Presentation
Hello! Welcome. On this occasion, we will look at the principles we need to make our own Pop-up card designs, from the dimensions to the printing and assembly of the card. I particularly like this type of cards, I find them very creative. I hope you stay until the end. Without further ado…
Let's get started!! (o･ω･o)
0. Materials
This tutorial will be done with the tablet interface; I'm using a brand new tablet and what better way to test it than using Clip Studio!
For the printed part, the materials used are:
• Sheets with a higher weight to print the designs. They have to be thick sheets so that the mechanism can withstand it (in my case I used 225 gram sheets).
• Glue.
• Scissors.
• A cutter (optional).
In this tutorial we will create two types of cards:
1. Dimensions
Let's start by determining the dimensions of the canvas. There are a number of measurements we can take for this type of card. The following is a table of conventional measurements that we can use as a reference.
• A5: The size of this type is usually 14.8 x 21 cm (148 x 210 mm).
• A6: A versatile size for this type of purpose. Its measurements are: 10.5 x 14.8 cm (105 x 148 mm).
Now, we will open a new canvas where we will configure the following data.
(1) For this project we will open the fourth file: Show all comic settings.
(2) In unit we will change to cm.
(3) Here we have the total size of the canvas and the vertical or horizontal orientation. In my case I will use a horizontal orientation.
(4) As for resolution, we have that files with more than 300 dpi are ideal for printing and 72 for digital files.
(5) With expression color we have two: Color and monochrome. We will use the color option.
(6) Here we can choose the dimensions, in my case I chose an A5 format.
(7) The bleed width is normally set between 3 and 5 mm, that will depend on the printing standards. In my case I will use one of 0.50.
(8) The internal dimension of the file that will not be cropped.
These last three options affect the canvas in the following way:
PURPLE: This is the bleed area, therefore it must be cut after printing.
PINK: Final area of the cut, inside must be the important elements.
- Screen resolution -
It is important to match the canvas measurements with the final dimensions, to do this we can configure the screen resolution.
➀ We will go to: File (In the tablet version you have to click on the CSP icon in the upper left corner) > Preferences.
➁ Now, in the window you have to go to the section: Canvas > Screen resolution > Settings.
➂ In the new window a rule will be displayed that we will have to match with a trusted physical rule.
2. Color Settings
There is a debate about which color mode is best. There are two models RGB (which is the default in CLIP STUDIO PAINT) and CMYK. The use of one or the other will depend on personal or business preference.
To preview between these two there is a tool within the program that will allow us to do so.
➀ First we will go to: View > Color Profile > Preview Settings.
➁ In “Preview Profile” we change to the most appropriate one for CMYK.
➂ Finally we click OK.
This is just a preview, colors may vary when printing.
➃ To activate and deactivate the preview between RGB and CMYK, go to: View > Color Profile > Preview.
3. Typographic designs
Typography is an important element in this type of design, so we have to learn how to use typography.
- Text Tool -
Let's start by learning the basic editing features of the text tool. In this tutorial we won't pay much attention to the full details of the tool's functionality, so if you want to know everything there is to know about it; I'll leave a tutorial below where I talk in more detail about the settings.
The styles you can learn to make by reading the “Typography” tutorial are:
In this other tutorial I show other types of fonts that we can make with CSP.
The styles you can learn to make by reading the “Essential Movie Poster Tips” tutorial are:
- TEXT -
We can find this tool in the tool palette (icon with the letter “A”) or using the keyboard shortcut “T”. In the Tool Properties window we will find all the settings.
- STYLE -
As for styles we have: Bold, italics, underline and strikethrough. By selecting a word or the entire text we can apply the effect.
- ADD SOURCES -
Clip Studio has some fonts, but if we want to use more eccentric ones we will have to add them.
When we display the list of fonts, we will find at the end the option: Add font. Here, as its name indicates, new fonts are added, to do this we click on the option, the file search window will open where we will choose the ZIP/RAR/TTF/OTF package that contains our font, we click accept.
A message will appear allowing us to save it in the cloud. If you find it convenient, accept. If not, just click Close.
And that's it, now we can have decorated fonts.
Important: When you download a font, remember to read and save the license to use it, to avoid legal problems.
- Watercolor -
First, fonts that simulate handwriting look great with this design.
