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Clip Studio Paint Pro/Ex: Digital Art, Drawing and Painting

Clip Studio Paint Pro/Ex Digital art, graphic arts, drawing, painting, 2D cell animation, comic books: Clip Studio Paint

Created byBrian Jackson, Writing a Book, Self-publishing an Amazon Book, Book Marketing, Microsoft Word, Grammarly, KDP and ChatGPT AI

Last updated 8/2026

English

English [Auto],

What you'll learn

Master Clip Studio Paint Pro/EX essentials and combine simple tools and techniques to create polished, detailed, professional-quality digital artwork.
Build strong drawing fundamentals while learning practical digital drawing techniques using either a graphics tablet, stylus, or computer mouse.
Develop an efficient digital illustration workflow that takes your artwork from the first rough concept and sketch through coloring and final production.
Capture ideas quickly with simple rough sketches that preserve the composition, mood, movement, and essential visual concept of an illustration.
Use Clip Studio Paint’s poseable 3D reference models to study anatomy, explore poses, establish perspective, and create more convincing character drawings.
Create smooth, clean vector line art with direct-draw tools, then control line weight and thickness for more expressive, professional-looking artwork.
Master color flatting, coloring, shading, highlights, and shadows to add depth, form, contrast, lighting, and a polished finish to your illustrations.
Create attractive backgrounds quickly with gradients, color transitions, and simple design techniques that complement rather than distract from your artwork.
Use 3D perspective rulers to accurately draw rooms, buildings, streets, and architectural backgrounds with convincing depth and consistent perspective.
Take an illustration from initial concept through finished artwork, then prepare, export, and distribute your completed digital images for different uses.
Create complete comic books in Clip Studio Paint, prepare pages for publication, and learn how to self-publish and sell your finished comics on Amazon.
Choose, purchase, install, organize, and configure pens and brushes so Clip Studio Paint responds naturally to your preferred drawing and painting style.
Create 2D cel-based animation in Clip Studio Paint by drawing frames, organizing animation layers, previewing motion, and producing finished animated sequences.
Use layer masks to edit artwork non-destructively, hide or reveal selected areas, control effects, and make complex changes without permanently erasing pixels.

Course content

35 sections • 220 lectures • 18h 10m total length

Course Overview of the 2019 Edition7:00
An brief overview of the course contents, layout and features.
Why Use Clip Studio Paint10:47
A brief overview of the features of Clip Studio Paint that make it the ideal digital drawing and painting software.
How to Watch This Course5:59
An explanation of using the Udemy play speed and bookmark features to enhance your video lesson viewing efficiency and effectiveness.
2026 Notes on Section 13:26
In this lecture, I provide notes to enhance the section as I take the course for the first time since I recorded it almost a decade ago.

Introduction to Tools1:47
Section overview.
Computer Requirements2:53
The published Celsys computer requirements for running Clip Studio Paint.
Selecting the Perfect Graphics Tablet13:07
An overview of various tablet options and my initial recommendation. Note that the following lecture amends this one to include my latest findings on tablet selection.
2019 Addendum: Tablet Requirements, Selection and Installation5:28
Depending upon your drawing style, you may not even need a tablet. Learn how owning a tablet can help you and watch a review of the three graphics tablets (Wacom Intuos Pro Medium, Surface Pro 4 and XP-Pen Artist 15.6) I've owned, which I prefer and the costs involved.
Software Selection and Installation7:56
A discussion of Clip Studio Paint software versions (Pro vs Ex) followed by a software installation demonstration.
Tools Section Project: Gather Your Drawing Environment2:13
To complete this, the first section project of this course, I'd like you to do the following:
Designate a suitable computer as your digital graphics workstation.
Select, acquire and install a version of Clip Studio Paint.
Pick up graphics tablet suitable to your tastes.
Submit the message "Tools complete" along with a list of the computer, tablet and software comprising your digital drawing environment to the Q&A section of this course.
Thanks for playing along and enjoy the remainder of the course.
---Brian
Conclusion to Tools1:11
Section summary.
2026 Notes on Section 23:24
In this lecture, I provide notes to enhance the section as I take the course for the first time since I recorded it almost a decade ago.

