# Step 1: Drawing the Mask

Like the masks worn by partiers at a Halloween ball, a Toon Boom Studio mask reveals certain visual elements while hiding others (like a Halloween mask reveals the eyes of the wearer, while covering most of the face).

For the first step in the creation of the mask effect, you must draw the mask that will reveal image(s) below it. You can only create masks from vector drawings.

We have already drawn a mask for you. The mask consists of a cycle of vector drawings of a wave, which will cut out an image of rolling waves beneath it.

Take a look at the mask we drew so that you know what you can do when you create your next clip effect solo.

To review the mask we created:

1. In the wave_mask element column in the Exposure Sheet window, press [Shift] and select frames 15 through 36.

2. Select Play > Play to play back the selection.

Notice the wave cycle is a collection of painted vector drawings. The painted areas of these drawings will be like the holes in the Halloween mask that will let the images below it show through, assuming the shape of the mask drawings.