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Welcome everyone,

 

To another tutorial illustration with me Daniel (Ado draw). On Today's tutorial article, I would like us to dive into the concept of compositing and not just for only two characters but for multiple sets of characters and objects in a scene.

 

And today's article is titled:

Learn how to arrange your characters in a compositing way.

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Composition has been talked about by many artist over the years and their approaches to achieving a good grouping result as well has bern looked at, but as we do know it's never enough, we need to check out more items and get more creative way to tackle composition which often present itself difficult to young artists. Hence, I will be sharing my own knowledge on it as well in today's tutorial article.

 

 

Before we jumping in the particular concept known as COMPOSITION, we need understand what the concept is all about and ways which we can approach the concept of compositing multiple sets of objects or characters.

Now,

◾What do we as artists do understand by the term Composition [?]

Composition in the art world is a term in which different elements of an artwork are combined or arranged which in other term meaning objects building up an good relationships with each other in a define and unique way which do give meaning or relating to another thing.

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The artist has complete freedom when choosing the compositing method of their artwork. Elements may all be clustered towards the centre of the canvas or photograph, or spread out in the corners of the piece.

 

 

◾Names the common elements that makes up a Composition

As an artist, we you should know that Composition deals with elements in a scene and elements in a scene are different into three sections or aspects (the Background, Midground and the foreground)

Take for example the image below, which has all the different subjects setting on the three different elements of the scene which has the various following;

~ For the Background,

We can see the city skyscrapers in a far distance which was given a flat Blue color without line art to reduce focus of the various from it as it is not the center of focus.

 

~ Meanwhile for the Midground,

We can see the electricity pole and an airplane but to make this part of the to seem more closer to the may point of focus, I added the line art.

 

~ And last the for Foreground,

Which is the point of focus having two characters in the scene because this is where we want viewers to focus on, I made the character's bigger and bolder.

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Another thing which is very important but as artists we often neglect putting that necessary aspect into consideration when ever we want to create any illustration, this aspect is known as CHOICE OF FORMAT.

◾ Make a choice of a Format, from a rectangle or square.

This aspect is very crucial and demanding sometimes cause different formats entails or tells different stories, take for example;

 

 

~ The rectangular format:

This is an absolute classic and extremely flexible format. In the sense that,

When a rectangle is displayed with its shorter side across the top it is known as ‘portrait format’ and with its longer side across the top ‘landscape format’.

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~The square format:

This can work extremely well or very badly. You very rarely see a use of square in illustration. This is because it is harder to balance a scene that has lots of elements within,

 

Take for example,

A collection of figures in a landscape within a square format. It can look awkward very easily. However, using a square format for a more contemporary subject, an abstract or a minimalist seascape, can be very effective.

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Knowing the various types of elements in a scene is the simple part of the composition process, they fun but difficult but is knowing the various ways or rules as you may call them to which the different elements in a scene compliment or relate with each other of which is known as TYPES OF COMPOSITION.

 

 

◾ Types of composition

The various elements (Background, Midground and foreground) plays a unique role to which when objects and characters react with it to tell different stories in their various unique ways are known as the TYPES OF COMPOSITION.

 

 

Here below are some common types of composition in art use most often by artists as myself in grouping of objects and characters;

• Radial: Elements are arranged around a central point, creating a sense of movement or focus.

 

• Rule of Thirds: Dividing the artwork into nine equal sections, with important elements placed at the intersections of those lines.

 

• Golden Ratio: A mathematical proportion that creates a pleasing visual balance, often used in the placement of elements.

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• Diagonal: Lines that create a sense of movement and energy. (Horizontal) Lines that create a sense of stability and calm. (Vertical) Lines that create a sense of height and grandeur.

 

• Overlapping: Elements placed over each other to create depth and visual interest.

 

• Negative Space: The empty areas around the main subject, which can be just as important as the subject itself.

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Now this above various types to composition may sound casual to beginners but please do not take them like for the are very essential in illustration, if you want your characters, objects and environments to have a unique or nostalgic impact, when viewed by audiences. So I really advice you practice this various aspect carefully and afterwards, you can try learning the other types of composition out there.