Introduction to Setup1:28
Section overview.
Software Screen Setup3:23
Configure Clip Studio Paint to darken the display and to position tool selection buttons and tool configuration panels where you want them.
My Screen Layout Definition File and How to Load It0:18
Apparently the default screen layout has changed. So, to insure we're looking at the same screen, I'm providing my screen layout definition file (see lecture resources) with instructions on loading it.
Manually Recreating My Screen Layout7:04
Some people, especially Mac users, are unable to use my screen layout definition file, so here's how to manually recreate my Clip Studio Paint screen layout.
Tablet Setup with Clip Studio Paint Including Buttons and Finger Gestures3:13
Configuring your tablet to work with Clip Studio Paint along with setting tablet buttons, pen buttons and finger gestures (if available).
Software Performance Tuning6:10
A list of modifications you made need to consider to remove any lag you might experience in your drawing environment
Setup Section Project: Configure Your Work Environment1:19
Section Project: Configure Your Drawing Environment
Congratulations! You’ve reached the second section project of the course.
Now that you have your computer, graphics tablet, and Clip Studio Paint ready to go, it’s time to configure your drawing environment so it feels comfortable and works the way you want it to.
Your Project
To complete this project, customize your digital drawing environment based on what you’ve learned in this section.
Take a few minutes to adjust the settings, layout, and tools you expect to use while working through the remainder of the course.
You might want to:
Configure your graphics tablet and stylus settings.
Adjust pen pressure and sensitivity to your liking.
Arrange the Clip Studio Paint interface so your most important tools are easy to reach.
Resize or reposition palettes and panels.
Select a workspace layout that feels comfortable.
Adjust any other settings that make drawing easier and more natural for you.
Don’t worry about creating the perfect setup. Your preferences will probably change as you become more familiar with Clip Studio Paint.
The goal is simply to create a comfortable starting point.
Submit Your Project
Once you’re satisfied with your setup, visit the Q&A section of this course and share your progress.
To complete the project:
Open the course Q&A area.
Start a new question or discussion.
Enter the message:
Setup complete
That’s all that is required.
If you’d like, you can also mention one or two changes you made to customize your drawing environment.
For example:
Setup complete
I adjusted my tablet pressure settings and rearranged the Clip Studio Paint palettes so my drawing tools are easier to reach.
Project Complete!
Once you’ve posted “Setup complete” to the Q&A section, you’ve completed the second section project.
Your drawing environment is now configured, your tools are ready, and you’re prepared to move on to the fun part—creating artwork.
Enjoy the remainder of the course!
—Brian
Conclusion to Setup0:42
Section summary.
2026 Notes on Section 31:28
In this lecture, I provide notes to enhance the section as I take the course for the first time since I recorded it almost a decade ago.

Introduction to Clip Studio Paint Fundamentals1:45
Section overview.
Starting Clip Studio Paint2:57
A description of how to find Clip Studio Paint on your Windows 10 computer and pin it to the Task Bar for easy start and return.
Screen Layout and Configuration7:29
A brief description of the Clip Studio Paint screen layout including panels and screen layout configuration.
New, Save, Open, Close, Export and Quit11:23
How to create a New drawing, Save and Open it, Close it and Export it in JPEG, PNG or PDF format for use in other programs.
Simply Drawing Using a Digital Pen8:26
How to simply draw using a pen. This is all you need to know to use Clip Studio Paint as a drawing platform without taking advantage of it's drawing assistance features.
Eraser, Undo and Clear Layer2:52
How to use the eraser to remove and soften lines and paint, undo and redo your actions and clear the contents of the current layer.
Zooming and Panning Your View3:43
In this lecture you learn to use the mouse wheel and Hand tool to zoom and pan your view.
Clip Studio Paint Fundamentals Section Workshop5:04
Section demonstration.
Clip Studio Paint Fundamentals Section Project: Draw Something1:36
To complete this, the third section project of this course, I'd like you to do the following:
Draw something. Anything you'd like. Even a squiggle.
Save your drawing, export it and upload it to the Q&A section.
Submit the message "CSP Fundamentals complete" to the Q&A section of this course to share your progress.
Thanks for playing along and enjoy the remainder of the course.
---Brian
Conclusion to Clip Studio Paint Fundamentals1:20
Section summary.

