I then scan the hand-drawn sketch into CLIP STUDIO PAINT.

I start CLIP STUDIO PAINT and create a document by going to [File] menu →[Create new] →[New] dialog and clicking [OK].

Settings: Width 4093px, Height 2894px, Resolution 1200dpi

 

I import my illustration to the canvas from [File] →[Import] →[Scan].

 

[Reference] Scanned image cleanup

When scanning a hand-drawn document, it may lack contrast or dust and dirt may appear, depending on your scanner settings and paper quality. Below are common methods of line art cleanup. Cleanup is not necessary in this course, as the image is used as a draft. The final image will be drawn on another layer.

 

[1] Adjusting contrast

When scanning hand-drawn images, the margin may be grayed out or the lines may be too thin on paper. In these cases, adjust and optimize the contrast of the image, using tonal correction. Take your time, as the [Remove dust] tool will not work properly in a later step, if the margin is not perfectly white (R: 255 G: 255 B: 255).

If the scanned image’s quality is too low, heavy tonal correction will only degrade the line art further. In such cases, it is better to check your scanner settings, place the manuscript correctly, and scan again.

Left: Gray edges due to light leaks

Right: Broken lines due to lack of contrast

 

 

 

■ 2. Using Brightness/Contrast

 

Although Brightness/Contrast lacks detailed parameters, it can make adjustments relatively fast.

 

(1) Select the scanned image from the [Layer] palette.

 

(2) Select [Edit] menu →[Tonal Correction] →[Brightness/Contrast].

 

(3) ​​In the [Brightness / Contrast] dialog, adjust each value.

First, increase the contrast slightly. If the margin still seems dark, increase the brightness.

 

(4) When you are done, click [Next] button.

 

 

 

■ Using Tone Curves

 

By using [Tone curve] or [Level correction], you can fine-tuned adjustments for each scan.

 

(1) Select the scanned image from the [Layer] palette.

 

(2) Select [Edit] menu →[Tonal Correction] →[Hue/Saturation/Luminosity].

 

(3) In the [Tone Curve] dialog, adjust the graph’s curve.

When adding contrast to the image, make the S shape below to make the highlights brighter and the shadows darker.

 

Drag the middle part as necessary to fine-tune the density (thickness) of the line drawing.

 

(4) When you are done, click [Next] button.

 

[2] Remove dust tool/filter

While Tonal Correction will erase most gray tones and smudges, dust and dense particles as shown below will remain and need correction.

 

(1) Select the [Remove dust] tool from the [Tool] palette.

In the [Tool] Palette, I select the [Correct line] tool → [Remove dust] sub tool group and choose the default [Remove dust] tool.

 

(2) Change the tool’s mode to [Delete point in white background] in the [Tool Property] palette.

Change the [Size of dust] value.

 

【POINT】

As scanned images usually have a white background, select the [Delete point in white background] option. When drawing on a transparent layer or after using [Delete opaque point] described later, use the default setting [Clear opaque points].

 

(3) Roughly select a place with dust by dragging to erase all the dust smaller than the size set in [Size of dust]. The selection area can overlap the linework.

 

(4) Large dust or lines that can’t be dealt with the [Remove dust] tool can be erased using the [Eraser] tool or [Lasso] tool.

Also, if you find a part where the line drawing is broken as a result of the correction, select a similar [Pencil] tool and add lines.

 

▼ Correct leftover lines and dust with tools such as erasers.

 

POINT: Using the [Remove dust] filter

As with the [Remove dust] tool, the [Remove dust] filter also has options for [Size of dust] and [Mode].

Repeat the same process as the [Garbage] tool, for the entire layer. Creating a selection area beforehand will limit the filter’s area.

While it is effective when making quick cleanups, you might erase important section by mistake if the character's nose, mouth, and eyelashes are too close to each other as shown below. The most effective method is to switch between the [Remove dust] tool and [Remove dust] filter.

 

[3] Making white spots transparent

As the background of the scanned layer is filled with white, any layers placed below it will be hidden. Depending on the content of the later production process, it may be better to make the line art layer’s background transparent.

 

(1) Select the layer of the original image and select [Edit] menu→[Convert brightness to opacity].

 

(2) This makes the white parts transparent and leaves the lines only.