Digital Inking Tips From a DC Comic Artist

[@ProkoTV]

If you enjoyed this lesson, then check out Ryan's Introduction to Drawing course now on Proko! He'll teach you a variety of fundamentals that will help you improve as an artist - www.proko.com/course/introduction-to-drawing/overview

[@trashbug4843]

dude, I had absolutely never thought of doubling up my lines that way to make it look less stiff, this was such a great lesson!

[@michaelbarletta1024]

I noticed while studying Jonathan Glapion(one of my favorite inkers) that he does this all the time and so I’ve been starting to implement it into my inks. I don’t do it everywhere but sometimes it adds an extra umph in places that need it. It almost makes the piece look more organic like a happy accident but you can be very methodical about it.

[@григорийраспутин-ы1м]

Do you have ig?

[@RavenTheBlackheart]

it makes perfect sense, but i never really thought about it cause you are kinda taught to be "clean" with lineart like its SUPPOSED to be free of those doubled lines, but if you look at the industry, HELL even Manga and Anime, there is alot of doubling up lines and i just never freaking noticed, ive been implementing it in the sketch i had started BEFORE watching it and the difference already is kinda nuts just from the inital inking I started compared to the more energetic version :o im kinda mad I never explored against the grain more than I have now.

[@IdontagreeWithhowmylifeisheadi]

Yeah me neither mostly cuz people always said “WtF R U dOonG BrO, ScaRtchIngG LiNESS ArEN’dt GooD” making me never thinking I was even able to doit

[@Tenebris616]

It makes perfect sense that he would use this because both Jim Lee and Scott Williams do it as well, and he would’ve learned from them as an image artist

[@datingwally]

25:42 Look at that line weight control and fluidity. Just Beautiful. He makes it look so easy.

[@artbargra]

You can see the hundreds of hours of practice and effort in how easily and effortlessly he creates such a brilliant piece. I love it!

[@c3lmitz619]

The sketch lines have always been my favorite but I always thought that others saw it as too messy. But clean lines like flat and lifeless. This is absolute gold advice.

[@tylliNGLT]

I always like the messy chaotic lines of sketches or inked drawings. So much fun to look at as I can see a little bit of the process in making the drawing.

[@nateolison7553]

Inking comics is my highest priority skill to learn and I'm a Clip Studio Paint user. No doubt I'm gonna be watching and re-watching this video for weeks to come.

[@MrRossT1]

Look up Jimmy Reyes. He has plenty of vids on inking.

[@endanarchy]

The speed and precision this man is going with is blowing me away.

[@NoRaveninheaven]

Yes

[@MrRossT1]

Turn on STABILIZATION in CLip STudio.

[@naikart5694]

A tip in clip studio, to erase with the brush you're using, instead of using white, you can press c on your keyboard, it will change the colour to transparent,wich is an amazing tool to erase on regular colored layer too.

[@LETTE37]

I don't even understand why do you have to do an Alpha Layer :( Why is better than using the eraser tool, can you please explain that to me?

[@kash-ey5qg]

@@LETTE37 my first thought would be so that you can get the texture and likeness of the brush you're using, but to erase with. it would make the piece look much more natural

[@LETTE37]

@@kash-ey5qg Oh! That have sense!!! Thank you so much for the reply! ☺️

[@DennisTamayo]

Clip Studio Paint can also be used for anime studios in Japan.

[@heneryque]

omg thanks dude

[@erlixgeizer3156]

instead of makin monochrome layer you can just switch to transparent and using any brush as eraser. Also you can mirror canvas without transform, it is in view bar, but also you can make it through hotkey. Save its ok, clip studio have autosave feature in preferences. I make autosafe every 10 min.

[@NoRaveninheaven]

Yes

[@ShadowWingTronix]

I thought he was using mirror instead of transform? That's also where another set of the rotate canvas controls are. It's one of the reasons I keep the Navigator on unless I'm using the reference image.

[@yoanmihov5143]

The transform one is probably a habit he developed from Photoshop.

[@iamme8984]

im sorry if this sounds incredibly stupid but im a traditional artist thats trying to learn digital better and i just wanna ask why cant they just use the eraser tool instead of like switching between black and white or switching to transparant like u said??

