Creating an Isometric Pixel Art Scene in Clip Studio Paint

In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the creation of an isometric pixel art scene in Clip Studio Paint. Throughout this series, we will build up the scene room by room, adding details and animation along the way.

Isometric Pixel Art Basics

Isometric pixel art is built using lines composed of 2-pixel wide segments, which create the horizontal plane. A straight line upward creates the vertical plane. Other configurations, such as 1-pixel or 3-pixel segments, can be used to create steeper or shallower viewing angles. For this series, we will use the common 2-pixel format.

Setting up a Custom Isometric Grid

To create a custom pixelated grid, use the dot pen to draw a line composed of 5 two-pixel segments along each side. Mirror this line to generate a full unit cell, and then copy and paste the unit cell, shifting it into place as repeating units until the entire document is filled. These grid lines will serve as the foundation for the illustration. Use a document size of 180x180 pixels and fill the grid lines with a bright color (e.g., pink) at 20% opacity for visibility.

Configuring the Line Tool

To configure the line tool, switch to the line tool and set the anti-aliasing option to "None" for crisp, pixelated edges. Set the brush size to 1 pixel, and then drag out a line over the grid for guidance, following the angle of the grid lines. However, this may result in stray pixels and uneven connections between pixels. To avoid this, set the brush size to slightly less than 1 pixel (e.g., 0.9 pixels). This trick helps to avoid excessive connections between pixels, resulting in a cleaner line.

Isometric Room Design Techniques

Roughing Out the Room Shape

Use the grid lines to create a rough outline of the room. Draw a large rectangle for the floor, following the grid lines to ensure a clean, pixel-perfect line. Copy and paste the rectangle to create a thicker platform, and erase excess lines.

Creating Walls

Draw a vertical line to establish the wall height. Follow the grid line along the wall's length, and bring it back down to complete the wall shape. Use the grid as a point of reference for intersecting lines and architecture adjustments.

Adjusting the Design

Use the rectangle selection tool to drag and adjust individual pieces of the design. Utilize the polyline selection tool to target specific lines or angles for adjustment. Make adjustments to the floor plan and architecture as needed.

Designing Upper Levels and Details

Create separate layers for new design elements to maintain individual control. Build new pieces along the grid, then adjust and position them within the design. Use this process to add details such as upper levels, platforms, and architectural features.

Design Context and Theme

The design is intended to represent a personal quarters on a spaceship or space station. The design process involves improvising architecture to eventually decorate with a space-themed design.

Adding Simple Shading to a Digital Art Piece

Using a Predefined Color Palette

Use a predefined color palette called Retro 24, inspired by retro games and published on the Clip Studio page. The palette has strong contrast, so a softer appearance is desired for shading faces of walls and floors.

Intermediate Color Function

Use the Intermediate Color function to create a range of colors between four corner colors. This allows for mixing and matching of colors to create a variety of shades, similar to a painter mixing paints in a digital sense. For this piece, a combination of light Grays and blue Grays is used to generate subtle and neutral options.

Shading Process

Use the fill tool to drop the lightest shade color inside sections of the line work. Make sure to check the "Applied to Connected pixels only" box to contain the fill within a space. Follow the shading rules:

• Lightest tone on walls facing left
• Middle tone on floors and upward-facing surfaces
• Darkest tone on walls facing the opposite direction
• Walls of the additional platform underneath are shaded one step darker for distinction and shadow effect

Isometric Artwork Techniques

Line Work Variations

Swap out pure black line work with different colors to add visual interest and hierarchy. Remove line work entirely to create a unique look. Use a half-step approach to create dashed lines by erasing every other pixel of the line.

Consistency in Stylistic Choices

Apply consistent stylistic choices to equivalent situations to maintain a consistent read across the entire piece. Use the same color or pattern for edges facing the same direction to define rules for the illustration.

Rendering Decisions

Experiment with different line work options, such as dark lines, colored lines, or no lines at all, to find the desired look. Consider the overall presentation and how line work affects the scene's appearance.

Adding Visual Interest to Flat Shapes

Break up the silhouette of flat shapes with angles or pieces that jut out to create additional framing. Use colors generated during the shading and rendering phase to make changes to the architecture.

Repurposing Colors for Objects and Characters

Use the same colors to create basic objects and characters, adding visual coherence to the scene. This technique helps to create a unified and harmonious visual environment.

By following these techniques and guidelines, you can create a stunning isometric pixel art scene in Clip Studio Paint. Remember to experiment and have fun with the process, and don't be afraid to try new things and make adjustments as needed. Happy creating!