Once the typography is set, we will convert the layer into a raster layer. To do this, we will hold down the layer for the tablet version (for the desktop version, right-click). In the menu, choose the option “Rasterize”.
Note: Text layers cannot be edited or drawn on.
In the layer window we will activate “Lock transparent pixels”, this allows us to paint without leaving the area. Then, with a brush and pure white we will paint over the letters.
Now choosing a watercolor brush and using black we will paint over it in an irregular way so that the letters acquire the texture of the brush.
Then we activate the “Layer Mask” function (1), a white thumbnail will appear that we must select.
We choose the “Droplets” brush found in the airbrush section and with the “Transparency” option selected (located between the main and secondary color in the lower right corner of the color wheel) we will begin to paint over the text. This will create the effect of uneven ink.
Now, we choose the black color and a hard brush (like the G nib), keeping the layer mask thumbnail selected, we paint the letters just to make the excess dots that could have remained from the previous step disappear.
We hold down the mask thumbnail and a menu will appear where we will choose the option “Apply mask to layer”.
In: Edit we choose “Convert luminosity to opacity”. This option allows us to add color to the letters, otherwise we wouldn’t be able to.
With the airbrush we will paint with one or several colors.
In the “Layer Properties” window we choose: Edge Effect > Watercolor Effect. We modify the area, opacity and blur width parameters until we like the result.
➀ To give it a more realistic effect we will add a texture from: Materials > Downloads > Monochromatic Pattern > Texture.**
➁ With the new layer created by the pattern selected, we will go to the window: Layer Properties. In the panel we will click on the option "Overlay texture" and lower the "Strength" to a range that we like.
➂ Now, on a layer below we will paint the edges of the canvas with the airbrush and a light yellowish color.
Ready, we now have the watercolor effect on paper.
- Patterns -
To create this effect, it's as easy as:
➀ Add a pattern above the letter layer.
➁ Then activate the option: Attach to lower layer found in the layer window.
There you go, we can have endless textures on the letters.
- Colors -
For colored letters it is as easy as selecting letter by letter with the "Selection" tool and painting with the Paint Bucket found in the selection tool's floating menu.
- Should -
In the Tool Properties we find the option: Border. When activated, a bar will appear where we can choose the thickness and color of the border.
If this option is not activated, we can activate it by clicking on the wrench located at the bottom right. A window will open where we will go to "Text" once there we will click on the border and border color boxes. Ready, now these two options will appear in the main window.
- Transformations -
Not all texts have to be in front, we can also fit them in different spaces for different perspectives. Here I will discuss some transformations.
- PERSPECTIVE -
To place a text in perspective, follow these steps:
➀ Convert the layer to raster.
➁ With the layer selected, go to: Edit > Transform > Free transformation, perspective, distort or tilt. Now you have to move the nodes of the box in the direction of the perspective you want to obtain.
There are different transformation tools that allow us to position the text at multiple angles, it is just a matter of trying.
- MESH TRANSFORMATION -
Bending text or placing it in an odd position is easy. With the layer selected, go to: Edit > Transform > Mesh Transform.
A mesh will appear with a series of nodes; these nodes can be moved to the desired position.
- CIRCULAR TEXT -
With the update to 3.0, a function was added to place text in a circular shape. A wonderful new effect. To achieve this, do the following:
➀ Go to “Subtool Details”; once in the window, go to the “Circular Text” section.
➁ We activate “Circular text”. With the other settings we can modulate the radius, the direction (clockwise and counterclockwise) and the uniform arrangement.
4. Rotating POP UP card
Birthday cards usually contain two elements: the text and the decorations.
► The text: As for the text, these types of cards conventionally contain small phrases alluding to the theme such as “Happy Birthday” and in other cases the years are added.
► Decoration: On the other hand, the decorations can be classic elements alluding to the parties such as balloons or cakes or with elements that the person to whom the card is addressed likes.
- Sketch -
This card will have four sides, two of them are exterior (Front cover [1] and back cover[2]) and the other two interior (The mechanism [3][4] will be placed on them).
I started by making some sketches using different combinations of floral elements. My key phrase will be “Happy Birthday”.
The second step is to do a color test, in this part I try different combinations until I find one that I like.
