In this article l'll explain my process for painting the featured birthday cake. It's beginner friendly and will look great on any birthday card!

I will also share some general tips for creating birthday card designs in Clip Studio Paint (Tablet Version - For Android)

Step By Step - Birthday Cake

Before we begin, I recommend keeping each color on a separate layer (at first anyway).

I start with a sketch, which is rather simple in this case.

I outline the overall shape with the line tools in CSPs default sub tools. This way lines are straight and shapes are accurate.

Next I start a base coat of paint for the larger areas of color using a thick coating brush and define them more with some shading and highlights. For the cake, I mostly just darkened the edges with a soft brush.

I took extra care with the icing, giving it a glossy appearance.

Note: Later on I decided I needed to use a darker shade of pink. Use any color you'd like, but if you're following along I recommend using the pink color in the finished painting.

I add texture to the cake with the spray can and drawing a few larger dots by hand.

For the candles I used the rectangle shape tool, in this case I increased the roundness of the corners in settings. I duplicated the layer twice and used the “convert to drawing color” tool under “Edit” to change the colors.

I also painted one candle flame and duplicated the layer twice. If suitable, this is a way to save time and create uniform shape and size.

To create the eyes, I used the elipse tool set to make a perfect circle. I created one eye, then duplicated the layer so that the other eye would be the same size without the need to measure. After I'm satisfied with the placement, I merge the two eye layers.

I use the same method with the lines for the cheeks and merge the layer with the eye layer so that I can use the fill tool. Erase the portion of the eye below the cheek line.

After filling, I use the elipse tool again for the eye highlight.

To create the eyelashes, I used the curve tool for the overall shape and then filled them by hand with a pen.

I use the duplication method once more for the other eyelash, but in this case we must flip the layer. It's best if you do not move the layer after duplicating it. When you flip it, you'll be able to use the original layer as a guide for the size. When both match like the wings of a butterfly tap ok, then move the layer to the desired location.

Finally I focus on the finishing touches, the sprinkles, the melting wax on top of the candles and the wicks. I used the soft airbrush for the rosy cheeks.

The cream filling layers on the cake were created using the curve tool, but I changed the brush shape to gouache for the nice texture. It uses dual colors so I chose pink and white. If you only use one color you will not see the texture effect as well.

Finished! This is a great focal point for any birthday card! I will discuss card design more in the next section. If you have any questions feel free to ask.

Birthday Card Tips

I've always loved making my own cards for friends and family.

Clip Studio Paint makes that even more fun and convenient. I love making e-cards that I can send right away!

Card Style

In the example below I created a hand made look using watercolor style brushes and pens. The great thing about this style is that it doesn't have to be absolutely perfect.

In this example I used simple characters and decorations but it still turned out to be very cute! Both are great options for beginners.

Note: In both examples I've filled most of the space, but I haven't made it too busy and cluttered. Try giving each element some “elbow room”.

If you plan to print your card, the inside should match the theme and colors of your cover design. I usually include a more personal happy birthday message and maybe another small drawing with it.

Script or Text

This is one of the most important tips for cards because they always include script and it's generally a focal point.

It may be tempting to use different colors and styles in the same line of script but ultimately it will take away from the overall design. It makes the words hard to focus on and read for the viewer (or recipient in this case.)

An extremely busy design will also have the same negative effect as demonstrated in the rainbow script below to the right.

Use any color or design you'd like, but keep it uniform throughout. It's best to get high contrast (either with the text color or outline color if necessary)

Notice how the script on the right side in the example above stands out much more since it has high contrast with the background.

I hope this has been helpful and you liked it! Thank you for reading 😊