#landshift

On my computer, I use Clip Studio Paint. My main pen setting that I use for most of my pieces and specifically my sprites is base pen “Turnip Pen” with anti aliasing turned off. This will create the pixel effect. I sketch and color with this pen. I work on a 1000x1000 or 500x500 pixel canvas so I keep my pen between 3.0 and 8.0 on most projects.

For computer art I start off with a sketch in black or a dark color. The opacity of this layer is turned down later so that it can be draw over with ease. I’ll be using my Byron Sprite as an example. Sketch is loose and undefined, plan to finish stuff up with the color layer. When in the sketch process, don’t be afraid to resize objects with the lasso tool and the transform tool. Resizing an object when in the coloring stages is much harder and might warp the alignment of the pixels causing them to loose their pixelated appearance. Keep the shapes defined as over complication will be loss. A messy sketch layer is fine but do erase lines that might confuse you later, you want to keep it readable to yourself.

On to color. I will give a disclaimer, I am a hell man and color all on one layer, don’t do that kids! So I will try my best at explaining this. 

To start, I’m gonna talk about color choosing and the best tool. First, choose a base color and a darker shadow color.

To get a color or two between these two, let me introduce the best tool, Intermediate Color. This will give the colors between two different colors to cut out guess work on what goes with what. This is a life saver when working with pixels and blending tools are out of question. I usually choose two between colors but less or more is fine depending on how blended a shadow you are looking for.

To choose a darker color for you base, don’t say on the same color range. Rotate it towards a different hue that you want. In Byron’s case, he has an orange grey base with dark yellow shadows to contrast his pink hair. Keep your color wheel moving as you select colors.

Here are some examples with color ranges farther than Byron’s. Play around with colors, you’ll be shocked how many can work together. I stay in the warm range because that’s my favorite zone, but there are more colors than that.

Ok, back to translating your sketch into the final piece. Your sketch absolutely does not have to line up with how your final piece looks. Changing and adding things is expected.

Adding notable shapes with light and shadows is a great way to make items stand out from each other. Keeping it simple is advised over complicated stands and pieces. A block of color with only one shadow color makes it pop out. A good example of this is Byron’s hair. Limited colors and only a few big highlights keeps it simple but still notably hair. 

I am running out of points to make, I hope that this could help you in anyway. i hopefully will be able to make a speed paint one day when I get a better computer. The main thing is to have fun and play around with what suits you best! This is just something that I came up with in an afternoon.