Hi! My name’s Lemon, I am a 3D and 2D artist!

 

Today, I want to show you how to achieve a watercolor look on your illustration!

 

Like this:

With the release of the new version of Clip Studio Paint, in addition to the already existing watercolor brushes, the border effect has been greatly improved!

First, you need to pick a watercolor brush that you like. There are many already installed on the software, but you can download others if you want, of course.

Personally, I really like the last one; it’s the one that feels the most realistic when I paint with it, and it’s the one I will use in this tutorial!

It’s this one right here:

A little tip before we start: watercolor brushes can sometimes overlap with a darker tone because of their low opacity. It can sometimes be bothersome when you want to apply flat colors.

But there is a simple trick to change this!

By choosing this mixing mode on your brush, the overlapping problem is easily fixed!

Now, let’s start our tutorial!

The new border effect that comes with the new version is truly remarkable; it looks cleaner and resembles real watercolor!

It goes from this when you activate the border effect, and here is the difference between the old and the new one:

 

As you can see, it offers a much cleaner look, so I’m really excited to work with it!

You just have to click here to activate it, and make sure to use the Vivid version; it’s the new one.

Then you just have to adjust the settings however you like!

First, I like to add textured paper on my canvas. Under all my layers, I add this paper whenever I paint watercolor digitally; it helps to give a better look.

 

Then, I make a small sketch using a crayon, just like I would do on real paper. Here, I used this one:

Then, using the brush I showed at the beginning, I put a soft layer all over the character.

I like to do this; it helps to blend all the colors that we will put over after and gives more depth.

I build the color little by little, adding deeper shades, like I would do on paper. I leave blank parts where the hair shines, and then I like to add darker colors at the edges to make it pop even more!

I add some detail with a smaller brush size.

I add some final touches with the crayon I used for the sketch; I add tiny strokes all over the watercolor to add some pops of color and more texture, too!

I also add little flowers in the background and some splats of paint over the character for a more watercolor look!

And it’s done! I really love the effect it gives!

 

The new watercolor border is really good; I will definitely use it on other illustrations in the future!

 

I hope you like it, and thank you for taking the time to read it all!

 

See you next time!