- Front and Back Cover -
I'll start by placing some guidelines to help me distinguish the two sides of the card. Use a shape ruler and a line ruler to create the rectangle and the line that divides it. Then use the G-pen to paint the shapes and lower the layer opacity.
Note: To make the ruler guidelines straight, hold down the Shift key on your keyboard or the same key on the shortcut sidebar of the tablet version.
Note: If we hold down the layer, a series of options will appear that allow us to control the functions of the ruler tool. We can delete it, make the ruler usable or make it visible on other layers.
- Watercolor paper -
The aesthetic of this card will have a watercolor effect, so I started by setting the layer color, using the paint bucket tool with a pink color.
In the materials window I will go to: Monochromatic Pattern > Texture. From the options I will choose the one I like the most and drag it to the canvas.
Having selected the new layer created by the pattern, I will go to the window: Layer Properties. In the panel I will click on the option «Overlay texture» and lower the “Strength” to a range that I like.
Now with the soft airbrush I will paint the edges with a color a little darker than the background. Ready.
- Back cover -
➀ To make the back cover frame I will use the vector layers (1).
➁ Now with the «Rectangle» tool I will create a large rectangle. The tool properties settings should be the following:
● Line/Fill: Line.
● Smoothing: Hard.
Note: The elements that will be added from now on will be placed between the texture layer and the background.
Note: I will use vector layers when making figures because vector layers allow us to scale what they contain without losing quality.
All Figure subtools can have their brush shape changed. This way we can go from a simple line to a dotted one or the texture of any brush. This option can be found in the section “Brush Shape” within the «Tool Properties». In my case I will use the «Dry Watercolor» texture.
Here we only find some default shapes; to add textures or shapes from other brushes we will do the following:
➀ We choose the brush we like.
➁ Then we will open the window «Tool Properties», there we will click on the wrench that is located at the bottom right.
➂ In the new window that will open we will go to: Brush shape > Current brush shape.
➃ We will click on the option: Register as preset.
Ready, now we have added a new texture to the brush shape.
Note: If a window is not visible, you can open it from: «Window» from the menu bar.
To create notches in each corner I will create a new vector layer where I will place a small circle.
Now using the «Transform» function I will move and align the circle with the corner of the rectangle. In tablet mode there is a shortcut in the menu bar; for the desktop version you can use the keyboard shortcut «Ctrl plus T».
Then I will copy and paste this circle 3 more times using the options from the floating selection menu (1). These other 3 will also be aligned with the rest of the corners.
Note: To exit Selection mode you can click on the first option from the floating menu (2) and in the desktop version with the shortcut «Ctrl plus D».
I merged all the layers into one, then used the vector eraser. This eraser allows us to erase the vector lines that are between two intersections. This will make it easy and precise to erase the part of the circle that we don't need.
For the vector eraser to work like this, we have to have the “Erase until intersection” option active in the “Tool Properties” window.
Finally, decorate the center with a watercolor rose image material and decorate the edge of the flower with a star brush.
- Grid and ruler -
To achieve greater precision when aligning elements, you must activate the grid and ruler. To activate them, go to: view > grid and ruler.
To modify the settings we will have to go to the same route, but now we have to choose the option: Ruler/Grid Settings. Here we mark the option «Top left» (1) and in Grid Settings (2) we mark 1.00 in interval and 5 in No. of divisions.
With this we have a 1 cm X 1 cm grid for each large box.
Once again I created the same structure as before, but this time I filled it with the paint bucket, then I dragged a pattern from the library, a pattern taken from Clip Studio Assets. With the option «Snap to layer below» I limited the pattern to the area of the figure.
Note: With the blue nodes we can modify the angle, position and frequency of the pattern.
Create a new rectangle filled with white to which you place another rectangle with the shape of the brush in point mode, so that it simulates a paper perforated around the edges.
Finally create a guide box with the tool: Ruler > Figure Ruler. In tool properties (3) the figure must be marked in: Rectangle.
Using a brush that simulates clothing seams, I draw over the ruler to make it look like the sheet is sewn, then I deactivate the ruler. Finally, using a star brush, I paint some around it and add another rose in the center.
With this last step, I finish the design of the front and back covers.
- Inner face -
For the inside, I marked a white outline like on the back cover and on a layer below I established a flower pattern that I downloaded from the ASSETS materials. I painted this pattern with the same color as the background and set the blending mode to “Multiply” (option in the layer window) so that it wouldn’t stand out as much.
