anime cel shading action clip studio

2 min read 02-10-2024

Anime cel shading is a popular art style characterized by bold colors and high contrast, reminiscent of traditional animation. If you're looking to create stunning anime-style illustrations in Clip Studio Paint, you've come to the right place! In this guide, we will walk you through the steps needed to master the art of cel shading.

What is Cel Shading?

Cel shading is a technique used in illustrations and animations to create a flat, cartoon-like appearance. It emphasizes outlines and uses fewer colors, making the artwork feel more stylized. Think of it as adding a layer of clarity and vibrancy to your characters, similar to how a bold outline brings a comic book page to life.

Why Use Clip Studio Paint?

Clip Studio Paint is a powerful tool for artists, especially those who specialize in manga and anime-style artwork. Here are a few reasons why you should use Clip Studio Paint for your cel shading projects:

User-Friendly Interface: Designed with artists in mind, Clip Studio Paint offers a clean workspace that's easy to navigate.
Versatile Brushes: The software has a variety of brushes tailored for different styles, including watercolor, pencil, and ink.
Layer Management: With robust layer options, you can easily manage your artwork and keep your cel shading organized.

Steps to Create Anime Cel Shading

Step 1: Start with a Sketch

Begin by sketching your character using a light color or a pencil brush. Focus on the key features and outlines. Remember, this is your foundation!

Step 2: Create Line Art

Once you're satisfied with the sketch, create a new layer for your line art. Use a darker brush to outline your character. Tip: Utilize the stabilizer feature for smooth, clean lines.

Step 3: Choose Your Color Palette

Select a limited color palette for your character. Traditional cel shading uses 2-3 main colors for each part of the character, plus an additional color for highlights.

Step 4: Base Colors

On a new layer beneath your line art, fill in the base colors. You can use the Paint Bucket Tool for quick filling. Make sure to stay within the lines!

Step 5: Add Shadows

Create a new layer above your base colors. Use a soft brush to add shadows using a darker shade of your base colors. Focus on areas that would naturally receive less light—under the chin, behind the hair, and around clothing folds.

Tips for Adding Shadows:

Use a multiply layer to adjust shadow opacity.
Experiment with the blur tool for softer shadows.

Step 6: Highlights

Just like shadows, highlights are essential for bringing your character to life. On a new layer, use a lighter shade of your base color to add highlights. Focus on areas where light would naturally hit, such as the hair and the cheekbones.

Step 7: Final Touches

After you’re satisfied with your shadows and highlights, consider adding additional elements like:

Backgrounds: A simple gradient or abstract background can complement your character.
Effects: Use overlays for added texture or filters to enhance the overall look.

Conclusion

Creating anime cel shading in Clip Studio Paint may seem daunting at first, but with practice, you’ll find your rhythm. Remember, every artist has their unique style, so feel free to experiment and have fun along the way!