Presentation
Hello! Welcome, I'm Aria. On this occasion we meet here to explore the possibilities offered by the use of the image materials that we find in CLIP STUDIO ASSETS to make wonderful designs such as creating collages or simply as a complementary tool to decorate an illustration.
Without further ado… Let's get started!!
1. Approach
To bring our designs to life, the first thing is to raise the sketches, sketch our ideas. There is no wrong method here, it is just the seed that will germinate in the future. These are some of the sketches I will use.
- Composition -
Composition is, let's put it this way: the art of positioning elements so that they are more attractive to the viewer. A good composition allows us to transmit ideas, feelings, focus attention, etc. For this reason it is advisable to put together the sketches using some composition rules.
Because this (image on the left) that does not use composition logic is not the same as this other one (image on the right) that was designed following some visual systems.
If you want to know more about composition, I recommend looking within the CLIP STUDIO TIPS tutorials. There are many very good ones that address this topic; For my part, I have a tutorial where I talk about it:
- Materials -
Now, what I do after the outline is compile a list of the elements I need (if necessary) and then search for them in ASSETS.
With the material I am able to go from this (left image) to this (right image), adding decorations, and in less time than if I did it manually.
- Download materials -
To get them you have to go to CLIP STUDIO ASSETS, once there we will look for what we want and download it.
NOTE: To use CLIP STUDIO ASSETS, it is necessary to have a user account in CLIP STUDIO. Signing up is completely free.
To enter from the interface you must go to the CLIP STUDIO icon. In the window that appears we must go to the menu at the top right, there we must choose the ASSETS option.
2. Some designs
In this section I will show the process I followed to create these designs using the image materials and decoration brushes from the CLIP STUDIO ASSETS materials library.
NOTE: The brushes and image materials used will be added at the end.
(A) Material collage
A collage is a creative process that consists of composing a piece by joining different images, materials from different origins. For this first section I will show how I created a collage using only materials taken from CLIP STUDIO ASSETS.
Additionally, I will address some tools and transformations that we can use to better match the materials to the designs we have in mind.
- SKETCH -
I start by lowering the opacity of the sketch layer, this way I can better visualize the shape without getting lost among so many lines.
Now, I create a folder where I place the materials on separate layers. The order of the layers is very important to have a smooth workflow.
TIP: Keep a layer for each added element until you think you won't edit it anymore; After that they can be merged without major difficulty.
- VECTOR LAYERS -
I start with the two circles that surround the butterfly, to create them I use a vector layer. Vector? Why vector? They will wonder. The answer is easy, due to the properties of these layers that allow us to have total control over the line.
We create the vector layer with the cube icon found in the list of functions in the layer window.
If you want to know more about vector layers and what you can do with them, below is a tutorial I did talking about them:
- ADD IMAGE MATERIALS TO THE CANVAS -
Searching through the materials I found a compilation of butterflies, I downloaded it and that is the one I will use. To add it you just have to drag it from the downloads folder to the canvas. To add downloaded brushes, the same process is followed, but in this case you have to drag and drop them in the “Subtools” window.
Some materials are designed in a vector layer, that is excellent because when transforming a vector layer we do not run the risk of losing quality and our image ending up pixelated when scaling it. That's another beauty of using vector layers.
- ALIGN AND ARRANGE -
The align tool will be very useful in these cases where we want the shapes to align in certain compositions. For example: We start by selecting the layer or layers that we want to align.
Shortcut: A trick to select multiple layers is to use the CTRL key or mark the chosen layers with the check mark.
Now you have to go to the *“Align and arrange” window, which is located in the following path: Window > Align and arrange.
Once there we will choose the option that best suits us, there are 14 modes, but we will only focus on the six “Align” modes, these are:
** Align to left edge
** Align Center Horizontally
** Align to right edge
** Align with top edge
** Align with center vertically
** Align to right edge.
In my case I will use “Align center horizontally” and “Align center vertically”.
In this official tutorial you will find information about this tool, take a look, it is a very useful tool:
- VECTOR DRAFT -
Among the things we can do is erase the part of the circle line that intercepts and crosses the butterfly wing with the vector eraser.
