Today, I decided to download and try Clip Studio Paint. I was choosing between trying Krita or CSP since I don't have Photoshop at the moment.
I've heard good things about CSP and see many artist and friends (artist friends) use this. I'm very comfortable with Photoshop (except for the scratch disk popup I would encounter every now and then), but this time, with the absence of my go-to tool, it's time to rediscover new tools and think of a workflow that will work for me with the available resources I have access to.
These were the first brush strokes I made as I try to discover the tools... I must say I'm very impressed with the brushes— especially the Watercolor and India Ink brushes!
A 30 Day Art Challenge
And since I have 30 days to try this software, I thought the best way to maximise it is to use it everyday. I do have a project I plan to use it for, which prompted the research for new software in the first place. But to make the learning more fun and engaging, it's best to combine it with other worthwhile project or goals such as developing a (daily) drawing habit.
First Mark with Clip Paint Studio - Part 1
What's an art challenge that would fit 30 days (or a month)? So many! But the first that comes to mind, an easy pick, is the "36 Days of Type". No need to brainstorm or generate new words for inspiration — we all know the English alphabets and numbers.
First Mark with Clip Paint Studio - Part 2
Line-Improving Software
Some friends have suggested using "Lazy Nezumi" (for Windows) and "Hej Stylus" (for Mac), which are apps to use with Photoshop or Clip Paint Studio. It helps in stabilizing the strokes when using pen & tablet / graphics tablet so the lines you make are smooth and beautiful. Both of these apps have extra features that help in drawing. And hey— it's great for calligraphy too! Now you got my attention (even more).
Lazy Nezumi (Win) - 15-Day Trial, Buy for PHP 950 (around $17), One-time payment
Hej Stylus (Mac) - 14-Day Trial, Buy for $ 30 (around PHP 1,740), "V3" version. Includes an "ALWAYS FREE Basic Stabilizer"
Back to the art challenge, Day 1.
Actually, there's a possibility that might change or evolve, since I'm open to anything that I could draw, meaning, even those outside the english alphabet. The main goal is to use the software each day for 30 days, or 5-6 days a week within the trial period.
That's my first day entry: Letra A / Letter "A"