Digital Inking with Clipo Paint: A Journey of Trial and Error

As an artist, I'm always on the lookout for the perfect digital inking experience. In my latest video, I put Clipo Paint to the test, experimenting with different brushes and techniques to achieve the desired look. But, as I soon discovered, it wasn't going to be a walk in the park.

The Initial Struggle: Unpredictable Ink Behavior

I started off with a brush that left much to be desired. The ink blobs were unpredictable, and the line thickness varied depending on the curves and strokes. I found it challenging to grasp how to use the brush properly, and it was clear that it wasn't the right fit for me.

A New Brush, A New Hope: The "Line Art Pencil"

I then switched to a new brush, the "Line Art Pencil" or "Line Art Brush," which is a favorite among Clipo Paint users. This brush offered a more textured feel and a better sense of control, making it ideal for sketching. However, I still struggled with inking, and it was clear that I needed to work on my technique.

Drawing Charlotte from Genshin Impact

I decided to put my new brush to the test by drawing Charlotte, a character from Genshin Impact. Charlotte is a reporter/journalist from the region of Fontaine, and I adore her cute and upbeat personality. Using the Line Art Brush, I found it easier to create the line art and inking, but I still had my doubts about the final result.

The Agony of Line Art

I'll be the first to admit that I'm not a fan of line art. I find it tedious and time-consuming, and it requires a level of patience that I sometimes struggle to muster. My preferred approach is to create clean sketches and then add colors and render afterwards. However, I know that line art is an essential step in the comic-creating process, and I need to work on my skills.

Lessons Learned

Through this experience, I learned that having a closer-to-final sketch makes it easier to do line art and inking. I also realized that I need to work on my patience and technique when it comes to line art. As for the initial brush, I'm still unsure if I'll continue to use it for inking due to its unpredictability.

Digital Inking and Brush Preferences

After experimenting with different brushes, I settled on the "Fugo Pencil" brush, which I previously used for sketching. This brush meets my preferred criteria, as it can build up value like a pencil or ballpoint pen, produce a nice, dark, rich line without requiring multiple passes, and doesn't taper too much, allowing for easier line work. I've found that using the Fugo Pencil brush for inking gives me an "inked" look that I'm happy with.

Line Art and Hatching

The line art process involves going back and forth to build up line weight variation. I also use hatching to add texture to specific areas, such as eyes, blush, nose, and hair. I'm interested in learning more about manga-style inking and hatching techniques and exploring how other artists achieve filling black areas and line weight variation.

Inktober Inspiration and Goals

I'm inspired by the traditional inking community and Inktober challenges. My goal is to find a comfortable inking style and reliable brush for creating mini-comics or comic strips. I aim to develop a consistent look for my original characters (OCs) and potentially create a weekly or monthly series. Currently, I'm experimenting with different software, including Clip Studio Paint and Procreate, to find the best fit.

Charlotte's Outfit and Inking

Using the Fugo Pencil brush, I inked the darker areas of Charlotte's outfit, such as the hat brim, ribbons, and camera. I added hatching to enhance the "inked" look. Comparing this style to simpler styles used in other pieces, I'm pleased with the outcome.

Artist's Thoughts on Brushes and Methods

Fugo Pencil Experience

I enjoyed using the Fugo pencil for inking and sketching. It's been fun to play around with and experiment with different looks for future OC comic strips. Although I've used the Fugo pencil before for a sketching video, I didn't achieve the desired result, and I sped up the footage.

Experimenting with Line Art and Shading

I tried using a soft, muted pinkish-purple color for highlights and shading, but it didn't work out. Originally, I planned to do more shading and shadows, possibly cell shading, but I didn't pursue it. Typically, I use shadow color to create shadows, not highlights. Charlotte's color palette is generally on the lighter side, except for black.

Neu Drawing Experience

I used the Fugo pencil again for Neu's line art, with a simpler look. I didn't focus on values and hatching, as it might not be necessary for simple comic strips. I'm considering different coloring styles, such as cell shading or watercolor marker aesthetic, and I'm still undecided on the final style.

Video Format and Plans

I'm happy to hear that viewers enjoy longer videos with real-time talking. I plan to continue posting these types of videos, but they can be mentally draining. I'll also post start-to-finish videos, which are easier to film and record. I'm open to suggestions for video names or categories, especially for the real-time talking format.

Traditional Medium Preferences

I prefer using traditional mediums, such as alcohol markers, color pencils, graphite, and watercolor. I would consider doing a digital video on the iPad using Procreate, but I might prefer shorter sessions. I enjoy listening to podcasts, movies, or shows while creating, as it helps with relaxation.

Inktober and Video Content

I'm considering creating a video about graphite as a medium. I asked for feedback on video content and format in a previous video. I'm thinking of creating a video series for Inktober, with options: filming the process of some Inktober days and compiling footage for a Monday video, or creating a tour of Inktober pieces at the end of October. I'm open to feedback on preferred video format and medium.

In conclusion, my digital inking experience with Clipo Paint has been a journey of trial and error. I've learned to appreciate the importance of patience and technique in line art, and I'm excited to continue experimenting with different brushes and methods to achieve the desired look.