my full digital painting process✨ brushes, gradient maps, and more~

Try a free 3 month trial of Clip Studio Paint on any Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Chromebook device! www.clipstudio.net/en/purchas...
Thank you to Clip Studio Paint for sponsoring this video and supporting the channel! In this video, I will be leading a tutorial on how I digitally paint with Clip Studio Paint. This process involves sketching, refining, mini paintings, greyscale paintings, how I use gradient maps, layer modes, and my "throw spaghetti at the wall and see what sticks" rendering style. I hope you are able to learn a trick or two through this video and that you fall more in love with painting. Thank you for watching !
Brushes Used:
default gouache brush
default round mixing brush
Artemus Pencil assets.clip-studio.com/en-us/...
Leaf Brush assets.clip-studio.com/en-us/...
Lasso Tool and Airbrush
Need more help with Digitally painting? Check out these videos!:
• MY ENTIRE DIGITAL ART ...
• MY ENTIRE DIGITAL SHAD...
• Learn to see like a pa...
• Essential Values for P...
• How to do digital pain...
Socials:
✿Website: shannonnichols.artstation.com/
✿Instagram: / sketches.of.shay
✿Business Inquiries: [e-mail]
Equipment
✿Camera: iPhone 13 Pro and OBSOT Tiny 2 4k Webcam
✿Editing Software: Adobe Premiere Pro
✿Music: share.epidemicsound.com/f1gsak
Music:
Epidemic Sound (Affiliate Link, no extra cost to you, but I make a small commission!) share.epidemicsound.com/f1gsak
12,58-22,11 Additional Tracks by Ro Ramdin (@roramdin )
Talk2
Talk3
Talk6
Outro: Background Synthetic
TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 How I Digitally Paint
1:45 Canvas Set Up
3:00 Sketching
4:48 Refining and Using Reference
7:00 Painting the Backgrounds First
10:00 Greyscale Painting
11:00 Shading
13:05 Edges
13:50 Rendering Values
14:35 Gradient Maps
15:35 Color Layer Mode
16:30 Overlay and Saturation
17:30 Rendering and Paintover
20:00 Focal Point is Key
22:42 Color Correction and Final
23:09 Outro
FTC: This video is sponsored by Clip Studio Paint

[@sketchesofshay]

I hope I gave you some ideas and guidance for your own painting journey

[@majorblx4410]

5:01 in this part , i Will Say the whole vid haha

[@World_Bender]

I love your art style!!❤

[@brightwormstudio]

This is a fabulous breakdown!! I've only recently found your channel and I've already learned so much & rediscovered a hunger for *learning* again, not just doing. I've been reeeally struggling with the greyscale -> gradient map -> color & render workflow... I get stuck trying to use color & saturation layers, and have a hard time knowing how much to use them, rather than jump in with an opaque layer... I'd love to learn more in a future video (or from a recommended video, if you have one on hand!) about separating areas of the painting and using different gradient maps for each, coordinating them, using color/saturation layers, etc! 🙏

[@mikado_m]

One of the main things that i just havent seen people show is like _how_ do you use your brushes yk? Like with traditional brushes ive seen videos for like 'do this and this with that brush to get xyz' but i dont think ive ever seen something like that for digital brushes.. Like just how do you controll the brushes.. what size goes well for what, how do you work with/get the opacity, the way you move for it? Like it might seem a bit much.. but ive been trying to figure it out and as someone who doesnt get things untill theyre spelled out for me it just doesnt work. It still just feels like randomly mashing around.. Theres some videos on general things like digital brush/edge controll or the gradient maps (which are usefull too) but ive never seen anyone talk about _how_ they use specific brushes in their art.. Its just been kinda stuck in my head idk

[@TheArtisticWitch]

Time to change my art style after seeing someone else’s again😔🔫

[@sketchesofshay]

Ngl I do the same thing, artist adhd fr

[@Strawberry_Li]

So real

[@tkjk0481]

This comment makes me feel personally called out.