Introduction to Drawing and Painting Tools and Options4:12
In this lecture, I introduce the topics covered in this section. Skip this section if you're new and just want to draw. You can always come back to the details later. Still, you learn a lot about pen and paintbrush addition and configuration.
Basic Tools and Options17:40
In this lecture, I demonstrate how to rearrange drawing tools and configure the basic drawing tool options.
Advanced Tool Options7:07
In this lecture, I demonstrate how to configure and apply advanced tool configuration options.
Purchasing and Importing Pens and Brushes13:17
In this lecture, I demonstrate two methods for purchasing and installing additional pens and brushes.
Exporting Pens and Brushes1:22
In this lecture, I show you how to export pens for sharing with friends.
Modifying Line Weight2:49
In this lecture, I demonstrate how to selectively vary a line's weight after it is drawn.
Drawing and Modifying Vector Lines11:36
In this lecture, I demonstrate the added line correction features available when you ink using a vector layer instead of a raster layer.
Eraser Tools and Options5:00
In this lecture, I go over the eraser tool briefly and then demonstrate using the eraser to draw in negative space.
Blend Tools and Options4:51
In this lecture, I demonstrate the use of the various blend tools and configuration options.
Drawing and Painting Tools and Options Workshop8:03
In this lecture, I provide an overview of the steps you should perform to complete the section project that follows.
Drawing and Painting Tools and Options Project2:18
To complete this section project of the course, I'd like you to do the following:
Build your favorite general-purpose pencil configuration. Save it and use it.
Build your favorite general-purpose pen configuration. Save it and use it.
Try installing a pen from the Assets tab in Clip Studio.
Submit the message "CSP pen and pencil configuration done" to the Q&A section of this course to share your progress.
Thanks for playing along and enjoy the remainder of the course.
---Brian
Conclusion to Drawing and Painting Tools and Options1:17
The conclusion to the section on tool addition and configuration.

Introduction to Drawing Fundamentals1:24
Section overview.
Drawing Lines8:43
Advice on how to draw smooth straight lines.
Drawing Curves4:31
Advice on how to draw smooth curves.
Drawing Circles and Ovals3:45
Advice on how to draw perfect circles and ovals.
Drawing 3D Cylinders1:44
Advice on how to draw a crucial building block of form.
Connecting Your Basic Shapes2:00
In this lecture you'll learn how to draw lines connecting your basic shapes to produce complex compound shapes.
Drawing Contour Lines1:43
How to draw contour lines to demonstrate the curve of a shape.
Drawing 3D Cubes and Rectangles1:41
How to draw 3D rectangles and cubes to represent man made non-organic forms.
Drawing Fundamentals Section Workshop7:43
Section demonstration.
Drawing Fundamentals Section Project: Draw the Basic Shapes2:05
To complete this, the fourth section project of this course, I'd like you to do the following:
Draw all the basic shapes several times. Try joining them to produce complex shapes.
Save your best work, export it and upload it to the Q&A section.
Submit the message "Drawing fundamentals complete" to the Q&A section of this course to share your progress.
Thanks for playing along and enjoy the remainder of the course.
---Brian
Conclusion to Drawing Fundamentals1:02
Section summary.

Introduction to Digital Watercolor Painting0:47
In this lecture, I introduce the four pieces we'll be digitally watercolor painting in this section.
Traditional Watercolor Painting Technique15:20
In this lecture, I'll show you the traditional method for painting a deciduous tree. Though I'll be drawing digitally, I'll be using very few digital tricks to draw the tree.
Watercolor Painting Technique Using Layers13:39
In this lecture, I use digital layers to draw an entire truck and cover it in leaves, front and back.
Watercolor Detail Painting with Digital Zoom and Pan5:35
In this lecture, I demonstrate how to zoom and pan your images so that you can paint fine details.
Adding a Background to Your Painting7:37
In this lecture, I demonstrate how to add a simple background to our illustration.
Creating a Forest with Digital Copy and Duplicate19:12
In this lecture, I demonstrate how to use selection, duplication, resize and flip horizontally to fix my ground cover and create a small forest of trees.
Painting an Evergreen Tree8:09
In this lecture, I use the traditional method to paint a pine tree. I use flip horizontally to always draw branches from the upper right to the lower left.
Painting an Evergreen Forest10:30
In this lecture, I use duplicate and flip horizontally to create a forest. I then use the Fill tool to create pine tree silhouettes in the background.
Digital Watercolor Painting Workshop: Painting Techniques and Styles14:49
Master digital painting fundamentals by coloring a yellow one-ball pool ball, then shade and highlight using layers and a spray brush. Learn a workflow with inking and reference layers.
Digital Watercolor Painting Project2:07
Hi,
In this project, I encourage you to draw one or more trees and share your work. See what you can do with a digital stylus in hand ;-).
---Brian
Conclusion to Digital Watercolor Painting0:47
One more review of the trees painted in this section.