[@Syncratci]

Love Ryan. Humble and incredibly talented.

[@heyyou9137]

I had a problem with lines being too clean and boring, and I think that would help me in the future. Great video

[@Lycius]

Oh, that. There's line strength. I wouldn't worry too much about it. That's a huge issue with people starting off at it. God... wish there were an easier way to just show it right off. Problem is, can't do it in text. That's a major hurdle. That's what Ryan's great at. So damn cool! It's a way to get things flowing. once you're practiced at it, it's just natural. I could show some things, but... Oh he's going into that now... PS has progressive saves as an option. I'd done digital for 20 years, then went back to traditional, for a bit, and it's a different discipline. Both have their benefits, but when you're working without a net, no Undo, you do it right, or do it over. Which is great for production level discipline. As explained in the video, use the Undo feature as a tool, not as a crutch. So much great instructional, production level prowess here. Now... inking? There are some methods. Mike Mignola's more, confident brush strokes. "I know this goes here." More technical detail, eschew the brush and go with technical pens. Photoshop, pencil replication, take a square brush, amp up the jitter, the fall-off, the pressure sensitivity, so that it works with your mindset, what *feels* right. Big part of this is building your signature style. Imitating another's is one thing. I guess, if you're using Photoshop, customize your brushes to suite you. Don't be skittish about noodling around with them, it's not like you're hurting anyone's pixels.

[@pierrotcvb]

I will not forget how this mister with his lessons changed drastically my artwork for the better. So Ryan is my new god. This should have like, MILLION likes and views! ♠♥ Artists like him deserve all the praise!!

[@ssze2002]

Bonus tip: in clip studio paint if you are working on a vector layer, you have full control over all of your layers afterwardy you made them. You can move them around by clicking on the control points, simplify them, changing the line thickness of them not only in the ends but anywhere you have those control points, connecting the lines etc. etc. Awesome and hyper useful video btw., no complaints, I just needed to mention that vector layers do save hours of worktime too when I'm working as a freelancer illustrator.

[@igorzhur]

This is a very cool comic style! The lines, the brush, the expression, the energy! I don't like "perfect" lines, straight, neat... not alive. Ryan Benjamin, don't forget this digital style, magical!

[@kristianlittler-ward6063]

Totally different approach to what I am used to. This is a brilliant tutorial that really helped me understand the difference between what simply works in the moment and what really looks good and professional.

[@kabelo_ke_mang]

11:57 discipline is in projects an advantage most student have, you start something challenging with a goal and finishing

[@tylliNGLT]

He's incredibly fast and precise... only experience can achieve that

[@fenston]

I love Ryan's videos, he's always full of usefull advises, thank you !

[@NoRaveninheaven]

Yup

[@francoismahr]

Hi, nice video, full of ink wisdom ! Just a little comment to say that the art shown as Scott Williams' is in fact a drawing from Brian Bolland who is actually a great fan of Scott and bought this piece of art. Those artists are in a such high level of art, I love them. ❤️

[@NoRaveninheaven]

Yup

[@pierrotcvb2]

This video set a "before" and "after" in my works. Thank you, Ryan ♥

[@toongamer2810]

I wish there were more tutorials that taught you how to ink like a comic book artist. Like the strong dark blacks and stuff like that. Thanks man

[@kevinbermeo5794]

thank you so much for showing me what you're using for inking because using the mameo brushes while I'm drawing line art with the strokes is very satisfying for me and my work

[@CharmingIceDS]

I like this guy. This is the second video I'm watching him work, and hear him talk. He's very 'Bob Ross' to me. You know what I mean?

[@ItsAkile]

Wonderful guy, alot of Tips. I also love Clip Studio for Line work, I only came back to photoshop because I like the brush engine better and wanted to learn color but Ink is my heart

[@kingpen1179]

Welcome back sir Benjamin

[@redrustgame6646]

Amazing guy! Now he understands line work! Lots of things I felt were this way and he confirmed it. Thanks a ton!

[@michaelmcdonnell3905]

Recently got the mameo inking brush, it's like inking with fine liners or multi liners giving a Jim Lee or Marc Silvestri feel.

