[A] Introduction

Hello! In this tutorial, we are going to create emotes.

 

First of all, what is an emote? You've probably already seen them on chat platforms like Discord or Line. They are cute little images that allow you to show your reactions or emotions in a fun way. Despite their format, they need to be legible at a glance, so we will keep two principles in mind during the creation process: simplicity and expressiveness.

I will show you my complete process, from sketch to final render. With that, we are ready, let's begin! ^-^

 

NOTE: Don't forget to regularly save your work throughout the process, by clicking on the floppy disk icon or using the shortcut Ctrl + S.

[B] Sketch

1) Creating a new file

 

Let's create a new canvas.

For this time, I chose a canvas size of 1000 x 1000 px with a resolution of 300 dpi for each emote.

 

NOTE: Even if the images will be reduced later, it's more comfortable to work on a larger surface. You can, of course, experiment to see what suits you best; the important thing is to maintain square proportions (e.g., 500 x 500 px, 748 x 748 px, etc., but not 1400 x 800 px).

2) Canvas preparation

 

I fill the background with the [Fill] tool, symbolized by a bucket.

 

 

NOTE: I prefer to use gray rather than white, as it's softer on the eyes and helps bring out the true colors instead of drowning them out.

 

Emotes usually have a transparent background, so I will delete the gray background in the last step: it's just there to help me see what I'm doing.

 

3) The rough sketch (also called sketch or esquisse)

 

I create a new layer that I name Sketch and on which I will draw. I place it above the Background layer.

For this step, I use the [Maru Pen], included in the basic version of Clip Studio Paint. Here are my settings.

I use a chibi style with round strokes and exaggerated proportions. I focus on the eyes, eyebrows, and mouth, which are particularly important for creating an expressive character.

 

NOTE: I don't hesitate to use all the canvas space, even touching the edges or going outside of them.

[C] Line art and flat colors

4) The line art

 

I lower the opacity of the Sketch layer.

I create a new layer that I name Lineart.

For this step, I use the [G Pen] tool. I set the stabilization to around 60-70, so that my strokes are smooth without hindering my freedom of movement too much.

I go over my sketch again, refining and adding details if necessary.

Ta-da!

NOTE: At this stage, we can hide (1) or delete (2) the Sketch layer since it will only distract us. To do this, click on the eye icon to the left of the layer or on the trash can icon in the layer box.

5) Flat colors

 

I create a new layer per color or per group of elements, depending on what works best. Here, I used a mix of both. I put them in a layer folder to keep things organized. This can be useful when there are many layers!

I go back to the line art layer. I use the [Magic Wand] tool to select a specific area. I hold down the Shift key and click several times on the same area to include as many pixels as possible in my selection. If there are still some left, I can use the [Lasso] tool to add them, still by pressing the Shift key at the same time.

Here are my settings for the [Magic Wand] tool.

Once my selection (represented by dotted lines) is made, I return to the dedicated layer in the Flat Colors group and use [Fill]. I repeat for each element, taking care to create a new selection each time. To deselect, you can press Ctrl + D.

 

The line art of the ear is not closed, so I can't select the inside. However, don't panic! Simply check the Close Gap box when using the magic wand, and you're done.

Here is a comparison without gap closing (left) and with gap closing (right).

And there you have it!

 

We are ready to start coloring.

[D] Coloring

6) Placing basic details

 

I start by coloring the cheeks with the [Airbrush] and the [Maru Pen]. I remember to keep a light hand with the [Airbrush] (first image). I gently erase with the [Soft Eraser] (second image) if needed.

To color the mouth, I lock the Face layer. This will prevent me from going over the lines.

I color the mouth with the [Maru Pen]. I first paint the tongue, then the teeth.

7) Placing shadows

 

I create a new layer for each element, which I name O (for shadow). I create a clipping mask on the layer below. This way, when I draw on the clipping layer (with the pink line next to it), I don't go outside the boundaries of the layer below. Conversely, if I erase something on the clipping layer, it does not affect the layer below.

I use the [Maru Pen] tool to create crisp lines. There are two possible solutions for creating shadows:

1. use the Layer Effect Multiply

2. manually choose a darker color than the flat color

This is the solution I chose.

I draw the shadows with the [Maru Pen]. If needed, I erase with the [Hard Eraser].

For certain areas, such as the nose, I used the [Airbrush].

I gently erase certain areas with the [Soft Eraser] to create a subtle gradient effect.

If needed, I go over certain areas again with a darker color. I also sometimes use the [Airbrush] to create a very diffuse shadow that gives more dimension to the drawing.

NOTE: Keep in mind that the drawing needs to be legible even when very small. Don't hesitate to zoom out regularly (either by clicking on one of the two magnifiers, or with Ctrl + "+" or Ctrl + "-") to check. Here, one watchword: simplicity.

8) Placing highlights

 

If needed, I can place highlights, especially in the hair. I use the [Maru Pen] tool. Again, there are two possible solutions:

1. use the Layer Effect Overlay

 

2. manually choose the color

As with shadows, I prefer this solution.

 

[E] Final Touches

1) Outer outline

 

I can add a slight outer outline if needed, to make the drawing stand out.

I place all the chibi layers (Lineart + Flat Colors) in a new layer folder. Then, I create a new layer named Outline which I place below the others.

Making sure to be placed on the folder, I go to Layer > Selection from Layer > Create Selection Area.

I then expand the selection (Selected Area > Expand Selection) and enter 1 or 2 pixels in the dialog box, depending on what I think works best.

Once the selection is satisfactory, I then return to the Outline layer and click on the Fill tool, making sure to choose a dark color.

My outline is done!

2) Details

 

I sometimes add details with the [Decoration] tool. The choice is vast, it's up to you to see what works best ;)

3) Coloring the line art

 

I lock the line art and color it. I avoid using pure black except for very dark colors, as it tends to give a somewhat dirty effect with bright or pastel colors.

With the [Airbrush], I add a bit of red to the edge of the eyelashes. I use the skin shadow color in the inner corner so that the transition between the eyelashes and the skin is less abrupt.

With the [Maru Pen], I add a bit of texture to the eyelashes.

4) Saving

 

I hide or delete the Background layer so that only my chibi remains.

To save, I go to File > Export (Single Layer) > .png (PNG)... . Be careful to choose the PNG format, which supports transparency, unlike JPEG!

 

NOTE: I advise you to resize your emotes if your file is very large.

5) Color corrections

 

Once that's done, when I open the PNG file, only one layer remains. So, if I want, I can perform color corrections with the different tools in the Edit > Tonal Correction tab. Feel free to test them all to familiarize yourself with them!

The [Brightness / Contrast] tool is particularly useful for making colors stand out if they are too dull, or vice-versa.

Here is the result!

[F] Conclusion

I've shown you step-by-step how to create a single emote, but I actually created several by following the same process each time. Here's a before/after.

This is, of course, just one method among others; the main thing is that you have fun and find what works best for you. Thank you for following this tutorial, I hope it was useful to you! ♥

You can find me here:

https://www.facebook.com/rowenanya/ (French)

https://twitter.com/Rowenanya (English)

 

As well as on Instagram under the names @Rowenanya (traditional drawing) and @Rowenanyaart (digital drawing).

See you soon! ｡^‿^｡