TOOLS OF CREATION
DIGITAL ART & COMICS 🖥️
CLIP STUDIO PAINT EX (VER 2.0)
I upgraded to the EX version because of its file management for comics pages. Version 2.0 also has a feature that gives you customizable 3D heads.
XP-PEN 15.6 ARTIST PRO
I made a tablet review for this that you can check out over on my YouTube channel!
BRUSHES & ASSETS
I’m always changing the assets I use but these are some that have stuck with me over the years:
References your lineart layers so you can color it in easily.
Lasso tool that fills in as a solid color.
CSP BRUSH MANAGEMENT
Clip Studio Paint’s asset management is TERRIBLE! You can't even mass edit assets it all has to be done individually. I hoped they would have made an update for it already, but I guess I’ll have to stick to doing it manually for now.
Here’s an AMAZING thread on how to do it yourself! It will take a while to set up but I promise it’s worth the effort.
EXTERNAL HARD DRIVE
I use a Seagate Portable External Hard Drive.
I know these things aren’t cheap, but knowing there’s a backup of my work somewhere gives me peace at night. Also always backup your favorite brushes & tools! You can export them into a separate folder. When I was switching to a new PC the Clip Studio Paint cloud backup didn’t save every single asset during the transfer.
WRITING ✏️
I work best thinking in analog first then organizing it digitally. A lot of my ideas come as random scenes that I flesh out later.
BRAINSTORMING
Sometimes I’ll use a voice memo app to record my ideas when I don't have the energy to write it down.
I also really like using graph planning pads to brainstorm scenes? Actually way more than drawing in my sketchbook, but that’s probably because I use them a lot when I thumbnail comic pages.
GOOGLE DOCS
I only really use it to jot down ideas while I’m on the go. I need something that I can access between my phone and computer then transfer later when I have enough material.
SCRIVENER
Used to organize my story’s lore and characters. I really like the folder system it has and that you can change icons for different sections. Even though I only have the basics , it's enough for my needs.
There might be “better” writing programs out there, but some of them have a crazy learning curve I don’t have time to commit to or are subscription only (instead of a one time payment).
TRADITIONAL ART 🎨
I have a YouTube video going over how I set up my sketchbooks.
ART SUPPLIES
- Artist's Loft Sketchbook
- Crayola Super Tips Marker Set
- Col-Erase Pencils
- Kneaded Eraser
- Pentel Hi-Polymer Eraser
- Tombow Correction Tape
- Sakura Pigma Micron Pens
- Gouache (Marie's brand)