"Puppet Transformation Operation: Do's & Don'ts"
The theme this time is "How to transform puppets into useful puppets".
Since the update to CLIP STUDIO PAINT Ver.4.0, in addition to the existing [Free Transform], [Mesh Transformation], and [Liquify] functions, you can now use the new [Puppet Warp] function to adjust illustrations while drawing!
However, compared to other deformation functions, this new function is relatively unintuitive in operation and requires more attention, which makes it easy for beginners to achieve unsatisfactory deformation effects when using it.
So, in this article, I will:
1️⃣Part 1 - A brief introduction to the puppet transformation function and what you need to pay attention to when using it;
2️⃣The second part - analyzing the transformation logic of the puppet;
3️⃣The third part - sharing tips on how to keep the image natural when using puppet deformation;
4️⃣The fourth part - using actual examples to demonstrate how to use puppet deformation to easily make hair float naturally.
We hope that through these parts, beginners can operate the puppet transformation function more naturally!
So, let’s get started ✨
1️⃣【Introduction to the usage of doll transformation】
In this section, I will briefly explain the usage and precautions of [Puppet Transformation].
▶Use the [Puppet Transformation] function:
Select layer (you can select multiple layers or folders; you can only select dot matrix layers) →
Use the [Select Range] or [Lasso] tool to select the image to be deformed (optional) →
[Edit] → [Transform] → [Transform Puppet]
If it is a vector layer, text layer, or object layer, you need to use [Raster Layer] before you can apply the Puppet Warp function.
▶[Puppet Transformation] execution range:
The execution range will vary depending on whether the image is continuous or not.
Above: The outer edge of the image is a continuous pattern, and a grid is also generated in the blank space in the middle.
Below: The outer edge of the image is a discontinuous pattern, and the blank space in the middle will not be affected by the puppet's deformation.
If necessary, add a new layer below the broken line drawing and fill it with a temporary base color. The opacity can be set to 0. Checking both layers at the same time can control the range of grid generation.
If there are two completely separate images in the range, they will be processed independently during the warping.
That is, as shown in the figure below, twisting A does not affect B.
If the selected layer contains "invisible but existing" entities, a mesh will still be generated.
In the example below, the purple shadow is clipped by the heart-shaped line drawing, but it is still recognized when the puppet deformation function is used. Additional merging of layers is required to produce a correct mesh.
Please note that if the selected image is large and complex in shape, the grid may not cover some edges and the image may be cropped.
At this time, you need to expand the processing range to make corrections and correct the values to cover the entire image.
Other detailed settings for the puppet deformation function, such as ① controlling the amount of grid, ② hiding the grid, ③ deleting pushpins, checking the pushpin method, adjusting the front and back relationship of image deformation, etc., I'm sorry that due to the length of the article and the simplicity of understanding of these options, only these parameters and functions are proposed here for use or adjustment.
For a more in-depth explanation of the functions, please refer to this official explanation.
2️⃣【Deformation logic of puppet transformation】
Simply put, [Puppet Deformation] is to generate a triangular grid for the target image. Users can freely set the "pins" and achieve the deformation effect by moving or rotating the "pins". **
Have you ever heard of "shadow puppetry"?
The mobility of the puppet's transformation function is similar to the movable positions of puppet manipulation. If beginners are not familiar with [Puppet Transformation] at first, they can try to imagine the manipulation of shadow puppets to anticipate the transformation effect.
However, unlike shadow puppetry, which only moves the joints without affecting the limbs, the [Puppet Deformation] function distorts the "overall image" more smoothly according to the position of the thumbtacks. So, rather than the separate pieces of paper being moved in shadow puppetry, the puppet's deformation is more like the pulling of a continuous membrane.
In addition, improper or excessive manipulation can easily cause the image to be distorted into a strange shape, which will result in people spending more time adjusting their posture!
That’s right! Although puppet transformation is a convenient tool, please remember that convenience does not mean everything!
As mentioned at the beginning of the article, CLIP STUDIO PAINT has many deformation functions to choose from. Using the right deformation function at the right time is what can really help you speed up your creation.
Next, I will go on to explain when and how we can use the puppet deformation function.
3️⃣【Tips for using puppet transformation】
As the name suggests, since it is a "doll" transformation, is generally most suitable for adjusting the character's . Next I will use character examples to explain further.
💡 ❌ Do not add pins to all joints at once
Although adding pushpins is particularly important, it is not correct to add them in all locations at the beginning.
