Symmetry Ruler and Manga Studio Clip Studio Paint Tutorial
The Symmetry Ruler is a powerful tool in Manga Studio Clip Studio Paint that allows artists to create symmetrical designs with ease. In this tutorial, we'll explore how to use the Symmetry Ruler, along with custom brushes, to create stunning digital art.
Using the Symmetry Ruler
To add the Symmetry Ruler, simply click on the icon in the toolbar or press the corresponding shortcut key. Hold Shift and drag the Symmetry Ruler to the center of your artwork to create a perfect symmetry. If the Symmetry Ruler is not in the middle, you can adjust it by selecting the icon and moving it around. To toggle the Symmetry Ruler on and off, click on the diamond shape icon. You can also adjust the angle of the Symmetry Ruler by holding Command (or Ctrl on PC) and dragging it.
Using the Symmetry Ruler with Custom Brushes
To use the Symmetry Ruler with custom brushes, create a new layer and select the brush you want to use. Hold Shift and draw from the center of the artwork outwards to create a symmetrical design. The Symmetry Ruler will automatically draw the other side of the design for you. You can refine the design as needed, and then hide the Symmetry Ruler layer by right-clicking and selecting "Not to Show".
Painting and Filling Selections
To paint and fill a selection, first make a selection of the outside of the design using Command + Shift + I (or Ctrl + Shift + I on PC). Invert the selection by pressing Command + I (or Ctrl + I on PC) or by clicking on the invert icon. Create a new layer and flood fill the selection with a desired color. To tone down the lines, go back to the original layer and reduce the opacity of the lines.
Creating a Background
To create a quick background, add a new layer and fill it with a desired color. Lock transparent pixels and use a custom brush to add texture and depth to the background. You can create a desaturated gray color and move the layer up to fill the top part with a desaturated blue color. Clean up the sides of the layer and add a light source to the background to help define the light source early on. Add a shadow to the background using the multiply or darken blending mode, and use a texture brush to add some texture to the background. Finally, add a light source to the edge of the background to make it look more reflective.
Creating a Chalice
Start by using a soft brush to block in the basic shape and shadow of the chalice. Use the multiply blending mode to create a subtle shadow, making sure transparent pixels are locked to prevent the brush from going outside the edges. Add a shadow to the side of the chalice to give it some depth, using a bluish black color to create a subtle shadow. Experiment with different colors, such as brownish red, to add variety to the shadows. Avoid using the same shadow and highlight colors throughout the entire piece to prevent it from looking flat and boring.
Adding Texture with Brushes
Use the smooth paint and blend brush to add texture to the chalice. Set the brush to a darker tone and adjust the brush density to get a harder edge light source. Use the brush to add shadows to the ridges and crevices of the chalice, mixing the soft brush and texture brush effects to create a more realistic look. Add grit and texture to the chalice using the stipple brush, setting it to the multiply blending mode and adjusting the density to get the desired effect. Add texture early on and then paint back over it with other brushes to soften it up and create a more realistic look.
Weathering and Texturing
Add glow to the metal texture to bring out the details, using a brighter light source to highlight the texture. Add metal scratches using a dark multiply brush to create imperfections, varying the size of the scratches and the pressure of the brush to create different levels of detail. Add metal dents using a dark brush to create more prominent imperfections, using the brush to press the dents into the metal texture.
Highlighting and Lighting
Use a soft brush to highlight the metal with a yellow light source, painting through the middle of the metal to bring out the texture. Add glow to the edges of the metal using a small brush, studying reference images to understand how light reacts to the metal texture. Remove line work to focus on the texture and lighting.
Adding Realism
Use the texture to add realism to the metal, working up the details of the texture using a small brush. Punch up the light source on the edges of scratches and dents, adding more realism by darkening up some of the tones of the scratches. Widen out parts of the indents to create more realistic depths, balancing the lighting across the metal texture.
Tips and Reminders
Remember that brushes are meant to aid in the painting process, not replace it. Use the brushes to learn and experiment with different techniques, and don't be afraid to spend time detailing the metal texture if it's a main part of the piece. Balance the level of detail with the importance of the metal in the overall piece.
Enhancing Realism in Digital Art with Brush Techniques
Adding Realism with Multiply Shadow Brush
Use the multiply shadow brush to add depth and dimension to an object, setting the brush to multiply and focusing on the edge of the object. Bring out realism by adding more color and subtle color shifts, using the Overlay mode to add a reddish tone to the object.
Tonal Correction and Saturation Control
Duplicate the work and use the Edit > Tonal Correction > Hue Saturation tool to adjust saturation. Bump down the saturation to achieve a more realistic look, using the transparent brush to erase and control the saturation in specific areas.
By following these tips and techniques, you can take your digital art to the next level, adding realism and depth to your creations with ease.