[@michaelmcdonnell3905]

Can create your own brush with similar settings to Mameo inking brush by moving up minimum value of pen pressure, play with pen pressure, and move down brush thickness.

[@BluBoiART]

Thank You Ryan indeed I think this will definitely help my inking/lineart get a lil more life. I LOVE my pencil art but when I get to the lineart I end up hating it lol. Now I have a better idea of why. Thank you great one!!

[@FOF275]

This's perfect! I've been tryna start drawing comics, but my big issue is trying to find ways to speed up the inking process Maybe this won't help with speed specifically, but I definitely have a lot to learn about inking in general

[@Philosophy.and.Tostitos]

I felt exactly the same way some time ago! I'm no world-class expert, but in my experience, the more you ink, the faster you'll be able to do it. At first your inks might look a bit uncertain and wobbly, forcing you to constantly undo or tweak lines. But the more you do it, the more you develop the muscle memory to draw clean, strong, confident lines! So it gets easier and faster as you ink more stuff. :)

[@helix1406]

Ryan’s such an incredible artist

[@TheRealJmad]

Cant wait to get the tab 9 ultra ill be using it for my inking projects. I got some anotomy books gonna work on pencil sketches on paper and ink on my tablet ❤

[@twood12301]

Great tutorial but at 1:55 in clip studio you can just switch your color to the transparent option and you get the same effect without needing to turn off the white.

[@andrechris-sargent9921]

Clip studio REPRESENT

[@luc7478]

Personally it's a Great Comic software

[@chiptenor]

Thank you, Stan (Proko). And Ryan,...you do great work! Very inspiring!

[@JacksonTaylorandTheSinners]

You always have the best guest. Thank you.

[@aileensun4786]

i saw the painting, inking, and sketching one for this batman cover

[@ShadowWingTronix]

We have different art styles (also he's better than I am) but it's fascinating watching someone else's methods, especially when they use the same tools I do. I'll have to look for that Battlefield Dust one and I picked up a few other tips as well.

[@mattlowder]

Excellent discussion

[@ciaranm3083]

I like what you said about the unlimited undos in digital art. It's annoying when I'm doing pencil art and realize I need an eye or something moved over so I have to redraw it instead of CSP where I just lasso that bitch into the right spot.

[@Lycius]

On the one hand, don't use it as a cheat. You can use unlimited layers (or what someone thinks, if you're on a 4kx4k texture sheet, every layer, is another 4k sheet, so... PSD files get up to 4 gigs. Some other resources, Ryan Church, flatten layers if you don't need them. Just one brush stroke is another full image, no matter how many pixels. Flipping the image, so you can see it from another angle (it's a little to easy to become myopic, "This is the idea!" Then, you've done all this work on it, then flip it, and, 'Zut alors! I have meesed one!" So, hotkeys for flipping, mirroring. It's kindof standard practice? Maybe not? It''s encouraged, in any case. Doesn't hurt. Flopping another layer on to test things out, is not something I'd discourage, at all. Just... don't leave 'em there. Gets messy. There are a lot of great free brushes out there. Sorry, typing as I'm watching this, because there's a lot to take in. Love this guy more and more!

[@MischiefAndTrickery]

"I don't have time to name layers, I just go" is such a mood lol.

[@nuxkamina]

Thank you Ryan and Proko!

[@Gensolink]

omg that transfer layer tip is great. That whole video was very informative as whole thank you !

[@billscarpitti3063]

Hello greaaat tutorial… Please… Is possible explain the config. Of Brush Mameo In My Clip Studio my line work is different… Thanks a lot 🙏🏼

[@inkmage4084]

Absolutely amazing, you're a legend and thank you so much for this!!

[@gh05tnoh24]

Can we talk about how easy he made drawing this fucking amazing picture of batman look?

[@ShazySoft]

This is beautifully inked!

[@DoctorMGL]

turning your ink into blue lines or whatever color you want can be done in photoshop also 5:50 photoshop as well have this option (Flip Canvas), you just have to config it from the shortcut keys - you find it under : *Image > Image Rotation > Flip Canvas Horizontal*

[@juanaramberri2988]

Wow I realy like this video, I always ink with simple lines with the vector layer, I will try to apply the type of line art that Ryan explains

[@Nikke283]

I`m listen to this, while working on my comic. Ryan talks about loosing art. Me start to save my work on hard drive ....XD.

