Mastering Anime Background Shading in Clip Studio Paint: A Step-by-Step Guide

Welcome, everyone! Today, we will learn how to shade anime backgrounds professionally using Clip Studio Paint. This lesson will focus solely on shading, not coloring, as there are other tutorials on the site dedicated to coloring backgrounds. Are you ready for Anime Background Shading? Let’s begin!

1. Anime Background Shading Preparing the Basic Layers

1. Open Clip Studio Paint.

2. Add the background layer, which will be the base coloring layer of the village.

3. Add the inking layer above the coloring layer, so we now have two layers.

4. To create the shading layer, add a new layer between the inking and coloring layers.

5. Add a Layer Mask via [Layer] → [Layer Mask].

2. Adding Gradient Shading

1. Select the area to be shaded using the Selection Tool.

2. Go to the Gradient Tool.

1. Choose a slightly darker shade than the base color using the Color Wheel.

2. Use the Gradient Tool to apply a smooth shading transition to the wall in the background, helping to add a sense of depth and realism to the scene.

This gradient creates a seamless contrast between the lit and shadowed areas, making the lighting appear more natural for Anime Background Shading.

We can adjust the gradient’s angle and intensity to achieve the desired effect, whether a soft shadow or a sharp one, depending on the scene’s light source.

3. Adding Lighting Effects

1. Add a new layer above the shading.

2. Apply lighting effects through [Layer] → [New Correction Layer] → [Brightness/Contrast].

3. Re-select the wall using the Selection Tool.

4. Choose a lighter shade of the base color and use the Gradient Tool to add a soft lighting effect.

4. Adding the Sky and Background

1. Go to [File] → [Import] → [Image].

2. Insert an image of the sky and use the Transform Tool to resize it to fit the scene properly.

1. Add a new layer below the village coloring layer.

2. Use the Fill Tool to color the ground with a warm earthy tone.

5. Enhancing Details and Adjusting Colors

1. Select the Brush Tool and choose a cracked-earth texture brush.

2. Use a darker earthy tone to draw cracks and add depth to the ground.

3. Navigate to [Edit] → [Tonal Correction] → [Hue/Saturation/Luminosity] and adjust brightness and contrast values.

4. Repeat the process, but this time select [Color Balance] from the same menu and adjust the color balance according to the image reference.

And there you have it—the background is now complete! Shading is a crucial step in adding depth and realism to backgrounds. By using gradients and smart lighting techniques, we can transform a simple scene into a professional-looking anime background.

Do you have any other ideas for improving background shading? Share your experiences with us!