How to Use CLIP STUDIO PAINT - Digital Art Tutorial for BEGINNERS (step by step)

Introduction

Welcome, art enthusiasts! My name is Alyssa, and today I will guide you through the basics of CLIP STUDIO PAINT. This tutorial is packed with step-by-step instructions to help you dive into this incredible software and start creating stunning works of art.

Introduction to CLIP STUDIO PAINT

CLIP STUDIO PAINT is an artist software that excels in drawing, painting, comic and manga creation, as well as animation. It features a versatile 3D model library of characters and backgrounds for easy reference, a screen tone library, and many other valuable features.

Having used Photoshop and Paint Tool SAI in the past, I find CLIP STUDIO PAINT a blend of both—offering the drawing and painting prowess of Paint Tool SAI alongside the post-production editing capabilities of Photoshop.

User Interface Overview

To begin, let’s explore the interface. On the far left, you’ll find the toolbar, which contains all of our tools. Next to it is the tool details panel, showing properties and sub-tools.

In the center, we have the canvas drawing space where all the magic happens. On the right side, you’ll access resources such as screen tones and 3D models, followed by the navigator, which offers a miniature view of your entire drawing. Below that, there is the layers panel for managing your work.

Creating a New File

To create a new file, navigate to the top left and click on File > New. A dialog box will appear asking what type of work you’re doing: Illustration, Comic, or Animation. For this tutorial, select Illustration. Name your file (e.g., “csp basics”) and ensure the dimensions and resolution are set as desired. Check the paper color option to create a background layer.

After creating the new file, familiarize yourself with essential navigation tools found at the top of the toolbar:

Zoom Tool: Use Ctrl + to zoom in and Ctrl - to zoom out (or Command + / Command - on Mac).
Hand Tool: Hold the spacebar and drag to pan around the canvas.
Rotate Tool: Press R to rotate the canvas.

Mastering these shortcuts will make your workflow faster and more efficient.

Drawing Basics

The Pen Tool and Sub-tools

Let’s start drawing! The first tool you’ll use is the pen tool (shortcut: P). It’s best for outlining and line work. CLIP STUDIO PAINT offers various sub-tools for different effects. You can toggle between them using the shortcut key.

You can adjust brush size and opacity in the tool properties panel. Use the brackets on your keyboard to resize your brush quickly.

Erasing and Moving Elements

The eraser tool allows you to erase parts of your drawing. You can also adjust settings for hard, soft, and snap erasers.

To move your drawing, use the move tool (shortcut: K), or the lasso tool allows you to select parts of your drawing that you can then move or edit.

Layer Management and Color

Working with Layers

Creating new layers helps organize your artwork. Click the "+" icon in the layer panel to add a new layer. For line art, create a new layer above your sketch and name it "Line Art". Adjust the opacity of your sketch layer to get a clear view of your line work.

Once your line art is complete, create additional layers for coloring beneath the line art layer. Use the magic wand tool to select areas you want to color, then fill them using the paint bucket tool.

Color Pick and Brush Techniques

The eyedropper tool allows you to select colors from your canvas. To toggle this tool quickly, hold Alt while on any other tool. Use the brush tool for painting and shading. Adjust brush settings as needed, like opacity and size.

Final Touches

Shading and Gradients

To add shading, create a new layer and set the layer mode to multiply. This darkens the colors beneath it, making shading more efficient.

For backgrounds, create a new layer and use the gradient tool to add depth. Choose your gradient settings and click-and-drag on the canvas for effects.

Conclusion

Once you’ve completed your drawing, be sure to save it! Use Ctrl + S or navigate to File > Save As to preserve your work.

And there you have it! A step-by-step introduction to using CLIP STUDIO PAINT. I hope this tutorial has been beneficial. If you enjoyed it, please consider giving it a thumbs up and sharing it with fellow artist friends.

Keywords

CLIP STUDIO PAINT, digital art, tutorial, drawing, painting, character creation, layers, shortcuts, color picker, tools

FAQ

What is CLIP STUDIO PAINT used for?

CLIP STUDIO PAINT is primarily used for drawing, painting, comic and manga creation, and animation.

What are the main tools in CLIP STUDIO PAINT?

The main tools include the pen, brush, eraser, paint bucket, magic wand, and eyedropper tools.

How do I create a new file?

Go to File > New, choose the type of work you’re doing, name your file, and adjust the settings accordingly.

Are there keyboard shortcuts in CLIP STUDIO PAINT?

Yes, familiarizing yourself with keyboard shortcuts greatly enhances your workflow. For instance, Ctrl + to zoom in and Ctrl - to zoom out.

How can I manage layers in my artwork?

You can create, rename, and organize layers in the layers panel, which allows you to separate different elements like line art, colors, and backgrounds.