 

With that out of the way, I would like us to look at another aspect called POSES.

◾ Character pose

The pose of a character can also play a very important role when grouping characters like take for example the below poses of the three 3d model figures which I later transformed in three spy characters.

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If as a Newbie to using CLIP STUDIO PAINT (CSP) you find it difficult to creating individual or groups of characters with there own unique expressive and dynamic pose, I advice you use the 3d model figure, they are of great advantage especially to beginners, helping them get started on creating groups of characters with nice expressive poses.

And we can also easily get different sets of poses from the newly added features,

• Posemanaiac

• and Camera scanner.

1. To get a pose from the Posemanaiac feature

Start by clicking on [Window] a mini dashboard will appear and scrolling down will we then see the [Material] selection, click on the [Material] selection.

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The [Material] mini dashboard will be displayed, in the dashboard select the [3D model] and drag the [3D drawing figure ver. 2] onto canvas which by doing that, imports it onto the canvas as we can see the 3D model layer in the [Layer] dashboard by the right.

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With the 3d model now import onto the canvas, one can now move to giving it a dynamic pose and to do that,

 

Click on the icon with to (arrow bars pointing in the opposite direction), a mini dashboard will appear with different options, click on [3D pose (Posemanaiac)] and before you click on this option do TURN ON your network,

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Cause when [3D pose (Posemanaiac)] is selected, we will be redirected to (Posemanaiac) website page, there we need to sign up to be able to get news on updated poses and as well we will see several different poses which one can make use of but I want character with a unique posing position, to get what I want I need to specify and to do first click on [arrow bars pointing in the opposite direction],

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a mini dashboard will appear with different options, then I select an option which this case I want a character with a pointing pose, click on [Pointing],

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The [pointing] page will page where all the characters are pointing in their various ways will then be displayed. I then select one of the pose that caught my eyes.

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When the pose is selected, we will the be redirected to another page, now click on the [Open] bar at the bottom,

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A mini dashboard will appear, click again the [open] bar with the CLIP STUDIO PAINT logo,

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We will then be redirected to the CLIP STUDIO PAINT software with the pose automatically imported to the previous [3D drawing figure ver 2] and using the [Object] Sub tool, we can move the 3d model the position we want it to be as shown below,

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Next,

2. Importing from the 3D model (material box)

Open the [Material] mini dashboard will be displayed, in the dashboard select the [3D model] and drag the [3D drawing figure ver. 2] onto canvas which by doing that, imports it onto the canvas as we can see the 3D model layer in the [Layer] dashboard by the right.

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And you can simply change the pose with the various available 3d model by clicking on the [Use 3D pose material] icon on the bar below the 3d figure, a mini dashboard will appear, select the pose you want and then click on the [Ok] to switch that Pose onto your imported [3d drawing figure].

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And with the second character pose gotten, I then moved to the third.

2. To get a pose from the Camera scanner feature

I import another character [the female 3d drawing figure ver. 2] place it by the right side,

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I then click on the icon with to (arrow bars pointing in the opposite direction), a mini dashboard will appear with different options, click on [pose scanner (Photo library)],

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Of which a mini dashboard of my gallery will appear and I can then select the image with the pose I want to import it's pose.

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And the With that done the pose will then be imported onto the [the female 3d drawing figure ver. 2],

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Then for me to draw out the various poses without the 3d model figure thick contrast restricting me, I will then reduce the [Opacity] of the 3D model Layer to 25% as shown on the right side of the image below.

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Afterwards, I then create different layers, draw out the form of the different character poses and added a grey base color to them.

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And with that, we can now see the uniqueness and diversity of the characters come to life.

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Then I conclude this piece by adding the hairs to each one of them and giving them their individual and group name.

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You can learn more about pose using the below links 🔗 🔗

And on how to further make use of the 3D model use the below links 🔗🔗for that learning.

 

 

◾ Easy rules I use when I am to create characters or objects in clustered group

Explaining the rules I use, I will be using the sphere, cube box and prism shape objects,

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To show what we artists are to DO and AVOID when we create any subjects in groups.