Introduction to Sketching2:36
Section overview.
Creating a Project, Page and Panel5:45
How to create projects and pages to work on and how to add panels to your pages.
Creating and Organizing Layers8:27
All drawing in Clip Studio Paint is done on layers. This lecture provides and introduction to layers, organization suggestions and a discussion of various useful layer operations.
Pencils, Pens and Paint Brushes3:23
The uses and features of each drawing tool.
Erasing1:29
Techniques for using the eraser to correct errors and reduce the darkness of your sketch lines.
Lasso Selection, Moving, Rotating and Deleting3:47
A quick way to select portions of your drawing and move, rotate and resize them to refine your sketches.
Deemphasizing the Sketch Layer1:16
Learn how to change the color of your sketch layer and reduce it's opacity to deemphasize it to make it easier to ink over.
Sketching Section Workshop5:31
Section demonstration.
Sketching Section Project: Sketch a Scene2:33
To complete this, the fifth section project of this course, I'd like you to do the following:
Sketch a simple scene you'd like to work on in this course.
Save your work, export it and upload it to the Q&A section.
Submit the message "Sketching complete" to the Q&A section of this course to share your progress.
I'll see you in the classroom,
---Brian
Conclusion to Sketching0:58
Section summary.

Using 3D Reference Models14:44
How to use Clip Studio Paint 3D reference models to help you sketch both people and hand poses.
3D Reference Models Section Project: Make a Scene2:08
3D Reference Models Section Project: Build a Scene
Congratulations! You’ve reached the 3D Reference Models Section Project.
In this section, you’ve learned how to use Clip Studio Paint’s 3D materials and reference models to help construct scenes, pose figures, and establish perspective.
Now it’s time to put those tools to work by building a scene of your own.
Your Project
To complete this project, create a simple or complex scene using 3D materials in Clip Studio Paint.
Your scene can be as basic or elaborate as you like.
For example, you might create:
A single posed character.
Two or more characters interacting.
A character sitting or standing in a room.
A simple interior scene.
An outdoor environment.
A dramatic action pose.
A scene that combines 3D figures with furniture or other objects.
A reference setup you plan to use later as the basis for a drawing.
The goal is not to create finished artwork.
Instead, concentrate on using 3D materials to establish pose, position, proportion, perspective, and composition.
Experiment with Your Scene
As you work, try experimenting with the tools you learned about in this section.
You might:
Add one or more 3D models to the canvas.
Pose and reposition characters.
Rotate figures or objects.
Adjust the camera angle.
Zoom in or out to change the framing.
Move objects closer to or farther from the camera.
Combine several 3D materials into a single composition.
Experiment with perspective until the scene looks convincing.
Don’t be afraid to move things around and try different arrangements.
One of the biggest advantages of working with 3D reference materials is that you can quickly experiment with poses and camera angles before committing to a drawing.
Save and Export Your Scene
When you’re satisfied with your scene, save the original Clip Studio Paint working file.
Keeping the original file allows you to return later and adjust the models, poses, camera angle, or composition.
Next, export a copy of your scene as a JPG file.
Make sure you save the JPG somewhere you can easily find it for submission.
Submit Your Project
Now share your 3D scene in the Q&A section of this course.
To complete the project:
Open the course Q&A area.
Start a new question or discussion.
Enter the message:
Reference models complete
Upload or attach the JPG image of your 3D scene.
If you’d like, briefly describe what you created or how you plan to use the scene as a drawing reference.
Submit your post to share your progress.
For example:
Reference models complete
I created a scene with two posed characters and adjusted the camera to create a more dramatic perspective.
Project Complete!
Once you’ve created your 3D scene, exported it as a JPG, and shared it in the Q&A section, you’ve completed the 3D Reference Models Section Project.
Remember, 3D reference models aren’t meant to replace drawing skills. They’re another tool you can use to solve difficult problems involving poses, proportions, perspective, and composition.
Use them whenever they help you create the scene you have in mind.
I’ll see you in the classroom,
—Brian

Requirements

Possess a relatively modern Mac, PC or tablet
Acquire a Clip Studio Paint Pro 30-day free trial license
An inexpensive drawing tablet can be useful during the sketching phase

Description

Unleash Your Creativity with Clip Studio Paint Pro/EX!