This draft is found together with the other drafts. Once selected, in the “Tool Properties” window you must change the setting from “Vector Eraser” to “Delete to Intersection”. This will delete the entire section between two points.
- DECORATION BRUSH -
Beyond images, we can also find decoration brushes, these can be flowers, objects, patterns, etc. In my case I used one with flowers. To give dynamism to the composition I altered the size of the brush, so some flowers will be larger than others.
I did the same with the star brush, and with the vine brush. Paint a section of this, transform it and place it surrounding the larger flowers, then erase the excess.
-VECTOR RULE-
Another characteristic that vector layers have is that they allow us to create rules from the lines in them; This is useful for using decoration brushes on a design without leaving it and causing everything to become deformed. An easy method to avoid doing it manually, faster, above all.
Creating the rule is easy, first we have to locate the vector layer that we want to convert into a rule. Now, we right click on it and choose the options: Ruler/ Vignette > Rule from vectors.
The rule has already been created. To check this we will see that an icon appeared on the layer thumbnail. As the next step I go to the ruler icon in the layer options; A menu will be displayed where I check the option “Show on all layers”. This option allows me to use the ruler properties even on a new layer.
Finally, I create a layer above where I place the brush pattern. As you can see, it only allows me to paint over the line area. Wonderful, right?
When I finish, I deactivate the rule by right clicking on the icon in the thumbnail, choosing the option “View the rule” or “Delete rule”.
So far I finish with the collage using the materials and brushes. The result is:
- COLOR -
Lastly, I present the color illustration. To add the color, what I did was place all the layers of the design inside a folder, then I generated another folder below the first where I placed the colors on different layers, so it was easier to edit them.
When I finished with the base colors, I proceeded to create a new folder above the other two; In it I inserted layers in which I put details. And finally, using some layers of tonal correction, I gave the color an adjustment.
• IMAGE MATERIALS WITH BACKGROUND
There are materials that incorporate a white background; Because of this, it is difficult to paint them unlike those that do not have this feature, but everything has a solution. Here I present the method I use in these cases.
I will use this image material, a bear, as an example. When I downloaded it from ASSETS I noticed that it had a white background incorporated. What now? If I paint over it I will lose the line and I definitely can't paint under it.
Well, what I do is the following. First I create a layer above that I attach to the bottom one (the material), I change the combination mode of this new layer from “Normal” to “Multiply”. Ready, let's paint.
NOTE: The colors will be a little darker than normal when applied on this kind of layer. Keep this in mind when choosing colors.
(B) Classic collage
We start by importing our main subject of the work. The import is carried out in the following way: In the following path we find the option: File > Import > Image or Create file object.
NOTE: If you choose “Create file object” you will have greater control of the material.
- BOTTOM -
To set the background color we will use two windows. The first is to use the paper layer that comes by default in the new files and its corresponding color editor.
Steps to follow: We double click on the paper layer icon, a window will appear that will allow us to change the color of said layer.
- SHOULD BE IRREGULAR -
For the irregularly cut paper effect I will use the tool: Selection > Polyline.
Steps to follow:
1. First I create a new layer below the main image where the entire process will be carried out.
2. With the tool I will select the edge of the figure irregularly.
3. Next, I choose a white color and with the paint bucket tool found in the floating menu I paint the selection.
TIP: The magic is in making pointed shapes.
- THREE-DIMENSIONAL EFFECT -
To add a three-dimensional effect to any object, you only need to follow these simple steps:
1. Duplicate the irregular edge layer by right-clicking on the layer in the “Duplicate layer” option or with the shortcut “CTRL plus C” and “CTRL plus V”.
2. Once the layer is selected, we use the shortcut “CTRL plus U” so that the “Hue/ Saturation/ luminosity” window appears. We must move the luminosity bar completely to the left .
3. We place the new black layer below the original and move it with the transform function (CTRL plus T) a few millimeters in the direction we want.
4. We lower the opacity of the layer to the desired level.
Ready, we now have an irregular edge.
- TORN PAPER -
To simulate the classic torn paper of collages I will use a resource that I found in ASSETS.