See the demonstration below. For example, in the picture below, I want to "adjust the waist to be slightly tilted and slightly raise the hands" to add some changes to the character's posture.
If you add thumbtacks to the waist, hands, and feet at the beginning:
Move only the waist pin - Fail
Check the head and waist pins and move them - Failed
Check the head, waist, and hand pins and move them - Failed
Rotate waist pin only - Fail
No matter which method you use, the result is quite weird!
The correct way to do it is to add thumbtacks to the waist and feet first, and then rotate only the thumbtacks at the waist.
After the waist rotation is complete, add the hand pins to create a lifting posture.
If you're having trouble deciding in which order to add the pins, just remember: Only do one move at a time.
"Bending" and "raising hands" are two actions, so it will be easier to control if you perform the transformation twice separately.
💡 ❌ Do not add another pin at the end of the pin position that needs to be rotated
For example, in the picture below, I want to rotate the character’s right knee to make a cuter pose.
Therefore, no thumbtack should be added to the right ankle, otherwise the right calf will be twisted unreasonably.
If you add a pushpin to the end of the knee's rotation pin (ankle):
Do not add pins at the ankle:
success!
💡 ✔️Add more pins to fix the location when needed
For example, in the picture below, I want to "rotate my wrist". However, in actual operation, the forearm was still twisted unreasonably.
At this time, adding an extra thumbtack to the wrist can ensure that the forearm remains relatively normal.
Also, be careful not to accidentally shorten your forearm when moving the thumbtack at your wrist. If it is shortened, the forearm will be twisted unreasonably.
For example, there is only one thumbtack at the wrist position:
Add two pins at the wrist position:
Of course, if you still can't get a reasonable limb after adding more pins, you can consider using other functions such as [Liquify] to adjust it later.
💡 ✔ ️ Make good use of the selection function to perform local deformation
From my personal observation, the larger the image range, the larger the grid size will be. In other words, the larger the image area is covered by a single grid, the more coarsely the image will be distorted when warped!
So, if the image is large and you only need to adjust a certain part (such as the feet), please select the feet or the waist first before using the puppet deformation function. This will make the grid distribution more concentrated.
In the case of box selection, please remember to add enough pushpins at the edges. Otherwise, the image will appear broken when deformed.
Please note that if the image is not very large to begin with and you further select it, even if you add pushpins to the edges, there will still be some image breakage. So you need to make decisions based on the specific situation and remember to check for unexpected gaps.
If breaks occur, you can also consider overlaying a copy of the original image underneath the image and then merging the layers.
💡 ✔ ️Keep your posture natural
Have you ever noticed that when you raise your hands to block the sun in your daily life, your shoulders also rise slightly? When you need to stand on one leg, your body will naturally lean to one side?
That’s right! A natural body movement is never just about a single joint!
Therefore, when you use the puppet deformation function to modify the action, you need to pay attention to which parts need to be adjusted synchronously. Don't think that just lifting your wrists is enough; remember to raise your shoulders slightly as well.
Fortunately, in the puppet deformation function, when you rotate or move the pin, it will more or less correct the surrounding parts. (This is also one of the advantages of puppet transformation!)
However, this functionality is also affected by the pin position. Therefore, when using deformation, you must pay conscious attention to whether the passive location is reasonable. **
In the following example, when rotating the pin on the neck, the shoulders and hands are also adjusted:
If pins are added to the shoulders, the deformation of the shoulders and hands will be greatly limited:
Therefore, when using puppet deformation, you need to be very clear about what effect you want to achieve and whether the associated movement caused by moving the pins is acceptable. This will allow you to set up and use pushpins more effectively.
💡 ❌ Don’t over-deform
While it may seem a bit inappropriate to suggest limiting the use of a feature in an article introducing it, I'm sorry to say that Puppet Transform is not designed to allow you to perform drastic transformations.
Large deformations will make the image look too unreasonable.
For example, do not forcibly distort an original image that is "bent to the left" to be "bent to the right".
In the picture below, the leg that was originally slightly bent inward can be bent further inward using [Puppet Transformation]; however, if you want to make it point outward, the structure of the entire leg will collapse.
For example, if your hand is originally vertical, you cannot simply bend it outward.
You can imagine that in reality, when your elbows are backward and your hands are downward, if you want to lift your elbows and put your hands on your waist, you need to rotate your shoulders (not lift them flat) to do this, and the movable angle of the elbow joint is limited.
Therefore, although the elbows cannot be seen when the hands are vertical, they will be visible when the hands are placed on the waist!
The transformation function cannot create something that does not exist out of thin air!
