Part I: Introducing the Sketch

Hello!

 

Today I am going to show you how to do linework for a character.

 

For this example, we will be using a sketch of my personal OC (without the mask I normally use).

 

 

For this demonstration, I am using a comic option in Clip Studio with the following settings. I like to use this for character models as it creates a white outlining that can create some off-page effects that is popular in art.

 

First I will explain how I create my sketches in the first place then we will go over 2 methods of linework.

 

Coloring will not be properly explained in this tutorial but will have colored pieces included at the end of the tutorial

 

This layer shown above is the "final" sketch layer. This layer is the model we will use for the linework.

It is a vector layer for the purpose of easy editing.

 

The blue layers are layers below the top layer that were part of early sketching process to form the final sketch.

All of those layers are raster layers.

 

Raster Layers are better use for sketching and for coloring while vector layers are better for linework and final sketches.

 

Next, we will go to the side of the screen and above the blue layer tab on the top sketch layer, we will leave it colored black but will reduce the vision from 100 to around 81%. If you haven't lowered the other layers below to either 0% or less than the top one, please do that.

 

That way the only layer you need to look at for reference for linework is the top layer.

In order to get into the actual linework process, go to the top left part of the screen and click on Layers. From there you will hover down until you click vector layer.

 

Most linework you will use in Clip Studio Paint Pro and etc will use a Vector Layer, as you can change your linework you have already done easily with tools.

 

Part II: Linework A: Direct

This linework I often call direct is the typical linework most digital artists use for their linework. They use a either thick or thin pen to draw their linework with precision.

The pen type I recommend is shown below

 

Real G-Pen is a good pen for linework as it gives a texture feel as it would for traditional penwork pieces or for manga/comics.

 

I use this the most for linework but you can do whatever pen type you prefer to use.

 

 

 

You want to make the pen either the same as your sketch lines or about 1-2 Pts. above.

 

For this example I typically use 10.0 pt brush size so I will use 11.0 pt. Real G-Pen for my linework

Next you will create a vector layer.

This is the layer of your linework.

 

Make sure to name it so that you do not confuse the layers and accidently draw on the wrong one

Make sure your final sketch layer below your linework is NOT blue but has a less than 100% opacity. That way you can see it but not to where the linework is perceived as directly on it.

From there, whether or not you have a screen or pad tablet (I have a pad tablet for this example), carefully start to make strokes of lines over the areas.

 

Below is a screenshot of the linework on the head at the start of line working

 

 

It may not look right but this is simply since the layers below the linework will make it look as unclean as it really is

Remember to click back or use your eraser tool to erase any mistakes. And if you need to edit anything, go to your sketch layer and edit there so you are not guessing for your linework

From there make sure to clear down all below layers to 0% to make sure you see the base linework and correct any errors you may have made

In the case of linework for the eyes, I like to do those separately just so the coloring of the eye can have more attention to detail on its own versus doing all the coloring on one single layer.

 

This is up to you whether or not you want to do multiple linework layers for more detail. The process is exactly the same for this method.

I will not demonstrate the coloring process itself in this tip (if you would like to comment down below and I will make an updated version of this)

However, for the colorwork, you will create a raster layer (name it as well) and insert it below the linework. You can often times use the linework as the base of where the color and shade.

 

 

After you finish the sketch will look something like this below

 

This above is the folders I use.

 

Folders are a good way of organizing layers and sketches

I used folders to separate example one from example two.

In order to do a folder, make sure to click the button circled above, name it and drag your layers into there in proper order. This will help with organiztion

:Now that your linework is done, it time to color and finish your product.

 

But, let's move onto the second method of linework....

Part III: Linework B: Arc

This linework I often call arc or arcing since it uses the arc tool for the linework.

 

While this is not conventional for linework, it can be benefitial to do this particular type of linework if you either:

 

-New to Clip Studio

-Have Trouble with Linework

-Want more solid and fluid lines

 

 

For this linework, you will also use a vector layer for the same reasons as demonstration one

 

The preparation of the sketch work and creation of layers is exactly the same as before

Below the paint bucket tool on the left side of your screen, you will see either an arc or a line image. Click on this and hover over and click "curve"

 

This is an arc curve you will use for your linework layer.

 

As I did for Demonstration A, you need to make the point size either exactly the same as the sketch layer or 1-2 pts. above. This is in order to have clean, thick lines.

 

Sizing and the look of your curve can be changed to how it best fits your piece

 

 

This is how the curve settings are on my Clip Studio

On your vector layer that you will use for your demonstration, carefully put one end of the arc on the end of the area you want to line and then click the other end of the piece

 

Then from there move either your mouth or your drawing pen around to curve the arc from the end points until you get a clean piece

Doing this will save the wear on your hand and arm from manually drawing on your screen or pad the linework and can create a singular thickness for your linework that is very good for animations and character models

However, make sure to line up the ends right on the ends of the others or else the arc will not properly fit with the rest of it, messing up your linework

This is the one key flaw for this method.

 

This is why I do not personally use it as often but it is still a good way to do art if you so desire

After you do the linework, it should look something like this for example:

See?

Clean linework with a solid one pt. stroke.

 

Very good for character models and animation

Either way, choose whatever method is best for you!

Part IV: Conclusion

Personally, if you ask me, I prefer Option A but Option B is still a good way to do linework depending on what style of art you like and the level of art you currently are at

 

There is no shame in using either method, especially Option B

It all depends on what you do with your given piece.

 

Variety and change is expected with different pieces of art versus my personal OC above

I hope this tutorial was very helpful for you guys!

 

If you wish for me to make any changes to this, I will be welcome to make an updated one in the future!

 

I am new to making official tutorials so any helpful criticism would be greatly appreciated <33

 

 

 

If you enjoy my content here, feel free to follow and like this tutorial!

Good luck on all of your art projects!!

 

-Jess (Firan) Morrow

 

 

[[This is an entry in the Clip Studio TIPSOFTHEMONTH]]

 

All pieces above is original work by Jessica herself.

 

 

 

 

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