clip studio paint pixel brush: How to Create a Pixel Art Scene with Clip Studio Paint

clip studio paint pixel brush: Learn how to create a stunning pixel art scene using Clip Studio Paint. This comprehensive guide covers setting up your canvas, enabling the grid, designing character sprites, and creating a pixel art scene with tips and best practices.

November 14, 2024 at 15:24

Creating a Pixel Art Scene with Clip Studio Paint

When it comes to creating a pixel art scene, Clip Studio Paint is an excellent tool to use. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the process of setting up your canvas, enabling the grid, designing character sprites, and creating a pixel art scene.

Setting Up the Canvas

To begin, decide on a canvas size for your project. Consider using retro hardware-inspired sizes, such as 150-300 pixels. For this project, we will use a canvas size of 320x180 pixels, which scales up to 720p, 1080p, and 4k without distortion or cropping. Create a new document in Clip Studio Paint and set the units to pixels. Enter the canvas size dimensions (320x180) and ignore the resolution setting (e.g., 72 dpi), as it only applies to physical prints.

Enabling the Grid

Enabling the grid in Clip Studio Paint is essential for creating pixel art. To do this, go to the View menu and select "Grid" to enable it. You can set the grid size to 8x8 pixels, which is optional but useful for capturing a retro feel. This helps with planning sizing and alignment, but you can change the grid size in the grid settings or disable it if preferred.

Initial Composition and Character Sprite Design

Start by creating a gray background, and then begin designing characters and objects with line work. Consider the initial composition of the scene, including the placement of characters and objects. This section will be continued in future videos, but for now, let's focus on creating a character sprite.

Character Sprite Creation

Step 1: Create a Grid-Based Box

Create a new layer with a grid size of 4 tiles wide and 5 tiles tall (32x40 pixels). This box will serve as a rough guide for the character's size and proportions.

Step 2: Draw the Character Head

Use the Pen tool with a large brush size of 10 pixels to create a circle for the character's head.

Step 3: Draw a Stick Figure Base

Switch to the Dot Pen tool (a solid 1-pixel brush) for single-pixel work. Draw a stick figure as the base for the character sprite. The Dot Pen is preferred for its good response on screen and flexibility.

Step 4: Add Form to the Character

Use the stick figure base as a guide to add form and details to the character. Reference rough sketches made earlier to plan out ideas and proportions.

Step 5: Refine the Character Sprite

Flip the sprite to its mirror image using the Transform controls to get a fresh look. This helps identify flaws and areas for improvement. Make adjustments to the curvature of the back arm and add a hood.

Best Practices

  • Create rough sketches before starting pixel art to plan out ideas and proportions.
  • Use the mirror image technique to proofread and refine the design.
  • Focus on getting the line art in place first, making sure it's readable without color or shading.

Creating a Pixel Art Scene

Setting Up the Grid

Place a character roughly in the center of the scene to visualize the composition. Use a grid to determine the amount of ground underneath the character and the space for the shop on the right. Consider the placement of information along the top as a HUD.

Snapping to the Grid

Enable the Snap to Grid setting in the View menu. Use the selection tool to size over the grid tiles and fill them with the main color using the Alt+Backspace shortcut. Alternatively, use the Rectangular Shape tool to fill the grid tiles.

Creating Lettering Tiles

Use the eraser to break up the filled grid tiles into individual tiles for lettering. Create lettering by erasing into the desired letter shape, starting from a box and working backwards. Leave at least one empty pixel row or column as space between letters. Typical retro game lettering occupies a space of around 7x7 pixels.

Creating a Character Portrait

Use the Line tool while holding Shift to draw an inner box and create a frame. Use the Ellipse tool in Line Only mode to draw a rough circle for the head. Erase pixels from the curve when they feel out of place to create a smooth shape. Use the broken outline as a guide to continue building the character portrait.

Creating a Character Portrait and HUD Design

Character Portrait

Using a three-quarter view of the face to showcase main features, working within a larger space than the character sprite's head, allowing for more detail. Aligning the portrait with lettering beside it for a visually appealing design.

HUD Design

Incorporating a unique roller skate themed element, such as a "skate status indicator", designing the feet as left and right, as if viewed from above or through the skate. Using the grid to maintain consistency in size and placement on the canvas.

Composition of Foreground Scenery

Using the line tool to create a rough composition of the foreground scenery, holding shift to maintain straight lines, either horizontal or at 45-degree angles. Avoiding intersecting lines that can confuse the eye, and adjusting heights to distinguish between entities. Focusing on basic shapes and silhouettes, with plans to add characterization later. Using the grid to speed up decision making and provide a point of reference for unit sizes. The goal is to tidy up the composition and provide a solid foundation for further detailing.

By following these steps and tips, you can create a stunning pixel art scene with Clip Studio Paint. Remember to plan your composition, use the grid to your advantage, and focus on creating a solid foundation for your artwork. Happy pixeling!