 

 

1. Make your grouping interesting

To make your groupings interesting in digital art, consider using different sizes and shapes of elements. Vary the spacing between them to create visual rhythm. Play with the positioning of the various objects and let there be unity among the arrangement of the objects to add depth and contrast. You can also use overlapping to create a sense of movement and depth.

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2. Avoid leaving empty large spaces

This does not mean symmetry. It means balancing negative and positive space, lights and dark etc. so that the eye is comfortable. It is making sure that the arrangement is not too heavily weighted visually on one side or the other. If you are not sure, then squint at the arrangement and it will help you see a bit more easily.

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3. Create an eyes drag or move around piece

Isolating an object from a group immediately gives it attention above the rest of the group, Give your items a twist. The composition will be much more pleasing if all of the items are not standing in a row like ducklings in a pond.

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4. They should be a good overlap

Overlapping your items slightly creates interesting shapes and layers. It ties your elements into the rest of the grouping and creates a relationship between the items if you will.

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5. Avoid a bad cropping

In arranging objects or characters in a scene, one can avoid bad cropping by paying attention to the composition. Make sure the subject is centered or balanced within the frame. Avoid cutting off the major limbs or important features of the subject which make the subject what it is,

(Like for example, take a look at the cube box in the both below images,on the left side we will notice that the major part of the box which defined it was cover which as artists we must avoid doing. Meanwhile the right image, the box was slightly cropped leaving the essential part which makes it a box).

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Leave some breathing room around the subject to create a more pleasing visual.

 

 

6. Make a Center Focal Point ( Emphasis or Dominance)

This is perhaps the most important principle. This is where the viewers eye goes first! It’s best to always look for pre-existing emphasis within your own subject matter—and when it’s there, exaggerate it and make sure to use it. If no dominant focal point naturally exists, then allow one element to be the focal point either by manipulating the value in your piece, the color, the contrast, the level of detail or positioning. Remember this tip: have a Focal point and have it be interesting!

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◾ Aspect that add definition to a composition be it for group or individual illustration

Over the the year gone by as a CSP user, I have learned some KEY PRECEPTS or as I call them KEY PRINCIPLES, which has been of great help to me making the illustration of multiple sets of characters or groups of objects more easier and interesting to create, and I believe that the little tutorial article can be of help young beginners or those who are newbies in the world to grow in their grouping skills.

Note:

That the various concepts I will shortly be illustrating are mostly learnt from reading and watching other great artists, most of which I may relate to, which you may have come across or have heard before.

Kp 1: Angle! audiences point of view

The angle you choose in your digital art composition can greatly influence how your audience perceives the piece.

The angle from which the viewer sees the subject can create psychological effects. For example,

For example, a LOW ANGLE can make the subject appear powerful,

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While a HIGH ANGLE can make them seem vulnerable.

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Kp 2: A composition is about variety just “don’t make any two things the same”

Variety is the spice of life, they say it is about building The Symphony of Variety. And in art, it's the symphony that keeps us engaged. The rule "don't make any two things the same" isn't just a rule, it's a guiding principle. It's about contrast, texture, and movement.

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Variety is not just about avoiding repetition, it's about creating harmony through contrast. It's about finding the perfect balance between the familiar and the unexpected, the simple and the complex. It's about telling a story in a way that captivates and inspires.

With that above said, it then takes us to the next principle.

Kp 3: The “Rule of Thirds” can be key to creating balance in landscape painting

The Rule of Thirds is a great way to create balance in landscape paintings. It suggests dividing your canvas into nine equal sections by drawing two horizontal and two vertical lines. Placing key elements of your landscape along these lines or at their intersections can create a more visually appealing and balanced composition.

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Placing one aspect of the scene slightly on the above horizontal lines, aligned with the rule of thirds tell the viewers one story,

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Meanwhile on another hand, if that same aspect of the scene slightly place below the second horizontal lines, aligned with the rule of thirds, it tell the viewers an entirely different storyfrom the first, and this diversity make it more visually the landscape scene very much interesting,

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Next.

 

 

Kp 4: Make sure the spaces, and gaps between objects are all different.