[@ShaneTallon88]

Love love love this videos, Benjamin Ryan

[@KTilu93]

Love so much his art. Amazing work, buddies!!!

[@trufflefluffle4293]

Add line weight to your inks based on light will also improve your inks.

[@NoRaveninheaven]

Sure 😊

[@MrRossT1]

Ryan already covers this on his channel. :)

[@Espaidelman]

That steel wool brush is INCREDIBLE! What's it called??

[@iantheillustrator1959]

this man even implements his kids into his drawing process

[@Outerwebs]

Trying to find that last brush at 36:33... anyone knew it's name or CSP Content ID?

[@solypsomancer9540]

Gonna watch this at least 4 times. Thank you.

[@ShakDrawzOfficial]

Are there some adjustments you made to the mameo brush? I’ve tried all of them and none of them look like how yours does.

[@Antigone-yp6ht]

Thank you, Ryan. Great video.

[@susano2723]

Ryan U are amazing, Tks so much for the tips and tricks !!

[@Steriiaa]

Bro, Thank You So Much For These Advices!

[@dragonfirendly]

the layer transfer thing is so big brain

[@jayedwin98020]

Great tutorial, even for someone who is not even planning a career in the comic book industry.

[@brandielee7971]

This is great. My natural style flows towards this but I didn't realize it was a marketable style

[@greatwhitesufi]

Jim Lee's work is phenomenal as a penciler, but it's just another level when he inks it himself. He'd be a treat to learn from if he wasn't the big shot at DC

[@herbertscott9575]

Check out VZA channel. They have nearly 13 years of Jim Lee videos

[@punkgrl325]

@@herbertscott9575 Yeah, also his own channel. He’s probably the one artist from DC/Marvel with the most presence on KZbin, maybe followed by David Finch.

[@DelfaTime]

man inking is the best thing in the world

[@Lycius]

Ooh! Hope you don't mind a suggestion. These are all great! Maybe a quick go-over of how to express VFX. This needs more exposure. I think... um... it's particularly important to concept artists on movie/game titles. I'm not saying comic books are passé or anything. Well, print is a little outmoded, which, I ... hate is a strong word. I got good at this, then CG exploded, but this is the core, it's where emotion is derived from.. Great overall conversation, great interview. Cinefex had some producers who said some of the same things mentioned in the interview. Production level's different. Learn on the job.

[@kjhgfdsd76654]

A Clip Studio trick: an easier way to make your brush "erase" is simply hit the "C" key (You'll have to hit it again to draw/ink)

[@robertdufour2456]

Amazing tutorial! Thank you for sharing your tremendous skills!

[@jakubzbucki3773]

Im just curious, the way Ryan demonstrated creating the alpha layer effect with the white ink, can that be something you can do in photoshop by just making the layer a multiply layer, and using X to switch between white and black. That way, because its a multiply layer, the white wont show up when you draw in it?

[@bluexco]

Amazing video, happy I watched it!

[@mii7140]

This drawing is amazing. Your style is incredibly charming, and I absolutely love it. I want to make you my role model. How many years have you been drawing?

[@DescartesDooley]

some nice clip tips here. Making the move over from photoshop myself.

[@onikaizer]

if there's an insight into resolution and file preparation for coloring, it would be very interesting to know the pipeline for established publishers.

[@Graffo20]

Amazing artist! Where can I get this Mameo2 brush? I just found the basic one. Thanks!

[@MrRossT1]

ClipStudio Assets, type it in the search engine. :)

[@Unimportant]

This is a great video and I feel I learned a lot. One thing I am curious about is that if there is a good reason to use the White/Black alpha layer instead of just using black lines and the "clear" color that erases with your brush or if it is just something he does out of habit?

[@roguenoss2482]

Most likely out of habit. I'm also just using the transparent shortcut when i want to clean up lines

[@HimanshuSingh-sf3lc]

must be out of habit, that bit looks unnecessarily done when the clear part does the same tbh.