[@Kaezuheyy]

I think someone is calling me out.. 😨

[@Sakkaz]

Stop tagging me in this comment 😔

[@cami_lix]

ok but i LOVE how you're not afraid of taking YOUR TIME to make the best drawing you can...i always struggle with time because i want to make things in a short period and i love how you are doing thins in your own pace and seeing whats best..loveeeee

[@sketchesofshay]

the process is the most enjoyable for me!! why rush when you can have fun exploring and figuring things out hehe (some projects do require rush due to clients but when it's a personal piece, i don't mind taking my time hehe)

[@oboeisme]

as a completely self-taught artist I often struggle to find videos that aren't for super-beginners that are really helpful for me. this video is literally a goldmine and I'm so glad I found it!! thank you for your literally constantly amazing content

[@darling_astra]

I'm gonna be so real rn.. I was binging vids from this channel when this was uploaded 😭 it helps so much to watch while I draaaw

[@mangojuice1947]

Same!!

[@_-lucasmom3-_]

still can't get over how pretty your art style is 💕

[@diaryofaclementine]

i adore how you can really see their personalities in this!! saul being such a happy golden retriever type while bill seems more reserved and hesitant to show his emotions!!

[@bigg_bagel]

i haven't drawn in like 2 months but your pretty cowboy art has gotten me in the spirit again

[@mokilatte]

Grey scale and gradient maps are a godsend✨ with digital painting. The piece turned out beautiful as always

[@sketchesofshay]

thank you so much!!

[@toodles_doodles]

I'm laughing right now because I've been watching and rewatching your videos to disect your process. So much work, thanks for making it easier on us. ❤

[@sketchesofshay]

so happy I could make it easier!

[@user4989]

you posted this just as i got out my drawing tablet!! perfect video for me to watch while drawing ty!

[@AnonymousUnknownChickenNuggets]

Your painting low-key reminds me of Brigerton and I LOVE it.

[@ChantelleArts]

I LOVE the way you've drawn the background and used such beautiful colours 🥰

[@jinney.mp3]

god i love the textures in this piece, especially of the clothing!!! great job!

[@Grace_dun]

Your art is just WOW, your editing is just WOW, everything about you is just WOW. You've inspired me to start drawing again and i really want to say thank you, your channel has helped me improve and continue art.

[@rightsock_asock5574]

I love bill and saul I wish gay people were real

[@delaineyjohnson4262]

I love when you add links to videos. It helps a lot since I always want to go deeper in a subject, but don’t know we’re to start. Could you please keep doing it?

[@oxxn111]

all of the artemus brushes are SO good

[@nightcreeper4638]

Noooo don't make me get my graphics tablet out again I just put it away 😭Your videos are always so inspiring and I really admire your art!!

[@sketchesofshay]

Hehehe so happy my videos inspire you to draw!!

[@fang8175]

This is the perfect time to post this oh my gosh, I’ve been admiring your art for a few weeks now!! YIPPEE :D

[@zzimplez]

This is such a beautiful video, thanks for brightening all our days and showing us your wonders!

[@lacey_and_her_stories]

I can’t express how much inspiration your art just gave me, I wanna try your painting-like rendering ❤

[@ashbest6994]

You have no idea how invested I am in these characters, I desperately need more content😭😭😭😭

[@alonachiong666]

Awww they look so cute together

[@princelujan]

Thank you so much for sharing your process with us!!!!💖✨

[@finchert]

AAAHH i always love watching your art process. from the sketching down to the coloring and refinements, you make it look so fun ☕️

[@bacon_ART.]

SHAYYYYYYYYYYYYY ‼️‼️‼️‼️ I WAS WATCHING YOUR VIDS ALL DAY YOUR MY FAVOURITE COMFORT KZbinR

[@Manchineel_]

Is Strawberry Saul and Blueberry Bill a couple? Cuz if so they r so cute together!

[@sketchesofshay]

yes!! further along in their story they end up together hehe 💖

[@Manchineel_]

@@sketchesofshay awww, that's so sweet

[@caelan0D]

It's really awesome to see your digital painting process! I use CSP too but have always been intimidated to try a full painting. Watching your video and seeing all the resources is so helpful! Also love the painting of the boys, love a sweet OC moment

[@anniex4895]

your arts are so inspiring and you’re super helpful for my art journey!!!!!!🫶

[@CactusRadish]

Thank you for your process, Shay!! I always wondered how people use adjustment layers and greyscales, I might have to try it out!

