TUTORIAL 2 0f 3 – INKING

VIDEO 2:  https://youtu.be/r6kHk6nG2Io

1. Inking

   1. Setup
      1. Lower opacity on blue line pencils layer so you can just barely see it.

 

• Change resolution of document to 600 dpi

 

1. Makes linework sharper and more expressive
1. Change shortcuts so you can quickly access your inking tools
   1. I have a shortcut on my mouse reel to quickly change between my two favorite inking brushes – one for outlines, and one for details.
1. Warm up
   1. Create a new practice layer
   2. Begin by setting aside 15 minutes or so where you just start inking different parts of the illustration and experiementing with different brushes and strokes.
   3. This layer will be deleted when it’s time to begin.  Having a practice layer can take a lot of pressure of you in the beginning, and really helps you loosen up before diving in.
2. Start with outlines and keylines
   1. Avoid focusing on rendering or detail in the beginning
   2. Just outline the outside of all the basic shapes and forms.
3. Fill in large areas of black first
   1. Saves time by filling the piece quickly and preventing you from mistakintly rendering things that are in deep shadow.
   2. Helps build forms quickly
   3. Helps you keep your piece balanced and with an appealing contrast from the foundation
4. Using the curve tool, elliptical rulers, and perspective rulers when neccessary.
   1. Use this in situations  when you would traditionally use a ruler, french curve, or other stencil tool when drawing traditionally on paper.
   2. Don’t try to force it freehand!  What are you trying to prove!?
5. Avoid Zooming in too close
   1. I generally try not to zoom in more than 50% of the illustration, or put another way, 1.5 to 2X the actual size of the printed illustration.
   2. You’re going to waste time and you might be in danger of muddying up the illustration with details that are too closely packed together.
6. Ink with the coloring method in mind
   1. High Rendering with Color:  Use fewer, thinner lines if you plan on doing a lot of rendering and shading in the coloring stage.
      1. Allow space for them to be seen.
      2. Better for cartoonish work
      3. Let the lines suggest and outline the form only.
   2. High Rendering with Ink:  Use more, thicker, and more detailed lines if you plan on letting the inks do the work of rendering.
      1. Great for t-shirt and comic book artwork.
      2. Saves a lot of time in the coloring stage.
7. Create quick strokes to give them life and avoid a shaky hand.
8. Move your arm at the elbow like a seismograph drawing lines on paper.
9. Push and pull the lines in the direction that hugs the form.
   1. Like an object in a wind tunnel, imagine the ink lines flowing around the form.
10. Use stippling and/or textured brushes sparingly to add life and variation to the artwork

 

• When you are about 75% done, Turn off pencil layer once key lines are drawn.

 

1. This allows you to see the piece anew, without the pencil layer.
2. You will discover mistakes at this point, and discover areas that need more rendering.
3. If you wait until the end to turn this layer off, it may interfere with your overall contrast of the piece.

Brushes used:

If you would like to purchase any of the brushes I used in this tutorial, they are available at http://ClipStudioPaintBrushes.com

Follow Brian and check out more of his work:

—

https://www.flylanddesigns.com

Follow me on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/brianallen.flylanddesigns

On Instagram:

http://instagram.com/flylanddesigns_brian_allen

On YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/user/flylanddesigns