Therefore, before using it, you need to consider whether the part can be deformed reasonably.
Even if it is used on an object, excessive deformation will still make the structure of the object unreasonable and the originally smooth lines will become rough, so I still do not recommend using it in this case.
Therefore, if necessary, you can first use other transformation methods such as "Flip Left and Right" to get the correct direction of the object, and then make other detailed adjustments.
If the deformation you have in mind will change the front and back position relationship of the object, I would recommend redrawing it directly. This will be faster than forcibly using the deformation function, and most importantly, the picture will be more reasonable and natural.
💡 ✔ ️Please use the puppet deformation function before drawing the light and shadow in detail
Although [Puppet Transformation] can select line drawing, background color, and shadow layers to transform at the same time, if using the deformation function will cause the position relationship of the objects to change, then its light and shadow position should also be changed.
However, puppet deformation cannot show all those subtle changes at the same time, so I would recommend using it before the detailed light and shadow steps.
If it is used near the final stage of painting, be careful to check whether the light and shadow relationship is correct.
Taking the following picture as an example, if you adjust the flowing hair when the character is roughly completed, you will need to spend extra time to check whether the light and shadow are correct and add more strokes.
💡 ✔ ️Drawing different objects on different layers will make deformation easier
In the example picture, if you want to make changes related to the upper arm, it will inevitably affect the shape of the jacket and sleeves.
Even if you just select the arm, it won't help and you will need to redraw the relevant parts.
However, the original purpose was only to correct the limbs, and the structure of the clothing should not be deformed.
This is especially true for plural objects that have a contextual relationship. For example, limbs covered by clothes, clothes covered by hair, etc. Under the premise that only the limbs are modified, the puppet deformation can only be effective if the limbs, clothing, etc. are drawn on different layers.
4️⃣【Demonstration of using puppet transformation】
In this section, I will demonstrate how to use the Puppet Warp feature to adjust the hair position.
First, although the hair is shown flowing in this illustration, it seems that the movement could be larger.
※Since this is a demonstration picture, the light and shadow processing has been completed, but I still recommend using the puppet deformation function before processing the light and shadow!
Since the hair and body overlap to a large extent, the puppet deformation function can only be used when the layers are divided according to the objects.
If you look closely, you will notice that the left and right ends of the hair in the front are connected together.
This will limit the use of puppet deformation, so I will separate the two sides in advance.
※ There is no problem if they are not separated, but the deformation may result in a stiff appearance.
🔧 Steps
①Use the Lasso Tool to select the hair on one side →
②Cut and paste to a new layer →
③ Rotate or move them slightly to separate them.
※ There is no problem if you do not move the cut part separately. You can use it twice to transform the doll.
🔧 Adjust hair using puppet deformation
①Use the puppet transformation function →
Add pins at the top of the head (at the root of the hair) and at the starting point of the expected hair tail rotation →
②Rotate or move the pin→
③Done!
Repeat the above steps on the separated hair ends:
Check the light and shadow and the edge of the hair to see if any touch-ups are needed.
For example, in the demonstration diagram, you need to modify the following positions:
【💡POINT】
Copy the hair layer before deformation for archiving, so that you can quickly fill in the gaps caused by deformation.
【💡POINT】
You can also use the Liquify tool to make further detailed adjustments.
Finish!
Conclusion
Finally, let me summarize the advantages of puppet transformation:
✨ Advantages:
No need to worry about significant screen breakage after adjustment
Automatically adjusts the surrounding pattern when adjusting a single joint, reducing stiffness
Replicable layers as deformed objects for more flexible processing
Able to quickly create differential images of people or objects, accelerating the process of creating animations
😃 Recommended use:
Small scale adjustment of the angle of the object locally
Where a certain degree of small structure or pattern needs to be maintained, such as hair, limbs
Something that has a lot of protrusions, or elongated (meaning, the advantages of the doll deformation will be more highlighted in the star shape compared to the round shape), such as some floating water or flames, fabrics blown up by the wind
☹️ Not recommended for use:
Graphics that require significant adjustments
Overlay each object on the screen front and back with no separate layer drawings between objects
On the screen the object is a setting that is placed forward, such as the index finger pointing at the camera's hand
Sorry for the long description this time, thank you very much for reading this far!
Although I have mainly used human figure illustrations for demonstration here, puppet transformations are by no means limited to these.
You can get more creative with it and use it on other objects!
What do you think about this article?
Feel free to leave a message to let me know! I hope this tutorial will help you better understand how to operate the new feature of puppet deformation.
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