[@Yayisaday]

Shane is my favourite artist I could watch these videos over and over again

[@Moony.fairyy]

Thankyou so much for this, I’ve been waiting for this video 💕

[@chloea6703]

oh my gosh ur tip about the local values combined with the gradient map for the color atmosphere is such a godsend, esp as someone at the stage who paints in greyscale first! love ur tutorials

[@l3afy5]

THIS IS SUCH AN EXCELLENT VIDEO AAAAA thank you for sharing your process, i really struggle with compositions, lighting and overall depth so your explanation is really helpful!! it's a wonderful illustration, i love the whole theme and colour scheme so much!!

[@cheezezuu775]

Thank you so much for making this video! Ive been really struggling with coloring and am really new to coloring in grayscale. Its a real science and wasnt sure where to even start. I want to try anf follow this process with these brushes too. Thank you again your videos are an inspiration.

[@samuelpelozo2401]

Thanks you so much for sharing your journey, love all phases and it is really inspiring !! you make me want to think more about my own creations and it's really interesting your point of view, all the things just make sense and are so beautiful !

[@mawaomar9530]

i love how you drew the black guy

[@Angelo-fw1bh]

This ilustrations taste to me, like, the Teletubbies Sundae with Jelly, Syrup and fruits and now im hungry... Beautiful and colorful piece.

[@SketchBones]

What a lovely walkthrough

[@ceryss.arlertt]

you are my favourite artist and my idol, I love so much your videos, please never stop making them :D

[@oakland7561]

I've been in art block for like... 3 months. super burnt out and just feeling bad about my art, but this, i think, is going to get me going again! a lot of tutorials/guides don't really work for me because i can't see what tools are being used but seeing how you pick your palettes and use the lasso tool and mix colors, and how you keep control of your edges is just so nice. i think i'm going to learn a lot from you, your art is so pretty the style in terms of anatomy and color is really what i want to achieve, and your voice is so soothing too

[@yaelbegel3357]

Loooooooooove those type of videos ! struggling a lot with digital painting rn !

[@skellieartypoop]

omg i found artemus brushes about a year ago and they're still my go to brushes for everything from sketching to rendering! its so yummy

[@jhessicacomjh]

This video was inspiring. I love your illustration, it is so full of color and life. Now I'm going to start my own. Thank you for sharing so much knowledge with us!

[@biothehaz4rd]

Your art is genuinely so beautiful it looks like it tastes like strawberries

[@inhabitantDunwich]

Thanks for the content, buddy! Your videos are so useful and interesting!

[@anaovelho6228]

that´s it: i am oficially in love with your artwork

[@sailorspice]

i love artemus omgg!!!

[@julianaarroyo1122]

Me encantan tus videos 🥺 y sibte todo cuando explicas tu proceso y todo ❤❤❤ me encanta tu manera de pintar!!! Muchas gracias por hacer éstos videos

[@radishuwu]

beautiful😭

[@eggy337]

RAHHH I LOVE THEM 😭😭😭😭

[@waxwax8266]

THOSE ARE THE BRUSHES I USE! ARTEMUS PENCIL SPOTTED

[@willynilly3163]

Bless you for this

[@TangomelonArt]

This is so helpful ❤

[@user-vm6cx3wr9e]

Arrasa muito shay❤

[@luckieangelz]

YAY I LOVE ART PROCESSES!!! holy shit i forgot gradient maps exist, i definitely want to give it a go instead of starting with color first. i have been doing more monochrome first with my skecth, so this is helpful!!!

[@sundaddy1077]

the best tutorial i have ever watched! this was super helpful to me

[@sketchesofshay]

so happy you found it helpful!

[@user-vo6kv9rx5k]

your videos are always addicting, thank you for this lovely video :)

[@sketchesofshay]

aw thank you so much for watching! it means a lot

[@Ombie_Art]

That's super helpfull and amazing to follow your thoughtprocess and process in general ! I want to elevate my illustration making skill too and it will help a lot thanks !

[@carcinogeneticicist]

Hehehe next vid is the 4/13 one as I'm so excited :oDD!!! (alsoo, I never comment on the actual vid sorry, they're really good and I think your voice is just so nice to listen to I simply don't have any feedback, keep up the amazing work :o3 )

[@Aqwtiny]

Would be cool if they had a one time purchase for tablets too . They’re lack of one just leads everyone to procreate.

