In "Tech Tips" I list shortcuts and advice on things I have learned along the way producing digital art.

About using a tablet...
There are some really fine tablets on the market where you see the image you are drawing right on the drawing surface. I have tried this on portable tablets and the results were OK. However, I prefer a "black screen" tablet and view the image on a laptop screen or computer monitor. When I first started using the WACOM tablet, I had difficulty controlling the stylus on the tablet surface finding it too "slippery" even with the protective film cover. I tried covering the surface with various materials. I found that ink-jet photo paper taped to the drawing surface gave me the best results. The surface provides just enough resistance to stylus movement to allow precise control. The photo paper is kind to the stylus tip. I've been using the same pen and stylus almost daily for several years and have not had to replace the stylus tip. This, in combination with a large monitor screen lets me draw freely and accurately.

Size matters...
I draw on a large virtual surface, usually 15 x 20 inches at 300 dpi. This makes for large .png (portable network graphics) files exceeding email limits on some services when sending them friends or publishers. You can reduce .png file sizes directly in CSP, or with an external app. You should store CSP folders and .png files in the cloud or on an external drive. I often go back to previously drawn art to use details in new compositions.

Make the lines disappear...
My cartoons show linework in traditional cartooning form. But, this is not necessary when using CSP. You can draw and finish an illustration that hides the linework in the finished product.

Wanna be the next Disney?
Clip Studio Paint has an animation feature. With CSP Pro, you can make short clips. With the EX version, you can produce a feature length drama if you have the storage space.


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