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kencoon7
Oct '16

I seem to have lost it. I cannot even make a good looking tree.
I downloaded some other programs yesterday because I seemed to be lacking something in my motivation or methods and today I cannot even make a good looking tree on Clip Studio Pro which is where I usually do my artwork..
I think I need a break for awhile and then come back to it or else maybe go to the old pencil and paper route again and do some work there.
Ken

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    Oct '16

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    Oct '16
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spooktacularprize
Oct '16

Sometimes taking a break is the best approach; you can come back and look at it from a new angle and use new techniques that you didn't think of before.

Honestly trees are kind of tough....and you can do so much with them stylistically that it's more of an aspect of making them stylistically look good in your comic rather than just a general "good looking" tree.

Try not to get too discouraged, I'm sure having a fresh eye on it will really do some good!

hushicho
Oct '16

A break can be good.

Textures, screentones, and unique brushes can also help; I made a delightful pine tree brush that works very nicely for Clip Studio Paint, and I'd be happy to send it to you if you'd like.

Also, don't forget: the makers of Clip Studio Paint provide downloadable materials like brushes for free! Just go to the Materials page1 and peruse their selection. Sometimes if you can't come up with something freehand from a pen or brush, a pattern brush is just the thing to make a scene look good. Don't forget that you have the materials that come with Clip Studio Paint! There are various natural landscape screentones and backgrounds that can help make a panel look great!

kencoon7
Oct '16

I haven't even looked at the materials section yet. I am just getting started and have done paint and paper before but comics are completely new.
I finished one page and it really looked good. The second page was completely different because he was changing worlds. That was the beginning of my challenges.
I am just seeing what I can do with what I have right now.
Too many choices makes one confused and that seems to be where I am now.
Thanks for the encouragement and information.
Ken

hushicho
Oct '16

I'd say to check out the materials in the program and check out the page with the free ones -- they can be really and truly helpful and save you lots of time in workflow!

It's easy to get overwhelmed, and sometimes you just have to take a few breaths, take a step or two back, and just assess the situation. Sometimes you have to take a little time away, but not too much time. You don't want to lose the spark of the story at the very beginning.

I'd say, don't be too harsh on yourself. Let yourself experiment and do things a little wildly. See what works and what doesn't. Use plenty of layers! You can always adjust the look later or make the layer invisible and replace it with something else if you don't like it. Use the resources at your disposal to the best of what they offer. smile

If you need any help with Clip Studio Paint, I'd be happy to help however I can, if I can!

edmourabarbosa
Oct '16

Many people think that changing the media (paper to digital) or software will help they improve their art. It's exactly the opposite. Well, at least in the beginning. I remember when I first bought my Cintiq 13HD and tried Clip Studio Paint. It's was horrendous. The lines were wobbly and I got very confused and frustrated with the interface. It took me weeks of trying again and again to learn and improve. It is a very depressing process.
Maybe it's exactly that what you're going through. Maybe you're just burned down and need a break. In any case, everything will get better soon =)

hushicho
Oct '16

Yeah, I think a lot of people think they'll go instantly from one medium to another and not have to adjust to it. I went to solely digital after a lifetime of traditional, though it was a gradual enough transition, with years of primarily traditional and digital clean-up and finishing.

It's best to give yourself some time and don't be too harsh on yourself while you adjust. I wouldn't call it depressing any more than having to learn any other thing, but in this at least, you'll have skills that you are trained in, you just have to adjust them to the new medium. smile

tayo_rafferty
Oct '16

The best advice I can think of is to take a 'day off'. But let's say that you don't want to do that, try literally flipping the image (horizontally) in whatever software you're using and then working on it for a few more minutes and see how you feel.