[@kesochez8473]

Stumbled upon your channel while binging charachter design videos, instant subrscibe🙏 i love your artstyle and it really helped me get out of art block🫶🏻

[@vvorppxx]

ARTEMUS MY FAV TOOOO

[@baizhuwaitingroom7057]

It's really interesting to see your process! I find that over the years I gradually started adapting traditional painting methods into my digital art and when I create (since I want it to look as organic as possible), I just imagine I'm using gouache or oils. I also use as few layers as possible and consciously limit my palettes, which helps with making the colour composition more cohesive. I use layer modes mainly to tweak little things and I started embracing the imperfections. It helps that I'm often too lazy to actually learn how to use all software features available lol. Gradient maps though might become my new fave!

[@sketchesofshay]

that's such a great mindset to have! I defintely want to try and think the same way, and yeah def recommend trying to use gradient maps!

[@HiroDoodlez]

Really love your art!!! Heehoo!!!

[@sketchesofshay]

omg thank you so much Hiro!! 💖⭐️

[@TangomelonArt]

I hope you do the follow up video. Especially regarding color, I struggle with that in particular and I love the color use in your art so much!

[@sketchesofshay]

will do!! I’ll add it to my list ✍️

[@Zwologosss]

I feel like I’m watching an art magician

[@stinkygato5313]

Ur literally one of the top artists that I regularly think about, cuz tell me why when Honkai Star rail introduced Boothill; I immediately thought about u first. Whenever anything cowboy related pops up, ur always the first person that comes to mind 😭

[@soulstar005]

Waaaaait I didn’t kno there was a simple mode this changes everything for me

[@stitchgor3]

LETS GO NEW VIDEO

[@hersyith-1033]

Subscribed 😝 this painting is so cute

[@_melala]

THAT'S SO BEAUTIFUL???? I QUIT

[@okidokidraws]

XD I wish these two could meet my Animal Handler Elf and Druid Elf characters I could see them doing this :) Aldebaran (Al) is a red head and the Animal handler and the Druid Elf Jai is a dark purple color this looks amazing ^^

[@scarbordoefair]

Honestly incredibly inspiring tutorial! It definitely made gradient maps seem less intimidating, haha. Also P.S: the pollos hermanos jerma flag in the background threw me for a loop i love it.

[@sketchesofshay]

so happy it was helpful for you!!

[@luciferl7097]

I really want to see a video where it's mobile clip Studio paint vs Ibis paint Mobile, on the phone

[@sketchesofshay]

This is a really cool video idea!! I have never attempted to paint on my phone, I’m gonna add this to my list hehe 💖

[@KetchupCanvas]

I love this! I recently added an app to my Chromebook called Infinite Painter (I think that's what it's called) and I really like practicing digital drawing on it. I also love it because it can be a nice alternative to paper if I just want to scribble because that way I'm not wasting paper 😊

[@Angelo-fw1bh]

If you don't mind. This is the info I needed to make a Shay'style study to get better with the digital. I still suck at rendering.

[@Mikiyakennedy]

I really love your style, do you think that you could make a similar video on how to do grayscale?, I really like the way you do it❤

[@grelly5376]

It’s like someone injected an iv of creativity into my blood when I watch ur videos

[@badtimenightmarefaces]

I'm hoping to return back to using CSP this summer! I've been using Procreate but it's just not the same, brushes on CSP i'd suggest are "angled tex" and "Milky Brush!" they're my absolute favorites

[@mimii694]

Omg same haha. I've been using procreate for months but I really want to switch back to CSP, just not sure when to transition. I hateee that shift cause it always somehow changes my art style

[@badtimenightmarefaces]

@@mimii694 yeahhhhh, i’ve been slowly using CSP every few pieces, i suggest just using it occasionally to get back to it, or using Procreate to do sketches and then finishing in CSP! It helps me a lot!

[@majorblx4410]

Hi shay just letting You know i love Your vids🎉❤

[@drizz_o2839]

IVE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS ONE 😓😓😓😓

[@sketchesofshay]

So happy it’s finally out!! I hope it helps you 💖

[@drizz_o2839]

@@sketchesofshay oh it absolutely will ^v^ after years of hard lineart im trying to get into painting and PHEW this is hard!! thank u for this video

[@levisrighteyeball7288]

I feel so sorry for all those who won’t come across this video 😫… Lately I‘ve been in a creative slump, but seeing you taking your time with your art and giving such nice and important tips is a gamechanger. New Sub!🩷

