Learning to draw manga (Japanese comics) is a challenging process and requires a lot of patience, dedication and time. Developing your own style also takes lots of practice sessions and noticing if you're accidentally copying another artist's style. This article will help you get started with drawing manga and develop your own unique style.
Step
Step 1. Familiarize yourself with manga and anime (Japanese cartoons)
Learning the drawing styles of Japanese artists and understanding the various components that distinguish manga from other types of art are crucial steps in learning how to draw manga. For example, the eyes are usually the main focus of the face so it is drawn in more detail. What's more, manga has a wide variety of styles and it's a good idea to study them before deciding which style suits you best.
Step 2. Practice drawing manga characters and/or animals without a book
Before buying a manual on how to draw manga, try self-taught first. The manuals that are sold are usually written by only one artist so that the drawing style is uniform. So that you don't accidentally copy his drawing style, it's best to practice on your own for a while. You can find lots of guides and references on the internet to get to know the basics of manga anatomy and study hard.
Step 3. Follow each step in the picture book
Instead of directly copying a ready-made image, we recommend that you go through each step. The guide will guide you through the process from the start and develop every important part of the face. So, in the end you can draw by yourself without the help of a book. If you cheat and skip the steps, you'll have a hard time remembering and learning manga anatomy. What's more, try drawing your original character so you can start developing your own style.
Step 4. Practice drawing your favorite character
While you shouldn't adopt another artist's style completely, you can determine your preferred style by copying other people's work. If you like a certain style, you will eventually absorb some of the technique. While it can be used as a starting point for developing your style, it's best not to rely too much on this method as it can be difficult to come up with an original design of your own.
Step 5. Believe in yourself
While you should be open to suggestions and criticism, don't forget that there is a difference between constructive criticism and harassing comments. As long as you keep drawing diligently, your abilities will develop. You have the opportunity to improve your image. All artists work at different speeds so focus on your path and don't compare yourself to others.
Tips
- Do not ever give up. Remember, success does not come instantly and requires patience.
- Keep practicing. Buy a drawing book and draw every day. When your book runs out, you can see your progress by comparing the first and last images. After that, buy a new book and get back to practice!
- If you're having trouble developing your own style, just learn how to draw some of the existing styles and you'll eventually be able to combine them with a personal touch. Don't be afraid to seek inspiration from other manga and anime styles.
- You also have to be confident. Believe in your drawings even if you think they are ugly because you WILL thrive if you believe in yourself and your drawing talent.
- If you want to draw, look at pictures on the internet and learn. That way, maybe you can design your own character better.
- Ask for help from people who know how to draw manga, either in person or via the internet. Sometimes, asking for help from someone more experienced can help drastically improve your skills.
- Learn Japanese culture. You will better understand the created image. This is one way to distinguish how-to-draw manga guidebooks created by imitators.
- You can develop your own style by looking at anime and manga on the internet and drawing them. Once you've learned the drawing style, you can figure out how to draw your own style.
- Your skills will improve every time you practice. Over time, your artistic style will begin to develop.
- Practice drawing anatomy. Although the process is tedious, you'll need to learn the basics so you can draw characters accurately and realistically.
- Real human drawing before trying to turn it into a manga character.
- Learn real humans and how they move in daily activities.
Warning
- This process takes a long time. You can't become a manga artist in just a week or a month. If you have an art background, attended art school, or something like that, you might find it easier to catch (or harder, depending on the person). You may also develop faster.
- If you become successful, and can start selling your art, be sure not to infringe copyright by making your character's costumes, voices, or personalities look exactly like other people's work.
