The Development of a Multi-Angle Modular Brush Toolset as an Efficient Solution for 2D Character Production

Abstract

The digital creative sector necessitates an efficient production method for 2D character art and animation that maintains visual quality and character consistency. A primary challenge for artists is preserving the anatomical proportions and visual identity of characters when depicted from diverse perspectives. This procedure is frequently labor-intensive as characters must be repainted individually for each alteration in perspective. This study seeks to create a Multi-Angle Modular Brush Toolset utilizing Clip Studio Paint to enhance the productivity of the 2D character illustration and animation process while preserving the character's visual coherence. The study employed a Research and Development (R&D) methodology encompassing the phases of needs analysis, design, development, testing, documentation, and publication. The toolkit was created using a modular approach that segments the character structure into anatomical components, which can be viewed from multiple perspectives: front, side, three-quarter, and back. Testing was conducted via toolset implementation, production efficiency assessment, user evaluation, and asset feasibility analysis for skeletal animation requirements. The findings indicate that the toolset was effectively implemented as a modular brush system within the Clip Studio Paint workflow. Efficiency testing indicates that using the toolset can markedly reduce the time needed to produce character illustrations compared to traditional approaches, as users can leverage existing anatomical assets without redrawing the fundamental character structure. User evaluation results indicate a significant degree of acceptability regarding usability, anatomical and visual coherence, flexibility in posture arrangement, and overall user pleasure. The rigging test results demonstrate that the assets possess an orderly structure, uniform proportions, and are adequately prepared for skeletal animation. The results indicate that the Modular Brush Multi-Angle Toolset enhances the efficiency of 2D character illustration production, maintains visual consistency across characters from various perspectives, and facilitates integration between illustration and animation workflows. This research advances the creation of modular digital materials tailored for character illustration and animation within the digital creative sector.