A Pro's Guide to Coloring with CLIP STUDIO PAINT! from Udemy

A Pro's Guide to Coloring with Each tool used and each stage of the process is broken down into lessons, so that you can easily follow along using methods I've honed over years working as a comic book colorist. These techniques can be used in almost any art style not just comics by the way.

Lessons are full of tips, tricks, and shortcuts from the basics of setting up layers and preparing line art to functions such as masking and correction layers. You'll be taken through all of the important program settings, how to setup up a line drawing, adding the base colors, adding light and shadow in a variety of ways, and how to use

The method I'm teaching for adding light and shadow can be used in any lighting scenario, so you'll be able to take what you've learned in this course and apply it to your own art. I've also included my version of the finished exercise with all of the layers intact, so you can see exactly which colors I'm picking and how all of the layers work together to create one cohesive piece of art.

I'm also including my Auto-Actions as well as some basic tool presets for you to use, so you don't have to fiddle around with CLIP's many tool settings. They intimidated me for a while. Many of the coloring techniques taught in the course can be applied to other apps like Photoshop or Procreate as well. I've been a hardcore Photoshop user for many years, and the more I use CLIP, the more things I miss when I go back to Photoshop these days.

If you get stuck, you can always ask questions in the included discussion area, and I'll be there to help ASAP.

I look forward to seeing you in the course.

Kurt Michael Russell, instructor

What's inside

Learning objectives

A simple and professional process for coloring line art step-by-step. you'll follow along with the provided line art exercise or use your own!
How to setup your workspace and tools with the proper settings. downloadable presets for csp are provided with instructions for installing them.
How to master all of the major tools and sub-tools involved with coloring line art.
How to flat colors manually and with csp's more automated tools.

Multiple methods for adding highlights, shadows, and special effects with tips for creating realistic lighting.
Efficient professional workflows that work for hobbyists and pros alike!
Too many tips, tricks, and shortcuts to list here!

A simple and professional process for coloring line art step-by-step. you'll follow along with the provided line art exercise or use your own!
How to setup your workspace and tools with the proper settings. downloadable presets for csp are provided with instructions for installing them.
How to master all of the major tools and sub-tools involved with coloring line art.
How to flat colors manually and with csp's more automated tools.
Multiple methods for adding highlights, shadows, and special effects with tips for creating realistic lighting.
Efficient professional workflows that work for hobbyists and pros alike!
Too many tips, tricks, and shortcuts to list here!

Syllabus

In this section, we'll setup our workspace, download the line art, and learn how to prepare the line art.

Introduction

Setting up your workspace

Hi,

All of the available resources are available in the zip file in the Downloadable Materials. The line art used in this course is available in various stages (line art, flats, finished) and in JPEG, PSD, and CLIP formats. I would recommend starting with the line art in CLIP format. I've also included those files as separate links.

The sub-tool presets are not required to be installed. Many of them are close to--if not--default settings. These tools and settings will be explained throughout the course. I have included them as a convenience for those that have existing tool presets they do not wish to override.

Please note these CLIP files and Sub-tool presets were created using CLIP STUDIO PAINT PRO Version 1.9.11. I believe these will be compatible with other versions well into the future. If a major update happens that breaks anything, I'll provide updated versions as well.

I don't foresee this being an issue, but if the CLIP or PSD files will not open, I would recommend using the line art in JPEG format which should be compatible with almost any application. Sub-tools can be recreated within the software. Please see my settings referenced in the lessons. Again if you have problems, just get it touch.

Best,
Kurt

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Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Breaks down each stage of the coloring process into lessons, making it easy to follow along with methods honed over years of professional experience

Includes downloadable presets and Auto-Actions for CLIP STUDIO PAINT, which can save time and streamline the coloring workflow

Teaches techniques for adding light and shadow that can be applied to any lighting scenario, enhancing versatility

Provides the finished exercise with all layers intact, allowing learners to examine color choices and layer interactions

Many of the coloring techniques taught can be applied to other apps like Photoshop or Procreate, expanding the learner's skillset

The CLIP files and Sub-tool presets were created using CLIP STUDIO PAINT PRO Version 1.9.11, which may present compatibility issues for users with newer versions

Reviews summary

Pro clip studio paint coloring workflow

According to learners, this course offers a clear and easy-to-follow guide to coloring in CLIP STUDIO PAINT. Students praise the instructor's ability to break down professional techniques into understandable steps, making it accessible even for those transitioning from other software. Many highlight the value of the step-by-step approach and the practical workflow taught, finding it highly effective and efficient. The included resources like line art, presets, and Auto-Actions are frequently mentioned as useful bonuses. While widely recommended for beginners and serious hobbyists looking to learn a professional method, a few reviewers felt it could benefit from more depth in advanced rendering or complex lighting techniques, suggesting it might be more foundational than an advanced 'pro's guide' for experienced users. Overall, reviewers find it a solid and practical course for improving CSP coloring skills.

