Shading, hair, backgrounds… Greys, shades and all kinds of mini motifs take a long time to do with a pen: use screens, the way all the greatest contemporary mangakas do! The quick and easy way to get it right.
What you need to know
There is a plethora of different screens. These are adhesive sheets with dots, lines or motifs in various shades of gray.
1. Supplies
Applying a screen is precision work, and requires specific material:
- A classical utility knife to precut the screens.
- A highly precise utility knife with a triangular blade (aka exacto knife) for delicate cut-outs.
- A spatula or toonbera to push out air bubbles when applying, to help the screen adhere to your paper.
A dusting brush (a big feather, for instance) to remove eraser crumbs and pencil lead dust before placing the screen.
2. Technique
Before getting started, clean the relevant surface: dust, finger marks, and eraser chunks need to be removed to ensure a perfect application!
The main steps:
- Place the screen sheet on the work surface and cut it out in the shape of the pattern, making sure to leave a margin.
- Remove the protective film and glue the screen in its place. Spread it well to avoid air bubbles. cover with protective film: this will protect your work from damage while attaching (next step).
- Attach the screen: lightly rub the protective film with your spatula.
- Once the screen is attached, very carefully cut off the surplus along your drawing's contours. Note: if you press too hard on the utility knife, you run the risk of tearing your work!
- Gently detach the part to be removed.
- Put the protective film back on the attached screen then rub firmly to make sure it adheres well to paper.