Want to create amazing digital art, illustrations, manga, comics, and even animation—even if you're just getting started?

Welcome to your complete introduction to Clip Studio Paint Pro/EX, formerly known as Manga Studio 5, one of the most powerful and versatile digital illustration programs available for artists, illustrators, manga creators, and comic book artists.

In this course, I'm going to show you how to take your ideas from a rough sketch all the way to a polished, finished illustration—and I'm going to make the process as simple, practical, and fun as possible.

Forget struggling through complicated manuals, endless menus, and features you may never use.

Instead, you'll learn the tools, shortcuts, workflows, and simplified techniques that actually matter when you're trying to create great-looking digital artwork.

Whether you've dreamed of creating digital paintings, character illustrations, manga, comic books, or animated artwork, this course will help you turn that blank digital canvas into something you can be proud of.

Go from Rough Idea to Finished Digital Artwork

You'll discover a complete digital illustration workflow—from capturing your first idea with a quick sketch to inking, coloring, shading, highlighting, lettering, adding backgrounds, and preparing your finished work for distribution.

Along the way, you'll learn how to:

Purchase, install, select, and configure pens and brushes
Create quick, loose sketches using a mouse, tablet, or stylus
Turn rough ideas into organized digital illustrations
Use poseable 3D reference models to help draw convincing human figures
Create smooth, professional-looking ink lines using editable vector drawing tools
Adjust and refine your vector lines after they've been drawn
Color-flat illustrations quickly instead of painstakingly coloring every area by hand
Add color to bring your characters and scenes to life
Create shadows and highlights that give your artwork depth, dimension, and form
Stay inside your lines while coloring and shading
Create attractive gradient backgrounds quickly
Use layer masks to create useful visual effects without permanently changing your artwork
Draw complex rooms, buildings, and architecture using 3D perspective rulers
Add professional lettering, speech bubbles, and comic-book tails
Prepare finished artwork for production and distribution
Format and publish complete comic books
Learn how to distribute or sell your work through Amazon
Create 2D cel-based animation directly inside Clip Studio Paint

And that's only the beginning.

Learn the Features That Actually Matter

Clip Studio Paint is incredibly powerful—but that power can also make the program intimidating when you're first getting started.

That's why this course doesn't try to bury you beneath every button, menu, and obscure feature in the software.

Instead, we concentrate on the most useful tools and techniques you'll actually use to create artwork.

You'll gain hands-on experience with Clip Studio Paint while simultaneously learning the drawing, painting, coloring, composition, perspective, and production techniques that can make you a better digital artist.

The goal isn't simply to teach you where the buttons are.

The goal is to teach you how to create something with them.

Designed Especially for Beginners

Never created digital art before?

No problem.

This course was designed to be understandable by absolute beginners.

You don't need to be a professional illustrator.

You don't need years of traditional art training.

And you don't need an expensive professional studio filled with equipment.

I'll walk you through the process step-by-step using simplified techniques designed to help you start producing attractive results as quickly as possible.

Instead of wondering:

"What am I supposed to do next?"

You'll learn a logical workflow you can use again and again:

Sketch → Ink → Flat Colors → Color → Shade → Highlight → Background → Lettering → Finished Artwork

Once you understand the process, digital illustration becomes far less mysterious—and a lot more fun.

Learn by Actually Creating

Watching someone else draw is one thing.

Doing it yourself is where the real learning happens.

That's why this course includes section workshops and hands-on projects that demonstrate the techniques being taught and then give you the opportunity to practice them yourself.

You'll see how a technique works.

You'll watch it being performed.

Then you'll have an opportunity to apply it to your own artwork.

This approach helps turn individual software commands into practical skills you can actually use.

