Creating a Script Font in Clip Studio Paint (CSP) and Making a 3D-Pen Brush
In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the process of creating a script font in Clip Studio Paint (CSP) and making a 3D-Pen brush. This tutorial is perfect for digital artists, comic creators, and anyone interested in creating unique fonts and brushes.
Creating the Script Font
To start, we will create a script font using CSP's vector tools. This font will be used to create a beautiful, handwritten script font that can be used in various digital art projects.
Step 1: Choose Font and Type Text
The first step is to choose a font and type some text. For this example, we will use the Script MT Bold font. Type any text you like, and adjust the size of the text as needed.
Step 2: Duplicate and Convert to Vector Layer
Next, duplicate the text layer and convert it to a vector layer. To do this, go to Layer > Convert layer and change the Type to Vector.
Step 3: Adjust Text with Vector Tools
Now, use CSP's vector tools to adjust the text. You can use the G-Pen to trace the text below on the vector layer without stopping. Alternatively, turn down the opacity of the text layer and create a new vector layer.
Step 4: Simplify Vector Line and Adjust Control Points
With the Operation Tool selected, choose the 'Control Point' icon beside the Tool Navigation heading. Select the Simplify Vector line sub tool to remove some of the points. Then, click the Control Point sub tool and set the process to 'Switch Corner' in the Tool Property below. Click on the yellow control points to switch them from a sharp to a round corner.
Additional Control Point Processes
There are several additional control point processes you can use to further refine your vector line. These include:
- Move Control Point
- Add Control Point
- Adjust Line Width
- Correct Density
Smoothing Vector Lines with Cut Line and Delete Control Point
To smooth out your vector line, use Cut Line and Delete Control Point. You can also use Pinch Vector Line to move multiple control points at once. Creating loops in your vector line can produce visually appealing results when drawn with a 3D-Pen.
Customizing Vector Line Appearance
Finally, you can customize the appearance of your vector line by selecting the Object sub tool from the Operation Tool. In the Tool Property, you can change the Main and Sub color, adjust the Brush Size, and select the Brush Shape. You can choose from a variety of brushes, including the 3D-Pen brush, Melody brush, Spray brush, and Heart brush.
Creating a 3D-Pen Brush
Now that we have created our script font, let's make a 3D-Pen brush to use with it.
Step 1: Prepare the Material Window
To start, go to the Material Window and ensure that the Basic Expression Color is set to Color. The 3D-Pen Brush Tip material should be visible in the Material Window.
Step 2: Create a New Brush
Next, select the Pen tool and choose the G-Pen. Click the 'Copy sub tool icon' to duplicate the brush, and then rename the duplicated brush by right-clicking on it and selecting 'Settings of sub tool' or clicking the 'Copy sub tool icon' and then renaming it.
Step 3: Configure the Sub Tool Window
Click the Wrench Tool Icon to bring up the Sub Tool Window for the brush. Go to 'Brush Tip' and click 'Add brush tip shape', and then select the 3D-Pen Brush Tip material.
Step 4: Configure Brush Settings
Now, configure the brush settings by going to 'Stroke' and setting the Gap to 'Fixed' and the Spacing to 0.1. Go to 'Brush Shape' and click 'Register to Preset'. The brush should be added to the preset below.
Step 5: Save Settings and Start Drawing
Finally, click 'Save all settings as Default' to save the brush settings. The 3D-Pen brush is now ready to use. Select the Foreground and Background colors – we recommend making the Background color a darker version of the Foreground color. Select the 3D-Pen brush and start drawing. You can also set the Foreground color to black and select the Ten... tool for added customization options.
Creating a Circle and Adding a Gradient
Before we start drawing, let's create a circle and add a gradient to it. This will give our 3D-Pen brush a smooth, rounded appearance.
Step 1: Setting Up the Document
Create a new CSP document and set the Basic Expression Color to Grey to paint with shades of grey. Set the Foreground color to Black.
Step 2: Creating the Circle
Create a circle using the Eclipse selection tool and fill it with Black. Lock the Transparent pixels on that layer to prevent painting outside the circle.
Step 3: Adding a Gradient
Select the Foreground to Transparent gradient subtool and set the Edge Process to 'Do not Repeat'. Set the Foreground color to White and add a gradient from the bottom of the circle for a smooth transition from Black to White. Ensure the background is transparent.
Step 4: Registering the Material
Finally, go to Edit > Register Material > Image material and name your image material. Click 'Use for Brush Tip' and choose the folder you want to save it in.
With these steps, you have successfully created a script font in Clip Studio Paint and made a 3D-Pen brush. You can now use these tools to create stunning digital art, comics, and illustrations.