Video

Intro

Hello there! This is Tamil.

 

I wanted to share cool features in Clip Studio Paint for better inking. Perfect for illustrators and comic artists. If you never used any of these features before, you are in for a surprise!

Vector Layers

I made a separate tutorial just for vector layers because it’s SO good! I love using them for my illustration. You can check it out right below.

Let’s get into some of the core features of vector layers if you never used it before though. You can draw lines that stay crystal clear no matter how much you resize or tweak 'em. Vector uses math points in order to put down color instead of pixels.

Just slap down a new vector layer, grab your vector brush or pen, and start doodling. It’s that easy. Any brush will turn into vector once you start using it on vector layer.

A standout feature is the dynamic capability to modify the line width at any point in your illustration. This not only enhances creative freedom but also allows for seamless adjustments, ensuring your artwork evolves effortlessly as your vision unfolds.

 

How to use it? After you done placing your line work on vector layer. Go to correct line ( shortcut Y )

Within this toolkit, you'll discover an array of handy tools for tweaking vector lines. One of my favorites is the "Adjust Line Width" feature, granting the flexibility to effortlessly vary line thickness at any moment. Simply navigate to the Tool Property Settings window and tailor the desired effect to your liking. (if you cannot find it, just go to window -> sub tool )

You can of course, use the other settings like narrow to make the lines more thin.

Another enjoyable feature is the Vector Eraser, easily accessible by selecting any eraser tool and enabling the Vector Eraser option in the sub tool settings.

There are different modes in here that you can play around with, but I want to focus on one of them.

Erase up to intersection is a very cool feature I love to use. It will allow us to remove lines up to any intersection, which is a very frequent operation done in digital inking.

My go-to feature during the final inking stages is the "Erase Up To" function – I highly recommend giving it a try!

Pressure Curve

The pressure curve is a key tool for customizing pen or stylus sensitivity. It allows artists to fine-tune how pressure affects line thickness and opacity, providing precise control for a personalized and expressive inking experience.

 

When it comes to inking, the pressure curve plays a crucial role in controlling your line weight and enhancing the overall aesthetics of your art. What are the best settings to achieve optimal results?

Within Clip Studio Paint, there are two distinct pressure curves at your disposal. The first is the global pressure curve, which exerts a uniform influence on every brush, ensuring consistent adjustments throughout your artistic endeavors.

You can access it by either clicking on the Clip Studio Paint logo and navigating to pen pressure settings or, if you're using a computer, by going to File -> Pen Pressure.

This represents a standard pressure curve; when it's a straight line, there's minimal impact on your pressure. You can introduce points by clicking and dragging, and I often place a dot in the middle, tweaking until satisfied.

Moving the dot upward facilitates thicker lines with ease, while pushing it downward adds resistance, requiring more pressure for increased ink flow.

You can also customize the pressure curve for each brush you use! Clip Studio Paint offers a diverse range of fantastic brushes, and my personal favorite is the real G-Pen for its authenticity.

To adjust pen pressure for any brush, select the brush, navigate to sub-tool settings, and within the size section, look for a small icon that enables you to modify pen pressure settings.

The minimum value sets the initial size for your brush. Personally, I prefer having it at 5-10 because excessively thin lines can appear unnatural; replicating the challenge of achieving extra-thin lines with a real brush or inking pen.

Remember, you can add multiple points to introduce a touch of randomness to your inking. Placing occasional random points can yield unique effects, and I personally enjoy incorporating varied lines, especially when aiming for a stylized look.

 

You can also go for a classic S curve when drawing.

Just be careful with it and don’t overdue it!

Get textures brushes

Enhance your line work and introduce diversity by employing textured brushes—they're not only cool but also adept at concealing minor errors and infusing personality into your drawing.

 

I want to show how to add brushes, but mostly I am using iPad. It will be very similar to other platforms though.

The "Add Subtool" button grants you the ability to incorporate brushes. Simply navigate to the Brushes section and select Sub Tool.

In this section, you'll find all the brushes you've downloaded or have yet to use. Click on "Search for Subtool on Assets," the store where you can explore and download cool brushes shared by the creative community on the internet.

Welcome to the Asset Store! Here, you'll discover various filters to aid your search. Sorting by popular yields cool results, while opting for "new" allows for more experimental finds. Ensure you're logged into your account on the browser for seamless synchronization.

Once you've made your selection, a new window will appear – welcome to the brush page. Typically, artists provide usage tips or a general description of the brush, so it's worthwhile to give it a read. In my case, I opted for the classic Clip Studio Paint textured brush, but there's a plethora of options on the Asset Store. After clicking "Download," a prompt will appear; simply click "Yes" to initiate the download.

Assuming you're logged in and ready to roll, the download should commence shortly. In that same panel we accessed earlier, you'll spot the brush you selected! Just click on it and proceed to add it to your collection.

Clip Studio Paint hosts an incredible assortment of brushes, offering almost limitless possibilities. I highly recommend exploring and finding inspiration in the various inking styles available. Experimenting with different brushes not only enhances your creative versatility but also opens up unique avenues for expressing your artistic vision. Enjoy the diverse selection and see how it can elevate your digital inking game!

Stabilize

Clip Studio Paint boasts top-notch stabilization features. If you've worked with digital tools before, you're likely aware that using some degree of stabilization in your line work is crucial to avoid any odd-looking artifacts in your art.

How to access stabilization?

Adjusting stabilization might seem daunting, but it's quite straightforward. For most brushes, the sub-tool settings (usually found at the bottom left) include stabilization settings. This basic stabilization smoothens your lines based on the selected number. I recommend keeping it low—around 2-3—to ensure some stabilization without compromising the natural feel of your linework. This way, you strike a balance where there's assistance, but you still need to put effort into your lines.

If you find stabilization lacking or desire more control over your lines, click the small gear icon at the bottom right to access the full brush settings panel. The key functions are typically found in the correction section. Look for post correction and taper features; these additions can elevate the professionalism of your ink drawings.

Post correction is a handy tool for fine-tuning your line work. In this instance, I've set it to the maximum, but you can opt for a gentler touch by choosing levels 1-2. It's beneficial for certain artistic styles but may pose challenges for tasks like drawing straight lines or perfect circles. Adjust accordingly based on the specific needs of your art.

 

If the post correction is not behaving like you want it to, try using the bezier curve check. It will allow for the algorithm to work a little bit different.

Taper is an effective method to give your lines a sleek appearance. Typically, tapering is a challenging technique that demands precision – releasing the pen at the end and accelerating to achieve a sharp, thin taper. However, with this setting, you can mimic the effect more easily. As with other adjustments, I recommend keeping it at a low level to avoid distraction while still enhancing the overall look of your lines.

The end

Thanks for taking the time to read through this tutorial—I aimed to keep it snappy so you wouldn't doze off during the process! For more practical examples, feel free to check out my video. Drop a comment if you have any questions; I'll do my best to respond with helpful insights if I know the answer.

 

Keep the creativity flowing, and happy drawing and inking with Clip Studio Paint! Anything is possible with this fantastic tool!

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