1. I drag the paper from the downloads folder to the canvas.
In the case of this material, it is too wide for what I want to do, so I have to edit it. The advantage of image materials is that it allows us to edit more easily with the settings of the “Tool Properties” window. To access these settings we will go to: **Tool window > Object > Tool property window.* *
To be able to modify the proportions at will, I will uncheck the option: “Maintain proportion”. To simulate the shadow, follow the process explained above.
- PATTERNS -
Now let's add patterns.
1. First you have to create a new layer below the torn paper.
2. With the selection tools found in: Tool; I select the area where I want to apply the pattern. In my case I will use automatic selection.
** If I want to select different areas, I change the “Selection Mode” option in the “Layer Property” window to “Add to Selection”.
3. Now you just have to drag the downloaded pattern to the canvas. A layer mask will be generated automatically.
4. With the Hue/ Saturation/ Lightness window mentioned above (CTRL plus U) you can change the color of the material.
To this layer we can also add a shadow.
5. With the “Cuerva de tones” layer we can improve the colors. Located in: Layer > New Correction Layer > Tone Curve.
- CREATE TAPES -
To transform a pattern into a ribbon we follow the following steps.
1. Having the material layer selected we go to the “Object” tool, and then to the “Object tool property” window.
2. I change the settings in the “Subject direction” section to “Horizontal only” or “Vertical only”.
- RESOURCES -
Lastly, to fill in the empty spaces, fill the collage with ASSETS elements that were consistent with the idea. Such as: Ribbons, lace, flowers, stickers, etc.
The edits explained above can be applied for any material; so, with a little patience, we can create any collage.
(C) Decoration of illustrations
Now let's look at some ideas on how we can use image materials and decoration brushes to complete our illustrations. Decorative brushes and image materials serve us extremely well to make our work easier; they allow us to add decorations that we would otherwise have to do by hand. Some of these examples are:
- STICKERS -
Previously we saw how to create an irregular border; but now we will see how to add a classic border effect.
1. To simulate the design of a sticker, I select the layer and check the “Border effect” option found in the layer property window: **Effect > Border effect.* * With the slider you can choose the width of the border and with the paint icon the color.
To add a shadow effect you have to duplicate the layer, lock the transparent pixels from the layer options; paint the layer with a darker tone or, failing that, paint with the background color and set the layer to “Multiply” (which is what I do). Finally, I remove the lock and apply a “Gaussian Blur”.
In this case, the layer is a file object, so, to paint it or change its color, we will have to convert it into a “Rasterized” layer. To do this we will follow the following path: Right click on the layer > Choose the option: Rasterize.
- PATTERNS -
Within the image materials we have the category of patterns; These elements occur to me that we can use them as a background or texture.
As a texture, they can simulate patterns of dresses or any clothing in general, there are several types; those with patterns or those that simulate textures like paper.
- ACCESSORIES -
With decoration brushes it becomes easy to add elements such as: ribbons, necklaces, lace, buttons, blood, wounds, seams, etc.
- ATMOSPHERES -
Also with the brushes we can highlight the appearance of the background. For example, A brush of stars for a starry night.
Likewise, by combining image materials and decoration brushes you can create more complete backgrounds. In this case, the moon (image material) and the stars (brush).
Here we have another example of creating backgrounds with image materials.
- ORNAMENTS -
The ornaments that we find on brushes or on image materials such as frames are also good for decorating illustrations.
- TEXTURES -
For this other collage I used a texture, with textures I can add volume and character to an element; For example, what characterizes a brick? Beyond its color and shape, it is its porosity, that texture is a characteristic element.
The way I apply textures is this: I start by dragging the material onto the canvas. Once positioned where I want it, I go to the “Layer Property” window, there is the “Effect” section, from where I select the “Overlay Texture” option. Lastly, I lower the opacity to the layer to a level that I like. And that's it, texture attached.
NOTE: I made this collage using only image materials, textures and decoration brushes from ASSETS.
- COLLAGE -
As mentioned at the beginning, we can create different collage themes using materials. In this case rose and jewels.
Raster: To achieve the raster effect you have to go to the “Raster” section in the “Layer Properties” window. With the “Frequency slider” we can modulate the number of shapes the plot and in “Point adjustment” the figure of the same.
Layer Color: With this option found in the effect section of the layer property window, the color of the pattern is changed.