Instructor is knowledgeable and clear.

"The instructor knows his stuff and provides practical tips."

"Absolutely loved this course! Kurt's teaching style is engaging and his years of experience really show."

"...he explains the 'why' behind the techniques, not just the 'how'."

Downloadable files enhance the learning.

"The included resources, especially the line art and brush presets, were a huge help."

"The included Auto-Actions saved me a lot of time experimenting."

"The resource files provided are a fantastic bonus."

"The downloadable assets are useful."

Highly suitable for newcomers to CSP coloring.

"As someone transitioning from Photoshop... accessible for anyone."

"Perfect for both hobbyists looking to step up their game and pros seeking workflow improvements."

"While it's titled 'Pro's Guide', I think it's equally suitable for serious hobbyists..."

"As a beginner, I was intimidated by CSP, but Kurt's step-by-step approach made it manageable."

Learn efficient techniques used by pros.

"Kurt teaches a very efficient and professional workflow."

"Very practical course. Focuses on a real-world coloring workflow."

"I learned how to use an efficient professional workflow that works for hobbyists and pros alike!"

"Solid course for getting into CSP coloring. ... It covers the essential tools and a good workflow."

Course concepts are easy to grasp.

"Kurt's explanations were incredibly clear and easy to follow."

"He breaks down the tools and techniques used by pros in a way that's accessible for anyone."

"As a beginner, I was intimidated by CSP, but Kurt's step-by-step approach made it manageable."

"The techniques are explained clearly..."

More depth needed for complex techniques.

"However, I felt it lacked depth in certain areas, particularly advanced rendering techniques or complex lighting scenarios..."

"Felt like it could have gone deeper into specific rendering techniques or complex lighting effects."

"Good for absolute beginners perhaps, but not sure it's a 'pro's guide' for experienced artists seeking advanced methods."

"...intermediate users might find some sections repetitive or too basic."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in A Pro's Guide to Coloring with CLIP STUDIO PAINT! with these activities:

Practice Basic Digital Painting Techniques

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Reviewing fundamental digital painting techniques will help you better understand the coloring processes taught in the course.

Browse courses on Digital Painting

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Practice basic brush strokes and control.
Experiment with different blending modes.
Create a simple value study of a sphere.

Review 'Color and Light: A Guide for the Realist Painter' by James Gurney

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Understanding color and light theory will greatly enhance your ability to apply the coloring techniques taught in the course.

View Dinotopia: Journey To Chandara (Calla Editions) on Amazon

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Read the chapters on color temperature and harmony.
Study the examples of different lighting scenarios.
Take notes on key concepts and principles.

Color Flatting Exercises

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Practicing color flatting will improve your speed and accuracy, making you more efficient in the coloring process.

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Find line art online or use your own.
Practice flatting using different selection tools.
Time yourself to track your progress.

Five other activities

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Show all eight activities

Create a Color Palette Library

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Building a color palette library will help you develop a better understanding of color harmony and create more visually appealing artwork.

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Gather inspiration from various sources.
Create color palettes based on different themes.
Organize your palettes in CLIP STUDIO PAINT.

Explore Advanced CLIP STUDIO PAINT Features

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Learning advanced features in CLIP STUDIO PAINT will expand your creative possibilities and allow you to create more complex and interesting artwork.

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Search for tutorials on specific features like 3D models or animation.
Follow along with the tutorials and experiment with the features.
Incorporate these features into your coloring workflow.

Color a Comic Book Page

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Applying the techniques learned in the course to a full comic book page will solidify your understanding and improve your skills.

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Find a line art of a comic book page.
Apply the flatting, shading, and highlighting techniques learned in the course.
Add special effects and finishing touches.
Share your work and get feedback.