Finally, add the same leaf-shaped frame sewn together as before and some stars on the frame.
Note: On the right side (the one without anything) is where we will glue the mechanism and the moving elements.
- Mechanism -
The mechanism that rotates the central pieces will be done in the following way:
First, start by making a 4 cm x 6 cm rectangle. These measurements are only to design the structure, but later when the shape is finished I will scale it to fit the measurements of my design, therefore we can adapt it to any measurements other than those of this card.
Now you have to divide the rectangle from the six centimeter side into five parts, four of 1 cm and one of 2 cm.
Important: Remember that to make straight lines and shapes you must keep the Shift key activated either on the side panel or on the keyboard.
Then, on the four centimeter side, you have to divide it into three equal parts, in this case 1.3 cm.
In the center we will mark a cross that covers two rectangles and two small notches on each side.
Mark with a small “x” all the areas that we should eliminate.
After the cuts the shape should look like this.
Now we will divide the two lower lashes in half, the measurements are (0.65 cm).
We will cut those parts and we will have this. Then we will mark the tips of both triangles.
And we will sweep them away.
Finally, we will divide the two wings just along their length and erase them.
Done, this should be the final form.
- Scale the mechanism -
What we have to do so that our mechanism adapts to any measurement is the following:
➀ Mark the vertical half of the face of the sheet where we will stick the mechanism.
➁ We will place the mechanism aligned with the area where the folds will be created where the sheet is folded to close it as seen in the following image.
➂ We will align the central point that was created with the two diagonal lines to the center of the sheet using the line that we created before by scaling the figure using the “Transform” tool. The result should be like this: The center of the mechanism and the center of the sheet should be aligned.
- Rotating elements -
Now we will make the designs of the elements that will rotate with the mechanism.
➀ First I made a circle that placed the center, for this I used the functions of the “Align/Arrange” window, specifically “Align horizontally” and “Align vertically”.
In order for the effects of these functions not to be applied taking into account the entire sheet, it is necessary to delimit the desired area where we want the alignment to be applied. In my case, I used the selection tool in its rectangular form and marked the face of the sheet where I will place the mechanism.
I duplicate this same circle and make it a little smaller, then merge the two layers and fill the donut that is formed with the paint can.
The mechanism must have three elements that will complete the sequence of movement; these are: Two mobile wings (1, 2) and a static center (3).
In my case, I decorated the circle with flowers (1) and to cover the empty space left by the donut and that will serve to hide the mechanism that will be in that part, I put an open flower (3), and finally, for the last mobile wing I will put a butterfly (2).
Note: Each of the elements must be on separate layers.
- TEXT -
For the text I used the phrase “HAPPY BIRTHDAY” to which I added a gold texture and gave it a circular shape. I explained all these features in previous sections.
The structure should look more or less like this. I'll also add some butterflies, but I'll show those in the next section.
- Preparing for printing -
Let's go to: File > Export. There we have several options for exporting, in our case we will choose "Attach and save to device" and choose the desired format. One of the best options and the one that maintains the largest number is the PNG format.
A new window will then appear allowing us to name the file and change its format.
A window will open where we can adjust other parameters, among which we may be interested are: Activate the cutting lines (this allows some lines to be printed that will allow us to see the areas where the cutting should be done according to the measurements established at the beginning), but this is optional.
Finally, a window will appear showing us what the final file will look like. Click OK and that's it.
We will do the same with the files for the inside, the mechanism and the accessories.
Before printing the mechanism, I lowered the opacity of the layer or folder if applicable so that the lines would not be as noticeable at the time of printing.
I arrange the movable elements along the blank canvas without piling anything up. Ready, now all that's left to do is save and print.
- Resources -
These are the resources I used to make this design:
- Armed -
The first thing is to cut the card, the moving elements and the mechanism.
Let's start with the mechanism, the first thing is to fold all the marked lines.
We will then glue the two long vertical wings to the back of the mechanism, this will serve to reinforce the structure.
Now we take the two sections of the cross and bring them together inwards, by doing this an arrow should form.
We will put a little glue on the first rectangle, the one marked in the image. This rectangle will be below the arrow when it is formed.
