Understanding Perspective with Clip Studio Paint

As an artist, I have had a love-hate relationship with perspective, understanding its foundations but struggling to implement it in my work. However, using Clip Studio Paint (CSP) as my primary drawing software for the past six years has helped eliminate some perspective-related issues. In this article, I will share my experience with using CSP's perspective ruler and grid, as well as provide tips and tricks for creating accurate and realistic perspectives.

Clip Studio Paint's Perspective Ruler

CSP's perspective ruler is a powerful tool located in the menu under "Rulers." It has several options, including "Add Vanishing Point," which allows you to create a central dot where two lines meet. The horizon line connects to the vanishing point, and you can drag it around the canvas using the "Operation" and "Object Setting" tools. To make the ruler interact with all layers, go to the "Ruler" tab and click "Show in All Layers."

Demonstrating Perspective with a Hallway Example

To demonstrate how to use the perspective ruler, I created a new layer and started drawing a hallway. I noticed that sometimes the pen may feel like it's being dragged in an unwanted direction, which is a quirk of CSP's rulers. To balance this out, I drew a line towards the vanishing point. For more complex scenes, I recommend starting with a sketch before using the ruler. I demonstrated this by adding a dresser and bed to the hallway scene.

Tips and Tricks

Here are some tips and tricks I've learned when using the perspective ruler:

• It's helpful to have an idea or reference in mind when using the perspective ruler.
• I find it easier to work inward and draw lines towards the vanishing point.
• The horizon line can be adjusted to change the shape of objects in the scene.

Two-Point Perspective

Two-point perspective is similar to the basic perspective ruler, but I don't often use it with CSP's rulers. Instead, I find it easier to do two-point perspective without the rulers. Two vanishing points are placed on the same horizon line, and this perspective is often used to draw a street corner, but can be used for other scenes such as a hallway or corner of a room. The perspective lines converge to the two vanishing points, which can be moved further away to create a sense of depth.

Using a Grid for Perspective

A grid can be downloaded from the asset store to help with perspective drawing. The grid provides perspective rulers that can be used to draw one-point, two-point, and three-point perspectives. The grid can be customized to show only floors or walls, which can be helpful for scaling and layout. A bird's eye view or flat floor perspective can be achieved by adjusting the grid.

Advantages of Using a Grid

Using a grid has several advantages, including:

• Easy to use, even for those with little experience
• Versatile and can be used for various types of perspectives
• Provides accurate perspective lines and vanishing points

Limitations of the Grid

However, there are some limitations to using a grid:

• Some grids may not work well with 3D models, requiring a different grid to be used
• May not be necessary for simple perspective drawings, but can be helpful for more complex scenes

Using Grid and Rulers in Perspective Drawing

When using a grid and rulers in perspective drawing, it's essential to place the 3D model on a grid, which allows for easy measurement and manipulation of objects in the scene. When the 3D model is moved, all the rulers will adjust to reflect the new perspective. Creating a new layer helps to keep objects organized and prevents interaction with other layers on the canvas. Using the grid to measure out where objects should be placed helps to get a feel for the measurements and scale.

Tips for Creating a Floor Plan

When creating a floor plan, it's essential to:

• Make a floor plan for the scene to ensure that the room is not too big or too small
• Double-check measurements to avoid overestimating the amount of space needed
• Place walls and objects on the grid to keep them in proportion and to scale

Using Perspective Rulers with Marquee Tools

When using the marquee tools with the rulers activated, they will draw in perspective as well. The rulers can be moved and adjusted to fit the desired perspective. The cursor can be moved to adjust the perspective of the rulers without having to worry about the exact angle.

Using 3D Models with Grids

3D models can be placed on a grid, making it easier to measure and manipulate objects in the scene. The grid is not necessary to use 3D models, but it can be helpful for organization and measurement. Each 3D model has its own perspective grid, which can be accessed by going into the rulers tab and clicking "show in all layers."

Using 3D Models as a Drawing Guide

3D models can be used as a drawing guide, allowing you to:

• Place 3D models, such as a bar, and scale them to fit the scene
• Place other objects, like bar stools, and arrange them in the scene
• Drag and drop characters, like an anime girl, into the scene

Working with 3D Tools

3D tools can be finicky and take some getting used to. You can use the tools to draw over parts of the 3D model that aren't aiding the illustration. You can add details, like glasses on the bar, to the 3D model.

Using 3D Models as a Reference

You can use 3D models as a minor reference or build an entire 3D scene for a background. You can take the 3D model as far as desired, adding details and elements to create a complex scene.

Creating a 3D City

You can use available 3D models to build a 3D city. You can color code or use the line extraction tool to create clean line art. You can place buildings, roads, and sidewalks to create a detailed scene.

Drawing with a Grid

You can use a grid to draw objects in perspective, making it easier to create accurate and realistic scenes.

By following these tips and tricks, you can master perspective drawing with Clip Studio Paint and create stunning illustrations that will leave your audience in awe.