It is a great way to add visual interest and depth to your landscape! By ensuring that the shapes, spaces, and gaps between objects are all different, you create a sense of dynamic energy and visual rhythm.

Take for example:

The below image with Varying in sizes of trees, rocks, and other elements to create a sense of scale and depth.

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Using negative space (the empty areas around your objects) to create contrast and draw the viewer's eye.

Playing with the shapes of the clouds, the curves of the river, and the jagged edges of the mountains to add visual interest.

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By embracing these variations, you'll create a landscape painting that feels alive and full of life.

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Kp 5: The use of Height to defeat the different characters in a group illustration

Height is a powerful tool in illustration! By strategically varying the height of your characters, you can create a dynamic and visually engaging group.

Now height help one art illustration build up the following:

 

Hierarchy:

Place the tallest character in the center to establish them as the leader or most important figure.

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When we create a group of characters it is highly advice able we use a mix of tall and short characters to create visual contrast and emphasize their differences.

Perspective:

Use forced perspective to make a character appear larger than life, adding a sense of power or dominance.

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Storytelling:

A character's height can reveal their personality. A towering figure might be strong and confident, while a smaller character might be more timid or vulnerable.

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Anime series: Attack on Titan,

So cool

Remember, height is more than just physical stature; it's a tool to tell a visual story and create a sense of depth and relationship within your illustration.

 

 

Kp 6: Boldening for Focus

Boldening is about subtle emphasis. The goal is to guide the viewer's eye without making the composition feel forced or unnatural.

 

 

◾ Adding of Blur effect

 

 

Adding blur to your digital art can help your subject stand out and create a sense of depth. You can use blur to create a soft glow effect or a hazy effect. There are many different ways to add blur to your digital art, including using filters in software like CLIP STUDIO PAINT or PHOTOSHOP among other.

Now to add the blue effect onto your illustration in CLIP STUDIO PAINT [CSP],

 

Start by importing the illustration, use the [selection Sub tool] to select the place you would not like the blue effect to affect, then click on the Invert button on the bottom bar below the select area,

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Afterwards, click on [Filter]>[Blur]>[Spin blur],

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A mini dashboard will be displayed with some setting options, for my illustration I adjusted the various settings to the following;

 

• Strength to 2.00%,

• Direction to [both directions]

• Shape to 1.00%,

• Tilt to 0.00% and I then click on the [OK].

 

But be free to set this various settings to suit how your want the blue effect to affect your illustration.

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And with that, we can now see how the blue effect draw the attention of the eye gaze towards the main subject of focus which is the female character in the illustration below.

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◾ Adding of fading effect

Fading out elements around your focal point draws attention to it. This technique is useful for highlighting key details or creating a sense of mystery.

Take for example the below characters, I used the fading effect to show that the first two characters in front are on the foreground, meanwhile the two art the back are on the background.

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The way you fade elements can influence the overall mood and emotion of the piece. A soft, gradual fade might evoke a sense of peace, while a more abrupt fade can create tension or drama.

Try to experiment with different fading techniques and observe how they affect the overall impact of your digital art.

◾Size:

The largest object often draws the most attention. Boldening or making particular Subject a center of focus could mean making the focal object slightly larger than the others.

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◾ Adding of Thickness to the objects border lines of focus

Focus can also be directed to the object we want our viewers to focus on, by making the outer line art more thicker than the others.

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◾Leading Lines:

Other objects or elements in the image can subtly "point" towards the focal object.

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Now to the last but the least which is the most important factor that governs all I have be explained above which is known as PRACTICE.

 

 

Kp 6: Practice..practice... practice

I read from a book ones that said, I quote

“To become better at some things keep on doing that thing over and over again and it will become a habit, you will no longer need to stress yourself again over it”.

 

 

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Thanks everyone for going through this tutorial article and a big thanks to those over the years that has followed my progress 😁🤙, I am so happy for that and am always help hear from you. For now I hope this article maybe of helps younger improve your art style, if you are like me as I have in the past always wanted to learn things about art but don't have the means to learn, I will for now be bid everyone bye for now, see you on the next one.