Review 'Framed Ink: Drawing and Composition for Visual Storytellers' by Marcos Mateu-Mestre

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Understanding composition will help you create more dynamic and engaging colored artwork.

View Framed Ink 2: Frame Format, Energy, and... on Amazon

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Read the chapters on panel layout and visual flow.
Study the examples of effective composition techniques.
Apply these techniques to your own artwork.

Help Others in Online Art Forums

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Explaining concepts to others reinforces your own understanding and helps you identify areas where you need more practice.

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Find online art forums or communities.
Answer questions related to coloring and CLIP STUDIO PAINT.
Share your knowledge and help others improve their skills.

Career center

Learners who complete A Pro's Guide to Coloring with CLIP STUDIO PAINT! will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Comic Book Colorist

A comic book colorist brings illustrated panels to life, using color to enhance storytelling and create mood. This course directly aligns with the work a colorist does, breaking down the process of coloring line art step by step, with a focus on techniques used by a professional in the comic book industry. The course covers everything from setting up layers and preparing line art to mastering tools for adding highlights, shadows, and special effects, directly mirroring the workflow of a comic book colorist. By teaching efficient methods, the course equips aspiring colorists with the skills necessary for professional work, even going over special workflows and auto actions that professionals use.

See salaries and explore the career path for Comic Book Colorist

Freelance Artist

A freelance artist takes on a variety of artistic jobs on a contract basis, and this course is directly applicable to any freelance artist who works with digital coloring. This course provides an in-depth look at how to color line art, which is a common task for freelance artists. The course will go over many methods for adding highlights and shadows and using layers to create dynamic artwork. A freelance artist should take this course because it will allow them to improve their skills and efficiency when working on digital art projects with color.

See salaries and explore the career path for Freelance Artist

Illustrator

An illustrator creates visual content for a variety of media, such as books, magazines and websites. This course helps build fundamental skills an illustrator may use, focusing on the coloring aspect of digital illustration. The course provides a thorough understanding of how to use software tools to color line art, which is an essential component for many illustrators. With practical lessons covering multiple methods for adding highlights, shadows, and special effects, the course helps an illustrator make their work more dynamic. The provided lesson plans focus on efficient workflows and shortcuts used by pros, helping an illustrator make their workflow more effective.

See salaries and explore the career path for Illustrator

Graphic Novel Artist

A graphic novel artist creates the illustrations and sequential art for graphic novels. This course helps a graphic novel artist with the coloring process, which is a critical part of creating a polished final product. The course provides lessons on how to use digital tools for flatting colors, adding highlights and shadows, and implementing special effects, which are all important techniques for any graphic novel artist. By learning professional workflows, this course can help speed up the artistic process, and by learning how to work with layers, a graphic novel artist can produce high-quality artwork.

See salaries and explore the career path for Graphic Novel Artist

Digital Painter

A digital painter uses digital tools to create artwork, often focusing on painterly techniques. This course will aid a digital painter in developing their understanding of digital coloring tools and techniques. The course provides multiple methods for layering color, and teaches a painter how to use digital brushes, how to add shadows and highlights and more. The course also explores efficient workflows designed for professionals, which can help digital painters refine their process to create better work in less time. A digital painter can also utilize the course's auto actions and tool presets.

See salaries and explore the career path for Digital Painter

Digital Artist

A digital artist creates art using computer software. This course helps a digital artist build a foundation for using tools for coloring digital artwork. Many digital artists learn how to use a variety of tools in their work, and this course focuses on many of those toolsets for coloring. The course provides lessons on setting up a workspace, coloring line art, adding highlights and shadows, and layer management, all of which are important to a digital artist's workflow. By mastering these techniques, a digital artist may improve their skills and efficiency.

See salaries and explore the career path for Digital Artist

Concept Artist

A concept artist creates visual representations of ideas for games, films, and other media. This course provides a foundation in digital coloring techniques that a concept artist would find useful. The course goes through the process of preparing line art and adding base colors, then dives into multiple methods for applying light, shading, and special effects. Taking this course will help a concept artist understand how to use digital tools to make their work stand out and communicate ideas effectively. The course includes detailed steps on using features such as layer masks and correction layers to refine digital artwork.

See salaries and explore the career path for Concept Artist

Character Designer

A character designer creates the visual appearance of characters for various media such as games, animation, and comics. This course helps a character designer by teaching how to use a digital medium to add color to their character designs. This course provides a look at the professional workflows used to add color to line art, which is a foundational skill in character design. This can help a character designer develop their own style and create polished color renderings. This course helps teach color picking and color adjustments on the fly, which will help aspiring character designers in their work.

