There is a GREAT feature in Clip Studio Paint I think everyone should at least consider using, and I would be sad if it was removed. This feature is called the “Sub View“.

If you draw a car, but then look at a real car (depending on the one you would be drawing), you may find parts of the car you draw missing or inaccurate to your subject. If some of you people are struggling to get subjects in your drawings that look accurate to what you want to create, and they appear to not look like what they are supposed to, then there is something you can do! No matter what subject you are trying to draw, it is great to have references and understand your subject.

 

Here is how you can use references in Clip Studio Paint:

 

Step 1: At the very top of the application, select [Window] menu > [Sub View].

Step 2: The “Sub view” window allows you to view images for reference purposes. At the bottom of the window, select [Import] to select an image from your computer as a reference.

Note: I recommend using images with the best quality possible! If you use images with a lower resolution, it will become more difficult to understand your subjects. For example, I will be using a high-quality photograph of a tiger (It’s not the best, but it will work). I want to clearly see the fur in the finest of details. So, seeing your subjects better will help you to draw/paint your subjects better :)

Step 3: Move the “Sub View” window to an area on your screen where you can see your reference. Make sure the window is not too small, or you won’t be able to see those smaller details in the image. If the window is too big, it may be too difficult to draw. Find a sweet spot on your screen where you can comfortably draw while looking at the “Sub View” window.

 

Note: If you have a second monitor, moving the “Sub View” window over to that screen would be a fantastic idea. Then you can comfortably work on your art without your reference being in the way.

Step 4: Finally, there are many great features to use in the “Sub View”. You will find these tools at the bottom of the window.

There are features for having control over your reference such as:

 

• ZoomOut

• ZoomIn

• FittoNavigator

• RotateLeft

• RotateRight

• Resetrotation

• FlipHorizontal

• FlipVertical

• Topreviousimage

I want to end this with some advice (and I would tell any artist this). You can draw anything if you understand your subjects. Drawing from perspective, basic forms and organic forms are important. But what is equally just as important is understanding what you are creating before putting your pen on the screen/tablet. Creating art from reference is a good start. I’d recommend researching drawing from reference for anyone who wants to pursue art.

 

I hope this will help improve your work :)

 

-Isaac Phillips