I saw you using 3D models in clip studio during one of your art streams and I started trying it out for the first time, and they're so useful! :D I was wondering if you had any tips for novices just starting out with that specific tool?
I'm not actually very good at using these either but my main tip would be to make presets for your characters!! The models are very cartoony so I spent a little time messing with the proportions until they were relatively close to my characters! Here's the ones I used for the main 3 of matchmaker (I didn't use models much in mm, but they helped a lot with some tricky panels near the end!) more below the cut
it's important to not follow the models exactly. For example: csp's models aren't built for fat people or trans bodies. I'm not great at drawing those things either, but since kimmy's body type is a lot like my own I know what parts of the model not to follow when using it for pose reference. You can't make someone chubby without making their chest large for example, so I don't follow that part for kimmy who has a body type more like mine where their chest is mostly flat to their tummy. Chubby arms sink into the body instead of being pushed out, etc. If you follow them to draw actual body parts, just be sure to be aware of these things!
Also, take advantage of the csp asset store! tons of free poses!! I don't usually use any exactly, but I love using them as a starting point to achieve whatever I have in mind!
Last piece of advice is try not to overrely on models! If every panel uses a 3d model as a base your drawings will end up feeling stiff, so mix it up! It's just a great thing to have as a tool in your toolbox for when you want to achieve a complex pose or perspective that you couldn't do on your own. It's great stuff, ty csp for being the best software ever lol