Creating a Manga or Comic Page from Start to Finish using Clip Studio Paint
When creating a manga or comic page, it's essential to have a clear plan and structure in place to ensure a smooth and efficient process. In this article, we'll guide you through the steps to create a manga or comic page from start to finish using Clip Studio Paint.
Sketching Rough Panels as a Storyboard
The first step in creating a manga or comic page is to sketch rough panels to get an overview of the story's structure. This stage is crucial in deciding on the panel arrangement and content. Keep everything simple and rough, focusing on getting the idea across without getting lost in details. Write rough dialogue and experiment with different panel shapes and sizes to visualize the scene.
Planning the Layout
Once you have a rough idea of the story, it's time to plan the layout. Divide the canvas into pages and add rough panels in various shapes and sizes. Typically, 4-6 panels per page are enough, but feel free to experiment with different layouts. Look at your favorite manga for references on layout, panel shape, and visual impact. Consider the importance of panel placement, such as using diagonal or dynamic panels to support the scene's visual impact.
Keeping it Simple
At this stage, focus on getting the idea across without overcomplicating the scene. Add just enough details to convey the scene, such as movements in a fighting scene, a wide shot of a location, or a close-up of an important object. Keep facial expressions and hair simple to distinguish between characters, and add rough backgrounds to establish perspective and character positions.
Adding Variety and Inspiration
To add variety and inspiration to your manga or comic page, switch between close-ups and wide shots, and include atmospheric panels to establish the scene's location and vibe. Take inspiration from movies, games, or other manga to fill panels and create a cohesive scene.
Working with Text Balloons
When working with text balloons, consider their placement in the storyboard to avoid covering important details. Factor in how text balloons will affect the way people read the comic, and use digital tools to easily change their size, shape, and position as needed.
Benefits of Creating a Storyboard
Creating a storyboard has several benefits, including creating a clear overview of the story's structure, avoiding mistakes, and making changes easier. It allows for planning and making important decisions before investing time in detailed drawings, making the process of creating a comic or manga much easier once the direction is clear.
Setting Up a New Manga Project in Clip Studio
To set up a new manga project in Clip Studio, go to File > New and click on the Comic Page icon. Customize the page settings, such as page size, width of the bleed, and resolution. Choose between a color or black and white project, and decide on the number of pages you want to start with. You can add more pages later by right-clicking and selecting Add Page.
Creating Panels
To create panels, use the Panel Tool to draw a large panel across the entire page. Divide it into smaller panels using the Frame Border tool, and repeat the process to create the desired panel layout. Each panel has a folder with a layer mask that defines its boundaries, and inside the folder, there are two layers: a background color layer and a clear layer for sketch or line art.
Adjusting Panel Size and Shape
To adjust panel size and shape, use the Operation Menu to move the backup points and change the panel's dimensions or angle. Panels can be adjusted individually or as a group.
Using 3D Models in Clip Studio
Clip Studio allows you to use 3D models to help with tricky panels, crowds, or complicated backgrounds and perspectives. Reference thumbnail sketches can be used to pick a pose from the 3D figure folder and drag it onto the panel. The pose can be adjusted to match the reference, and a video on working with 3D models is available for further guidance.
Working with 3D Models and Layer Masks
Each panel has a layer mask that makes everything outside the panel invisible, which is useful for working on the composition of the panel before starting to draw. The mask can be turned off to see more of the 3D models and adjust them.
Using 3D Models for Anatomy and Perspective
3D models can help with anatomy and precisely determining the distance between figures. The model can be used to estimate the correct size for the perspective, and the character who is further away should appear smaller.
Using Pre-Made 3D Models of Backgrounds
Clip Studio has pre-made models of backgrounds for classrooms, parks, and other scenes. Primitive shapes like cubes and planes can be used to build rough guides for custom backgrounds. Examples include using planes to create a hallway background with correct perspective.
Using the Perspective Ruler
The perspective ruler is a helpful tool for establishing perspective in a scene. Go to Layers > New Ruler and select the number of vanishing points. One-point perspective is useful for simple scenes, two-point perspective is useful for more dynamic scenes, and three-point perspective is more complex, but useful for more realistic perspectives. The perspective ruler can be set up manually or automatically generated from a 3D scene.
By following these steps and using the features of Clip Studio Paint, you can create a well-planned and visually appealing manga or comic page from start to finish.