Art Guide: Gradient Maps (Patreon)

This guide will concern Clip Studio Paint, but the basic idea of gradient maps and how to use them effectively can be applied to Photoshop too. 

What is a gradient map? 

You might have seen digital artists mention their use of gradient maps, or even tried them out yourself. They're a fantastic tool for getting interesting colour effects on your art in very little time. 

In the simplest terms: a gradient map measures the values (the brightness, from black to white or darkest to lightest) of an image and replaces them with a pre-set map of colours. The change in these colours is calculated by the computer into a gradient. Hence: gradient map!

The more distance between these plotted colours, the softer the gradient will be. Less distance will make for a sharper change in colour on the final image.

Where is the gradient map tool in CSP?

Find it in the Edit menu, under tonal corrections. 

We can create the maps or download sets of them premade to use in CSP. Look for them in the gradient set search on the online CSP asset library!  This is a wildly versatile tool and very fun to play around with. You can get a lot of different results from experimenting!

 What else can we do with gradients? 

You can convert black and white images with maps for a 1:1 following of the map like this. This can lead to some bold and bright images that really pop!

However, I find the most unexpected and interesting results come from applying a map to a picture I've already applied the proper flat colours to. I use this tool an an after-effect more than a way to colour. I like that it adds a bit of zing to my art that I struggle to add in naturally with paint or flat colour.

Try experimenting with merging your image, duplicating it in a new layer, and setting it to different layer modes. You might find something fun along the way! 

I hope this helped to demystify gradient maps a little! Definitely one of my favourite digital art tools.