I Figured Out How Anime Studios Color In Cels (**Recreating Using Clip Studio Paint**)

Introduction

In this article, I will share my method for coloring anime frames inspired by the traditional pipeline used by Japanese anime studios. It's essential to clarify that there are various techniques for coloring anime, but I will explain my efficient workflow suited for Clip Studio Paint (CSP). My animation team and I have successfully created numerous anime-style animations, and I hope this guide helps you tackle your projects.

Setting Up Your Animation Cell Folder

Step 1: Create an Animation Folder

To begin, you need to set up a new animation folder in your animation timeline. Within this folder, create another folder where we will establish our layers.

Step 2: Layer Structure

1. Line Art Layer: This is the top layer and is exclusively for your black line art. It’s crucial to keep this layer clean, as it will be the reference for coloring later on.

   • Tip: Use the "Change Layer Color" function to set this layer to solid black. This measure helps prevent accidental changes in color while drawing.

2. Flat Colors Layer: The second layer (below the line art) will be for flat colors. You can leave it blank for the time being.

3. Colored Lines (Color Trace) Layer: The bottom layer will be used for your colored line art, also known as the color trace. You can create two color trace layers—one in solid blue and the other in solid red. Select the appropriate layer as you work.

Optional Efficiency: Auto Action

If you want to streamline your workflow, set up an auto action in CSP that automatically generates this folder structure. It saves time and keeps your projects organized.

Drawing Line Art

When creating your line art, use clean and dark lines, emulating the traditional methods used in anime studios. Most anime studios still prefer pencil and paper before digitizing their artwork.

To convert lines into a pixelated format suitable for coloring, I utilize specific CSP Auto Actions shared by the YouTube channel NAA CH. These require some practice, so I recommend watching their instructional video on setup and usage.

Important Brush Settings

Disable anti-aliasing on your brush settings. This step will allow for the pixelated lines necessary for easy filling later. Remember, you’ll be using black for the line art and blue and red for the color trace layers.

Filling in Colors

Now that the setup is complete, it’s time to fill in your layers. Adjust the paint bucket tool settings—turn off anti-aliasing and auto-scaling. Set the bucket tool to reference only the folder you created so that it targets the line art and color trace layers without affecting other elements.

Important Note

Pay attention to small pixel gaps that may appear in your line art. Anime studios meticulously check for out-of-place pixels, so it’s vital to fill every single one.

Adjusting Line Art

Once you are satisfied with your colors, you will need to convert the pixelated lines back to smooth lines. While after-effects plugins like Olm Smoother can be used in post-production, we can achieve a similar effect in CSP using its smoothing feature.

1. Merging Layers: Merge your animation drawing to a new layer, then navigate to Filter > Blur > Smoothing.
2. Repeat as Needed: This process can be repeated to further enhance the smoothness. Alternatively, you can use the "Copy Smoothing" auto action provided by NAA CH.

Organizing Your Animation

To keep your animation organized, create a new animation folder for each step in the process. Place all coloring steps within one animation folder, ensuring clarity as you proceed. This method can serve as an efficient way to export the various phases of your animation, from storyboarding to final coloring.

Conclusion

By following the steps detailed in this guide, you can emulate the coloring process utilized by professional anime studios while using Clip Studio Paint. If you’d like to learn more about the anime production pipeline, be sure to check out my other videos showcasing my animation team's workflow and projects.

Keyword

• Anime
• Color
• Clip Studio Paint
• Line Art
• Auto Actions
• Animation
• Color Trace
• Pixelated Lines
• Smoothing
• Folder Structure

FAQ

Q: What is the importance of the folder structure in Clip Studio Paint?
A: A well-organized folder structure allows you to manage your layers efficiently, making the coloring process straightforward and preventing errors.

Q: Why disable anti-aliasing while drawing and filling colors?
A: Disabling anti-aliasing ensures that you draw with clear, pixelated lines, which is essential for filling colors without issues.

Q: How do I achieve smooth lines after coloring?
A: You can achieve smooth lines by merging your drawing into a new layer and applying the smoothing filter or using the "Copy Smoothing" auto action for efficiency.

Q: What should I do if I find pixel gaps in my line art?
A: It’s important to meticulously fill in any pixel gaps. Professional studios ensure that there are no out-of-place pixels, so do the same for your project.

Q: Can I use other colors for the color trace layers?
A: While blue and red are typical in anime production, you can use any colors you prefer, provided they are neither pure black nor pure white.