Discover the Power of 3D Drawing Tools

Struggling with poses?

Perspective?

Buildings?

Complex scenes?

Clip Studio Paint includes some amazing tools that can make difficult drawing problems dramatically easier.

You'll learn how to use 3D poseable human reference models to help create characters and poses without relying entirely on imagination.

You'll also discover how to use perspective rulers to construct convincing three-dimensional rooms, buildings, streets, and architectural environments.

These tools can help you spend less time fighting perspective and anatomy—and more time actually creating.

Create Cleaner Line Art with Vectors

Want those smooth, polished lines you see in professional manga and comic artwork?

You'll learn how to ink your drawings using vector lines, giving you much greater control over your finished artwork.

Instead of accepting a bad stroke and starting over, you can modify, reshape, correct, and refine your lines until they look the way you want.

You'll also learn techniques for controlling line thickness and creating cleaner, more expressive finished illustrations.

Make Coloring Faster and Easier

Coloring digital artwork doesn't have to mean endlessly painting every pixel by hand.

You'll learn streamlined techniques for color flatting, coloring, shading, and highlighting your artwork efficiently.

With the right workflow, you can quickly establish your basic colors and then build upon them with lighting, shadows, highlights, and other details.

The result?

Artwork with more depth, dimension, contrast, and visual impact—without making the process unnecessarily complicated.

Go Beyond Illustration

Clip Studio Paint isn't limited to creating single illustrations.

You'll also learn how to use it to produce comic books.

We'll cover important comic creation techniques including:

Page creation
Drawing and inking
Coloring
Lettering
Speech bubbles
Bubble tails
Page preparation
Comic book formatting
Publishing and distribution

You'll even explore how completed comics can be prepared for publication and sale through Amazon.

And because Clip Studio Paint EX includes powerful animation capabilities, you'll also be introduced to 2D cel-based animation, giving you another creative direction to explore.

Professional Digital Art Without a Professional-Sized Budget

Think getting into digital illustration requires thousands of dollars in software and equipment?

Think again.

Clip Studio Paint offers professional-level creative tools at a fraction of the price traditionally associated with professional illustration software.

A drawing tablet can make digital drawing more natural, but you can begin learning many of the techniques in this course with a mouse.

That means you can start developing your digital art skills without building an expensive studio first.

One Course. One Complete Creative Workflow.

This course brings together:

Clip Studio Paint + Drawing + Inking + Coloring + Shading + Perspective + 3D References + Comics + Publishing + Animation

Instead of learning these subjects in isolation, you'll see how they work together as part of a complete digital art production workflow.

By the end of the course, you won't simply know more about Clip Studio Paint.

You'll know how to use Clip Studio Paint to create finished artwork.

You'll understand the language of digital illustration.

You'll know how layers, vectors, masks, brushes, colors, rulers, references, and other digital art tools work together.

Most importantly, you'll have a workflow you can continue using long after you've completed the course.

Turn That Blank Canvas into Something Amazing

Every finished illustration begins the same way:

With a blank canvas.

The difference is knowing what to do next.

That's what this course is designed to teach you.

So if you're ready to stop wondering how digital artists create their work and start creating artwork of your own, enroll today and start your Clip Studio Paint journey.

Bring your imagination.

I'll show you the tools and techniques.

Then let's see what you can create.

I hope to see you in the classroom soon!

—Brian

Who this course is for:

Any student wanting to learn to draw
Any student interested in digital art
Any student who's heard about and is curious about Clip Studio Paint
Anyone wanting to produce and distribute professional quality comic books
Anyone looking for easy shortcuts available through the use of drawing software
Anyone interested in creating 2D cell based animation

Clip Studio Paint Pro/Ex: Digital Art, Drawing and Painting

What you'll learn

Explore related topics

Course content

Introduction4 lectures • 27min

Tools8 lectures • 38min

Setup9 lectures • 25min

Clip Studio Paint Fundamentals10 lectures • 47min

Drawing and Painting Tools and Options12 lectures • 1hr 20min

Drawing Fundamentals11 lectures • 36min

Digital Watercolor Painting11 lectures • 1hr 39min

Drawing and Painting Workflow1 lecture • 4min

Sketching10 lectures • 36min

3D Reference Models2 lectures • 17min

Requirements

Description

Who this course is for: