Is Patreon TERM20 : The last wave worth it if you’re shopping in Comics & Graphic Novels?
If you are an illustrator or digital artist who has ever stared at a blank canvas wondering how a pro actually builds a complex scene from scratch, you know the gap between “I can draw a character” and “I can finish a full, polished illustration” is usually filled by technique, not just talent. You see the final art, you like the vibe, but the process is a black box. That is exactly the job Patreon TERM20 : The last wave is built to solve. It isn’t just a finished image; it is the entire engine behind the art, packaged for anyone who wants to reverse-engineer the workflow of a working creator.
This pack from Xaxaxa is a $12 deep dive into the creation of their 20th Patreon release, a piece titled “The last wave.” It’s a specific, time-capsule style project that captures a moment in the artist’s evolution, but the value isn’t just in the nostalgia. It’s in the files. You get the high-def final art, the layered source files, and—crucially—the video process. If you are looking to upgrade your own digital painting skills, this is a rare chance to watch a full 5-hour session of a pro working through a complex piece, minus the fluff, and then open the files to see exactly how the layers, brushes, and effects stack up. (Patreon TERM20 : The last wave)
Quick answer
| Best for | Digital artists who want to study a full pro workflow, from sketch to final render, with access to layered source files. |
| Skip if | You only want a finished wallpaper, or you don’t use Photoshop/Clip Studio Paint and don’t care about the technical breakdown. |
| Price | $12 |
| Format | High-res art, layered PSD/CSP files, 5-hour process video, timelapse, sketches, and wallpapers. |
| One-line take | A masterclass in digital painting disguised as a fan pack, perfect for learning how a complex scene is actually built. |
What you’re actually buying
At $12, you are getting a full production kit, not just a JPEG. The core of the Patreon TERM20 : The last wave pack is the Full Video Process in Clip Studio Paint, which clocks in at about five hours. This is the heavy hitter. It’s not a sped-up timelapse that skips the hard parts; it’s a raw, unedited look at the artist’s decision-making. You watch them block in the “last wave” concept, struggle with lighting, refine details, and finalize the composition. For an artist, watching a peer work through the messy middle of a project is often more valuable than any tutorial, because you see the mistakes and the fixes in real-time.
Beyond the video, the pack includes the Files with Layers in both Photoshop (.PSD) and Clip Studio Paint (.CSP) formats. This is where the learning gets tactile. You can open the file, turn off the top layer, and see exactly how the underpainting was built. You can inspect the brush settings, the blend modes used for the “virus” texture, and the color grading. It’s a reverse-engineering kit for your own style. (Patreon TERM20 : The last wave)
The supporting materials round out the experience. You get the High DEF illustration for your own use, a set of Wallpapers, and 5 Colored sketches that show the evolution of the piece. There’s also a Bonus illustration with its coloring timelapse, which gives you a second, shorter look at the artist’s coloring techniques. And because this is a tribute to a specific era, the tone is warm and personal, including a cute sketch to thank you—a small touch that reminds you this is a creator sharing their work, not a faceless corporation selling a template. (Patreon TERM20 : The last wave)
Why it’s on our radar
This pack stands out because it bridges the gap between “fan art” and “educational resource.” Most digital art packs are either just finished images or generic tutorials. Patreon TERM20 : The last wave is a specific, documented case study. The “last wave” theme isn’t just a title; it’s a narrative thread that runs through the sketches, the process video, and the final art. You’re not just buying a file; you’re buying a window into how a creator handles a personal, emotionally charged subject.
The inclusion of the 5-hour process video is the real differentiator. Finding a full, unedited recording of a professional working on a complex piece is rare. Most artists share timelapses or short clips. This gives you the full context. Combined with the layered PSD/CSP files, it creates a learning loop: watch the video, then open the file to verify the techniques. That’s a powerful combo for anyone serious about improving their digital painting skills. (Patreon TERM20 : The last wave)
What actually matters
Before you hit the buy button, keep a few things in mind to make sure this fits your workflow. (Patreon TERM20 : The last wave)
- Software Compatibility: The source files are provided in .PSD and .CSP formats. If you use Procreate, Affinity, or another platform, you won’t be able to open the layered files directly. You can still watch the video and use the final art, but the layer-study benefit is limited. (Patreon TERM20 : The last wave)
- Video Length: The main process video is about 5 hours. That’s a significant time investment. If you’re looking for a quick 10-minute tip, this isn’t it. It’s a deep dive. Make sure you have the time to watch it, or at least the intention to scrub through it as a reference. (Patreon TERM20 : The last wave)
- Style Specificity: This is a tribute to a specific theme (“the virus that annoye all of us”). The techniques shown are tailored to that subject. If you’re working in a very different genre (e.g., realistic portraiture vs. stylized sci-fi), the direct applicability of the techniques might vary. But the core principles of layer management, lighting, and composition are universal. (Patreon TERM20 : The last wave)
Mid-check
If you’re a digital artist who wants to see exactly how a pro builds a complex scene, from the first sketch to the final render, this pack is a no-brainer at this price. You get the video, the files, and the extra sketches. It’s a complete learning package. (Patreon TERM20 : The last wave)
FAQ
Is the process video in English? The video is no comments, so it’s language-neutral. You can watch it regardless of your native language, which is a big plus for international artists. (Patreon TERM20 : The last wave)
Can I use the final illustration in my own projects? The pack includes the High DEF illustration and Wallpapers. The specific licensing terms for commercial use aren’t detailed in the listing, so it’s best to check the Patreon TERM20 : The last wave page for the exact license agreement before using it in a commercial product.
Do I need a subscription to access this? No, this is a one-time purchase on Gumroad. You don’t need a Patreon subscription to get the files. It’s a standalone pack. (Patreon TERM20 : The last wave)
Bottom line
If you’re an artist who’s ever wanted to peek behind the curtain of a professional’s workflow, Patreon TERM20 : The last wave is one of the best value packs you’ll find. For $12, you get a 5-hour process video, layered source files, and a full set of supporting sketches and wallpapers. It’s not just a piece of art; it’s a lesson in how to make art. If you’re serious about improving your digital painting skills, this is a tool that will pay for itself many times over.