for use at any time.
However, sometimes you may not be able to find the 3D sketch doll body shape you want in the material library at a glance. At this time, just make a clear mark on it so that you can quickly identify it! Moreover, if there are more than one 3D figures on the canvas, they can also be distinguished by this method.
Don't underestimate this little help, these are all little tips that can make painting go more smoothly!
🎁【Bonus】——Extract the pattern on the 3D model into a dot matrix layer (limited to single-color patterns)
As of Ver4.0, unfortunately you cannot directly export patterns on 3D models. In addition, the sharpness of the pattern painted on the model is difficult to control and can easily become blurred. Therefore, the above recommended uses are all based on the premise of "reference".
However, if you really need to extract the pattern, here is a method that is better than nothing.
Please note that this method can only extract monochrome patterns or grayscale patterns. If you extract the grayscale pattern, you can use Gradient Map to fill it with color later.
🔧 Steps
1. Added 3D puppets.
2. Use white to fill the base color of the doll.
Since you cannot use the fill tool, please use a brush with an opacity of 100% such as a G pen or flat paint brush to paint.
3. Use black (or other grayscale colors) to depict the desired pattern.
4. Adjust the doll to a suitable angle and posture.
5. [3D Settings] → Turn off outline, turn off light source, turn off shadow.
6. Right click on the layer → [Rasterize layer].
7. Edit → [Change brightness to transparency].
💡 If it is a grayscale pattern, you need to adjust the semi-transparent part to a solid color:
Add another layer below the layer →
Select the puppet range (shortcut: Ctrl+left click puppet layer) →
Fill the new layer with white →
Merge the two layers.
Finish!
However, using this method, you cannot use the reference lines on the doll to refer to the three-dimensional sense.
So you can gauge whether you need to use it.
Conclusion
Thank you for reading this far!
Although the focus of this article is on 3D puppet models, painting on other basic 3D models can also be a very interesting experiment!
What do you think about this article?
Since these are new features of Clip Studio Paint, I am eager to try them out in practice. If there is a more convenient method or use, please leave a message to let me know! I hope this content is helpful to you.
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