Phase Three – Shading, Lighting, Eye Color & Pupils (Adding Depth and Mood)

 This is the stage where everything really comes together. After adding the base colors, I moved on to shading, lighting, and also refining the eyes by adding color and pupils. This step makes a huge difference because it brings depth, emotion, and life into the character.



For shading, I kept it soft and simple. I added gentle shadows around the face, under the chin, and within the hair to give a sense of form. These small details help the character feel more three-dimensional instead of flat. I didn’t want to overcomplicate it, so I focused on keeping the look clean and smooth.

Lighting was also important here. I imagined a light source coming from one side, which helped me decide where to place highlights. I added light touches on the hair and face to create contrast with the shadows. This makes the character stand out more and gives a slightly cinematic feel.

One of the most important parts of this phase was working on the eyes. I added color to the eyes and defined the pupils, which instantly made the character feel more alive. Even subtle details in the eyes can completely change the emotion of the character. It helps the audience connect more, especially in close-up shots.

I also used different layers and adjusted opacity in Clip Studio Paint to blend everything nicely. This made the shading look softer and more natural instead of harsh.

Overall, this phase is where the character gains personality and depth. With shading, lighting, and detailed eyes, the character no longer feels like just a drawing—it starts to feel real and ready for animation.

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