This rectangle will be facing the card. Now you have to glue it by aligning the arrowhead with the center of the card and the final rectangle with the fold of the card (as shown in the diagram for scaling the mechanism in the previous section).
After the mechanism is well glued, we will lift the final part and we will see the two wings; in the first (1) we will glue the circle and in the second other decorations, in my case I placed a small rectangle that will serve me to glue a butterfly that I want to stand out from the circle of flowers.
Both wings should be glued underneath the decorations.
Before gluing, we must test which will be the best position for the other elements so that they do not collide with each other and do not protrude from the card.
Now with the elements placed in their position it is time to glue the other end of the mechanism to the other side, for this we will add glue to the rectangle shown in the image.
Then we will close the card so that both sides stick together.
To hide the mechanism you have to glue the cover, for that we will add the glue on the triangle indicated in the image.
And we hit.
As a finish, glue the rest of the elements.
- Result -
- Bouquet of flowers -
This mechanism also works for creating simple POP cards. One example I made was with a bouquet of flowers.
To achieve this, we have to make some small modifications. First, when we glue the mechanism as explained before, now instead of gluing elements on the wings, we have to cut them.
The central element must be glued in the same way as the central rose was glued in the upper triangle.
- Result -
5. Card in the shape of a bouquet of flowers
Another birthday card idea that can be made is one in the shape of a bouquet of flowers. This is a very easy type of card to design.
- Front design -
Using the same settings from the previous canvas, I followed the following steps:
➀ Using the shape tool on a vector layer, I marked the rectangle where I am going to make the design.
➁ Now, on a new vector layer, I created a circle. I scaled this circle until the nodes that mark the middle of the selection match the lower corners of the previous rectangle, as shown in the image (these nodes are visible when using the transform function).
➂ Using the vector eraser I erased the excess circle that protrudes from the bottom of the rectangle. The shape I want to get is a semicircle inside the rectangle.
Note: For each new line I make I will create a new vector layer.
➃ We activate the ruler and grid as explained in the previous card.
➄ We will create a line that divides the semicircle in two. To achieve this we must be guided by the guide lines that are created with the file when establishing the dimensions.
Remember: With the Shift key we can generate straight lines.
➅ Using the symmetry rule we will create a division on each side. The symmetry rule is located at: Tools > Ruler > Symmetry Ruler.
First, we will activate the SHIFT key, then using the symmetry ruler we will create a line right in the middle, where we marked the previous one. Then, without deactivating the SHIFT key we will mark a diagonal using the tool: Figure > Line from the bottom center just as shown in the following GIF. Once the lines are created we deactivate the ruler as explained before.
➆ Using the paint bucket, fill the shape in a layer below the structure. To paint only the area inside the lines, you need to activate the option “Multiple reference > All layers” in the «Tool Properties» window.
➇ On a new normal layer I create a circle filled with the color of the cone. I duplicate it and arrange them along the perimeter of the semicircle. When I finish I put all the circles together on a single layer.
➈ On a layer below everything created before, I place some flowers simulating a bouquet within the range of the left triangle next to the center.
➉ I do the same with the right rectangle. The flowers on the left side should be taller than those on the right side.
At this point I changed the color of the structure because the previous one did not convince me.
Finally, I place the presentation text in the last triangle on the left side.
- Front design -
For the front design we will use the previous structure, only now we will add other elements to it.
➀ We will create a semicircle that will almost cover the one from the previous structure (a margin should be visible between the white semicircle and the one from the structure) on a layer above. This area will be dedicated to writing a message.
➁ We will cut diagonally both lower parts of the main frame and the semicircle. The design should look like a fan. This change to the frame should also be applied to the front face.
➂ We duplicate the flower layers, unify them into one and flip it horizontally. To do this, we select the layer and activate the “Transformation” tool (1), now in the tool properties window we will find the “Flip horizontally” function (2). Ready.
Both sides should look like this. For the inside, I drew some guide lines to help me know where I should fold it. I painted these lines the same color as the structure. Now it's just a matter of saving the files as explained before and printing them.
- Armed -
Assembly is as simple as cutting and folding along the guide lines and you're done.
Farewell
I hope that what you see here helps you to make your own cards. It would be very helpful if you share it and give me a like. Thanks for coming here! See you another time!
Bye bye.
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