See salaries and explore the career path for Character Designer

Video Game Artist

A video game artist creates the visual elements of a video game such as environments, characters, and special effects. This course will be helpful for any video game artist who wants to learn more about digital coloring. The course teaches the fundamental approaches to coloring line art, as well as more advanced methods for adding highlights and special effects. The course will help any aspiring video game artist as they learn professional workflows for digital art creation. The course also goes over time saving auto actions and presets.

See salaries and explore the career path for Video Game Artist

Animation Artist

An animation artist creates the visual sequences that make up an animated film or show. This course may be useful for an animator looking to improve their digital painting and coloring techniques. The methods taught for adding highlights, shadows, and special effects can level up an animator's work. Animation artists often work with layers, and this course provides detailed lessons on using masks and correction layers. By taking this course, an animation artist may improve their coloring and increase efficiency.

See salaries and explore the career path for Animation Artist

Storyboard Artist

A storyboard artist creates the visual drafts of a film or animation project. This course may be useful for a storyboard artist who wants to refine their digital art skills. This course can help a storyboard artist learn coloring techniques in a professional digital art application. The course covers how to efficiently add color to line art, which is a common practice for many storyboard artists. A storyboard artist can become more valuable to a film project with a better understanding of these fundamental coloring skills.

See salaries and explore the career path for Storyboard Artist

Art teacher

An art teacher educates art students on a variety of techniques and styles. This course may be useful for an art teacher who wants to learn more about the digital art coloring process. The course focuses on a step-by-step approach to coloring line art using software tools. The course also goes into practical methods for adding highlights, shadows, special effects, and working with layers, which are all important things for a digital art teacher to understand so they can pass that knowledge on to their students. The course covers professional workflows that the art teacher can also teach to their students.

See salaries and explore the career path for Art teacher

Motion Graphics Artist

A motion graphics artist creates animated graphics for videos, websites, and other media. This course may be useful for motion graphics artists, as they often need to add color, lighting and effects to their work. The course teaches methods for professionally coloring line art, and also dives into adding shadow and highlights as well. The course also shows methods for using layers and masks which will help a motion graphics artist as they organize their projects for animation. The course covers time saving auto actions and presets which saves any artist time, and that includes motion graphic artists.

See salaries and explore the career path for Motion Graphics Artist

Technical Artist

A technical artist bridges the gap between art and technology in fields such as gaming and animation. This course may be useful for a technical artist, as it provides a deep dive into the technical aspects of using digital tools for coloring. The course goes into fine detail on how to use digital art software, and it also explores multiple methods for setting up layers, adding shadows, highlights and special effects. The course will teach workflows that are used by pros, which will help any technical artist who must work in the digital art pipeline.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Artist

Art Director

An art director provides the artistic vision for a project and often leads a team of artists. This course may help an art director who wants to understand the technical processes that go into creating digital art with color. The course goes into fine detail how to use the tools for digital coloring. This course may help an art director to better understand the production pipeline as well as communicate more effectively with the artists they are directing. This course shows how to approach a project with professional workflows, which is necessary for anyone overseeing a creative project.

See salaries and explore the career path for Art Director

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in A Pro's Guide to Coloring with CLIP STUDIO PAINT!.

Dinotopia: Journey To Chandara

Save

Comprehensive guide to understanding color and light principles. It provides a strong foundation for creating realistic and believable lighting scenarios in your artwork. It is highly recommended for artists of all levels, and is particularly useful for understanding the concepts of shadows, highlights, and subsurface scattering covered in the course. This book is commonly used by art students and professionals alike.

Dinotopia: Journey To Chandara (Calla Editions)

Hardcover

Framed Ink 2

Save

While this course focuses on coloring, understanding composition is crucial for creating visually compelling artwork. provides valuable insights into drawing and composition techniques for visual storytelling. It is more valuable as additional reading to help improve the overall quality of your artwork. It is commonly used by comic book artists and illustrators.

Framed Ink 2: Frame Format, Energy, and Composition...

Paperback

A Pro's Guide to Coloring with CLIP STUDIO PAINT!

What's inside

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Reviews summary

Pro clip studio paint coloring workflow

Activities

Career center

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