(D) Decoration of stationery materials
Now I will show you the creation of some designs for stationery such as recipe sheets, notes, notes, postcards, etc. Although this will be a simple explanation, it is good to know that by combining materials and a good color palette we can create endless personalized designs for our personal use or a brand.
- FILE SETTINGS -
If they are files that are going to be printed, certain technical aspects must be considered such as the color profile, dimensions, margins, etc. At this moment we will not focus on this, but if you want to know more about it I recommend visiting the ED user tutorial. who gave us very good information.
Regarding the layouts I will show, I will use the following configuration:
1. The file I will use will be a “Comic” format.
2. I established the format in “Postcard”.
3. I left the units in mm.
4. I reversed the layout from vertical to horizontal.
5. Change the bleed margin to 3mm.
6. I set the resolution to 350dpi (from this resolution you can print in excellent quality).
7. I changed the basic expression color from “monochrome” to “color” to allow me to use color.
NOTE: The bleed width is a space that will be cut on the printer, but to avoid errors, extend the design to this part. Avoid placing important items near the bleeding area.
- POSTAL -
For the design of this postcard I will start by placing the background color, for this I will use an image material, specifically a pattern that I downloaded from the catalog. Afterwards, I created the shape of an oval on a vector layer that I converted to a ruler and on a new layer using a lace decoration brush, apply the shape following the ruler.
With the “Straight Line” tool I simulated the reference lines for writing. Lastly, I drew a hamster to serve as a personal seal. I duplicated this layer and the oval layer; Later I blocked both copies using the “Lock transparent pixels” function, and painted them a dark pink, blurred the layer with “Gaussian Blur”. Then I transferred them below the originals to finally move them a little to the left, so I can simulate a three-dimensional effect.
- RECIPE BOOK -
The process for this one was the same as the previous one, with the only difference that to decorate the recipe book I used a brush with a flower and strawberry motif along with a dotted brush for the outline of the dialogues. The same author of this brush has another one just as beautiful, but with a space theme.
To create a sticker effect on the figurines I used the “Border Effect” found in the “Layer Properties” palette.
(F) Flayers
Other designs that can be made with image materials and decoration brushes are advertising elements. Let's look at some examples.
- COVERS -
By covers I mean product covers, an example of this is the covers of candy boxes. The following example is based on vintage edible product cover designs.
Process: After creating the sketch, start by placing a pink background with a light pink vertical line pattern. I made the pattern manually because I couldn't find one among the materials that I liked for this idea.
Then I started placing the elements on different layers, this way I can edit them easily and quickly. I made the central shape using the shape tool, specifically the filled rectangle with round edges (these options are found in the tool's properties palette).
Change the color of the elements, to do this I used the “Lock transparent pixels” function on each layer.
The next step of the design was the text. To simulate a three-dimensional effect I followed the same process explained above; First I duplicated the text layer, then I blocked the transparent pixels and painted it with a dark color, then I moved the layer below the original, positioning it prominently towards the bottom right.
If you want to know more about how to use the text tool, I invite you to read this tutorial:
Finally, I put all the layers inside a folder, duplicate the folder and right-click and select the option “Combine selected layers”. This with the sole purpose of creating a single layer. Then to this layer I applied the “Noise” filter found in the path: Filter > Effect > Noise.
In itself, this step is unnecessary, but I like the noise effect :)
Ready. The result is…
- ADVERTISING FLAYERS -
Here I have another example of what we can do with image materials and decoration brushes.
Based on this illustration of a donut I made some time ago, I thought of turning it into an advertisem*nt. The process was the same explained in the previous section. In this case, for the decoration I used a star brush and to give it texture an image material, specifically a paper texture.
3. List of materials used
These are the materials I used to create the content of this tutorial:
Farewell
Materials are great allies in illustration, so don't forget to consider them in your processes. I hope that what you saw in this tutorial is helpful to you. Well, without anything to say, thank you for coming this far! ପ(๑•̀ुᴗ•̀ु) ॣ৳৸ᵃᵑᵏ Ꮍ৹੫ᵎ ॣॣ We won't see you another time ( •⌄• ू ) ✧
Learn more about me at:
