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Introduction

CLIP STUDIO PAINT was recently updated to ver. 3.0, and new filters such as "Noise", "Chromatic Aberration", "Film", and "Pencil Sketch" were added.

This time, I'd like to try combining the "Noise" and "Chromatic Aberration" filters with other filters to draw an electromagnetic noise effect on a character illustration.

It's like a thumbnail for a music promotional video. If you want to see the creation process of this character, please check out my YouTube channel.

When drawing this character, I kept in mind that I would later add an electromagnetic noise effect on top. I aimed for a simple, eye-catching, poster-like illustration that would stand out as a YouTube thumbnail, so I focused on line art and flat colors without too much detail.

1. Drawing the Electromagnetic Noise Effect Material

Let's draw the material for the electromagnetic noise effect.

Create a new layer and use the Rectangle tool to draw colorful noise material. For now, I'll use four colors and aim for a digital-like pattern. Make sure not to draw near the face so it doesn't get hidden. Fill everything but the face with noise to draw attention to the face.

 

 

Now, I will process this material with filters.

2. Slicing the Effect Material with the [Wave] Filter

The effect material is a bit monotonous and dull, so I want to make it more random and distorted. For that, I'll use the [Wave] filter. Activate [Wave] from [Filter] menu > [Distort].

Setting [Wave Type] to [Rectangle Wave] results in this.

I was able to randomly slice and dice the effect material. This filter is useful when you want to add randomness to something monotonous.

3. Arranging the Effect Material Spherically with the [Fisheye Lens] Filter

Next, I'll arrange the effect material spherically using the [Fisheye Lens] filter. Activate [Fisheye Lens] from [Filter] menu > [Distort]. Adjust the [Distortion] value to a good level and press [OK].

Hold down the [Alt] key and transform from the center to adjust it into a perfect circle.

4. Processing the Effect Material with the [Chromatic Aberration] Filter

Next is the [Chromatic Aberration] filter. Activate [Chromatic Aberration] from [Filter] menu > [Effect].

The effect material has started to look like electromagnetic noise.

5. Processing the Effect Material with the [Mosaic] Filter

Here's a point to note when using the [Chromatic Aberration] filter.

That is, the boundaries of color shift can become sharp. This gives a very hard, digital, and cold impression. This may not be suitable for the purpose of the artwork. In such cases, the [Mosaic] filter is useful.

Activate [Mosaic] from [Filter] menu > [Effect]. Applying it just a little bit will nicely soften the edges of the colors. This greatly affects the overall impression of the final artwork.

Remember that the [Mosaic] filter is effective for softly adjusting the edges of chromatic aberration.

6. Adding Gradient and Emitting the Effect Material

If the outside of the effect is blank, the gaze will scatter, so I will darken it with a circular gradient to draw attention to the center.

The effect felt a bit dark, so I duplicated the effect layer and set the blending mode to Add (Glow).

I added a bit of color to the highlights of the eyes and nose.

Next, I will apply the chromatic aberration filter to the character.

7. Applying the [Chromatic Aberration] Filter to the Character

Duplicate the character's layer to prepare two copies. Apply the [Chromatic Aberration] filter strongly to one and weakly to the other.

Apply a layer mask to the layer with strong [Chromatic Aberration] and hide only around the face.

When you want to create a difference in the intensity of chromatic aberration within a single image, it is recommended to use two layers and partially erase one.

8. Applying the [Mosaic] Filter to the Character

Next, apply the Mosaic filter to the darker layer. The edges of the colors have softened.

9. Applying the [Noise] Filter to the Character

Combine the two character layers with chromatic aberration into a single layer, then activate the [Noise] filter from [Effect]. Set [Color Mode] to [Color] and adjust [Noise Strength].

You will get a grainy effect, like an old television.

This filter is sufficient when applied subtly, giving the artwork an analog impression. It's a useful filter when you want to reduce the smooth, digital feel.

10. Adjusting Colors with the [Color Balance] Tonal Correction Layer

Finally, adjust the colors with the [Color Balance] tonal correction layer.

This filter allows you to change the color tone based on lightness.

I will adjust the overall character to be cooler, recessing colors, while making the background and the red of the eyes stand out.

Finished

It's finished.

Conclusion

Filters aren't an invincible special move, but with a little creativity and combination, they can elevate the quality of your artwork, so please try experimenting with various settings!

This time, I introduced how to use filters for finishing, but in previous TIPS, I've also introduced various ways to use them in the drawing process, so please refer to those as well.