[@teinili]

I think he just doesnt know you can erase with the transparent color. I only learned about that a few weeks ago and I've been using clip Studio since 2014 and it blew my mind because it's so useful :D

[@cryptorcd9352]

I think there is one. He draws on 2 layers using that transfer mechanic. All his inks are on bottom layer, while he draws on top one. So if you use transparent/eraser line and you want to erase something you already transfered on the bottom layer, you won't be able to do it with transparent line, but you can with white.

[@roguenoss2482]

@@cryptorcd9352 huh...that is actually kinda smart.

[@dabu405]

This is so Mindblowing, i have to try this❤

[@michaelmcdonnell3905]

What about using the ruler tool for inking like a French curve?

[@invokingart-newartaccount6654]

Too awesome, thanks for sharing!

[@h.sinclair]

this was awesome !!!! Ryan got the batman!

[@InkfightStudios]

Thank you Ryan! This video was very helpful and I can’t wait to try those brushes ☺️❤️

[@NoRaveninheaven]

Very helpful ☺️

[@SC4RArt]

This is fantastic!! Really enjoy watching... Thumbs up! 💥💥💥

[@NoRaveninheaven]

👍👍

[@maxgainz8406]

You can remove overlaps by making it livepaint then just click and delete I overshoot everything on purpose when i use an inking brush that is pressure sensitive

[@maxgainz8406]

In Illustrator

[@BsCremers.]

i'm a photoshop Drawer but i have not yet found the brush for in photoshop, do you know any brushes like the mameo brush for photoshop?

[@michaelmcdonnell3905]

Have the unit of length in preferences be set to MM for print.

[@rayisuke]

Very informative i´ve been trying to learn some inking to start making a webtoon.

[@NoRaveninheaven]

Love it

[@techeye1114]

Can you please share what are the settings for mameo pen Ryan is using ? It looks like he has duplicated one of the brushes and then changed some settings because none of the brush work like the one he is using . Kindly Help.

[@bentontramell]

6:35 tip of the year!

[@lingq20068]

Thank you sir🌷❤️

[@TheKevphil]

hey, Ryan! Great video: Thanks! I draw & ink for Indy projects and use Clip Studio for the entire process. I work on Vector Layers for a number of reasons, but mostly so I can erase intersecting, overlapping lines. It lets me throw lines quicker and clean up quicker. Have you ever used Vector Layers in CSP?

[@michaelmcdonnell3905]

Think some artists like to do things the hard way like no vector layers or ruler tools.

[@TheKevphil]

@@michaelmcdonnell3905 Some _professional_ artists like to do work on time and on budget. ;)

[@BalbirYaduvanshi07]

I always used to draw in layers never stiff, and I always thought i must be doing it wrong (bcoz I never learnt drawing) now i know i was right all along

[@369_trell7]

Ryan quickly became one of my inspirations🤘🏾

[@renrams]

This video is all ive ever needed wtf

[@nickguttmann2646]

Does anyone know how he’s modified his mameo pen? The default has a super dynamic change in the ink density/opacity where his remains fairly consistent. Was messing with the settings, but can’t seem to get it quite right. Maybe it’s just the way he’s pressing down…

[@ProkoTV]

That's a matter of the pressure he applies. This was the freshest of fresh installs of the program and he didn't change really anything before jumping in.

[@nickguttmann2646]

@@ProkoTV Amazing. Thanks for sharing this video - great stuff.

[@toongamer2810]

29:52 inspirational

[@rafaellyle1579]

That Mameo Pen is awesome

[@knightofbrokenglass9237]

400 DPI ! - less than 20 seconds in and I'm already learning something!

[@jeroddunn]

This dude is a beast!

[@sissy172]

Wow, this actually really helped me understand the process, can’t wait to try it out when I’m drawing👏

[@AS-hr6cn]

you are amazing!

[@LETTE37]

I don't understand the Alpha Layer, Why don't you use the eraser instead? Can someone explain to me what is the benefit of that please?

[@herbertscott9575]

More control with less risk of making errors. It's a more efficient workflow.

[@maddiev4500]

Usually you don’t use the eraser and instead use a transparent color so that your “eraser” will be in the same brush shape as your inking lines