[@sketchesofshay]

omg thank you so much for subbing!! I really appreciate it

[@CloverToast]

This is a beautiful video!!! How did you screen record your ipad like that?? I cant find any good programs that dont mess with the dimensions, lagginess or colours 😭

[@speckledblender5495]

As a person who wants to learn how to digital paint this was super helpful. Do you also have any digital drawing tablets to recommend I'm looking for a tablet so I can finally start learning how to digital draw. I love to colors in the painting its very beautiful. I hope you have an amazing day Shay.❤

[@owltailart8720]

🤝 getting a manga studio physical set and never leaving

[@BloomynMoon]

Get ready Shay I’m about to steal your art style 🫵

[@BloomynMoon]

Ooo always interesting to see an artists process! I’ll have to come back and take more notes- time to look into gradient maps 👀

[@potatotel6475]

RAHHH TYSM

[@melikemeryem8358]

do you have any tips for beginner ?? like how to start and on what to focus on ? I'm 17 and I recently started drawing but I struggle alot and I have the feeling Im running out of time because I would really love to study art and get a job as an illustrator. BTW I love your art and you inspire me alot ❤🙏🏻

[@sketchesofshay]

Here’s a great place to start 🌼 kzbin.info/www/bejne/aZ-7m3qYfqishLcsi=gS5HY1EpViqL7XcV

[@disciplining.the.pencil]

beautiful drawing love the colors I'm a traditional artist exploring digital art and trying to use traditional techniques in Photoshop on my channel - would love to hear your thoughts and advice on how to improve!

[@luxie7772]

thank you, this is very useful! Do you render everything on the same layer or do you switch based on what you're rendering? i can never understand that part of the whole rendering process when i try it out on my own :b

[@sketchesofshay]

I set a separate layer on top of all of my other previous layers and render on that one!

[@luxie7772]

@@sketchesofshay thank you!! rendering is (strangely enough since i am a traditional artist) whats most difficult to me so this helps a lot!!

[@TheBlackHatOutlaw]

Beautiful piece, I love it! It seems like that would be sort of a rare moment for them, with all the monster hunting and all. Normally I'd have something more meaningful to say as I tend not to really want to leave just "Nice work!" kind of simple comments, but all I can think about with this piece is that I'd love to just walk up and hug them both. I'd probably get to with Saul, since he's warm and open, but... not Bill. XD

[@mave_mave]

7:39 where did you get the Gustavo poster in the background from?

[@sketchesofshay]

my sibling got it for me for my birthday so I have no idea 😂

[@yimimoo]

YESYEEY4S YES YES THANK YOU

[@SeraphimHani]

Wow I completely forgot that CSP used to be called Manga Studio, so nostalgic to hear that name again

[@sketchesofshay]

I feel like only a few artists remember!! I honestly forget sometimes myself lol

[@pinkinkNZ]

0:05 AH THE COW BOYS 1:00 omg it's there first date (lol jkjk...or is it) 3:16 HECK YES....aw i wish i could go to a tea party...i love tea ;-; 4:45 wow u do a lot of planing for these things :0 i wounder if u plan all of ur drawings 4:55 omg his faceeee omg ima cry he's to bootiful 7:29 wooooooooow ur such an amazing artist LIKE HOW U DO THAT lol 9:06 wow i love how u put the characters with all black so u can just work out the background man i always love ur vids and ur just so inspirering to me, always love when u post :]

[@diaryofaclementine]

i had a bit of a n unrelated question! i really loved your knight design videos and i had a few ideas for the concept, i was wondering if i could explore my ideas a bit and draw them out and share them with you? i totally understand if you'd dislike it since it's a personal project of yours, but i have some potential cool ideas to add more of the 'original' minotaur lore and to add on stuff for the heart of the forest!

[@asyrdal4059]

Anyone know of a good gouache brush? The one in the video I can't seem to find; the new CSP default has a *really* harsh texture and it doesn't look...quite right.

[@sketchesofshay]

I use the default gouache brush in Clip Studio Paint actually

[@asyrdal4059]

@@sketchesofshay Really? I guess I'll just have to mess around with the brush settings, then! I know they did a brush update recently, so I thought maybe the option had changed lolol XD Thank you though!!

[@neurodivergentliv]

Ahh thank you so much for this! Your video is so comfortable for my Autistic + ADHD brain, so thank you! This is so helpful and motivating