Flatting and Shading Artwork: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction

In this tutorial, we will explore the process of flatting and shading artwork using reference layers in Clip Studio Paint. We will learn how to quickly add flat initial colors to a piece of art, create a detailed look using layer masks, and achieve a softer shaded style with gradients and selection tools.

Flatting

Flatting is the process of adding flat initial colors to a piece of art. Traditionally, this process can be tedious, but with Clip Studio Paint, we can use reference layers to make it faster and more efficient.

To start coloring, we need a piece of artwork with ink lines on one layer that is transparent except for the black lines. We want our colors on a separate layer from the line art, and it's recommended to have colors on layers below the line art. Let's create a new layer below the line art and name it "Base."

Faster Way to Fill Sections with Color

The traditional method of filling sections with color involves using the selection tool to meticulously draw around each individual section and fill it with color. However, there is a faster way to achieve this without being a professional comic book flatter.

Step-by-Step Process

1. Select a Color: Choose a color to fill the sections with.
2. Select the Paint Bucket Tool: Choose the paint bucket tool from the toolbar.
3. Use the "Refer Edited Layer Only" Subtool: Initially, this subtool will fill the entire layer with one color because the layer is empty and has no reference.
4. Set the Line Art Layer as the Reference Layer:
   • In the layers palette, click on the icon that looks like a little lighthouse next to the line art layer.
   • This sets the line art layer as the reference layer.
5. Select the Base Layer Again: Go back to the base layer.
6. Use the "Refer Other Layer" Subtool:
   • In the subtool palette for the paint bucket, choose the "Refer Other Layer" subtool.
7. Specify the Reference Layer:
   • In the tool property palette, click on the icon under "Multiple Reference" for "Reference Layer."
   • This tells the program to reference the layer that is marked as the reference layer.

By following these steps, you can quickly and easily fill sections with color without having to manually draw around each individual section.

Optimizing Flatting in Digital Painting

Area Scaling

Area scaling enables color to expand and go underneath line art, preventing the "halo" effect around color fills when area scaling is off. Adjust the setting according to the thickness of your line work. A recommended setting is 2.0, but may vary depending on individual needs.

Close Gap Option

The close gap option closes small gaps in line art to prevent color from spreading. A recommended tolerance setting is 3.0. This leaves no gaps in line art, ensuring clean color fills.

Flatting Process

1. Select the Desired Color: Choose a color to fill the areas with.
2. Use the Paint Bucket Tool: Use the paint bucket tool to fill areas with color.
3. Click in Areas: Click in areas that need to be filled with the selected color.
4. Repeat the Process: Repeat the process to quickly fill large areas with color.

Flatting with Paint Bucket and Reference Layers

Efficient Filling with Paint Bucket

• Click and hold the mouse button to fill unfilled areas quickly.
• Continue moving the mouse to fill multiple areas at once.
• This method saves time by reducing the number of clicks needed.

Filling Small Unfilled Areas

• Use the Paint Unfilled Areas sub-tool to fill small areas automatically.
• Select the sub-tool and go over the areas that need to be filled.
• Make sure to turn on the Reference Layer under Options for this to work.
• This tool fills in unpainted areas quickly and efficiently.

Manual Touch-ups

• For areas that aren't filled by the Paint Unfilled Areas tool, use the Pen tool to fill them in by hand.
• This provides more precision and control for small, hard-to-reach areas.

Final Result

Continue working in this manner until all areas are filled with color. This completes the flatting process, resulting in a quick and efficient way to create flat colors using reference layers and the paint bucket fill tool.