10 Things You lot Need to Know to Be a Better Manga Artist

Manga drawing

Big eyes, exaggerated expressions and beautiful chibi characters are only some of the appeal of drawing anime. Simply before you launch into a cartoon tutorial, information technology helps to accept a few words of wisdom from a manga pro. To be a better manga artist, here are some essential, actionable tips — and some pointers on avoiding beginner mistakes.

1. Study Real Anatomy

Just like with any figure drawing, knowing a trunk'due south beefcake is vital. You need to know how a existent body is put together and how it functions — even though the shapes and proportions of manga characters are often exaggerated.

2. Find Reference Images

It's tempting to skip this time-consuming step, but if there's something you don't know how to draw, go online and find a reference image. Look up poses, props, environments — your art will look then much better for it. Don't attempt to draw something purely from memory, considering you lot'll miss of import details.

iii. Utilize Guidelines

Outline drawings / guidelines for drawing

Though some artists balk at them, guidelines are super useful. They help you quickly draw a pose, compare trunk shapes and sizes and avoid beefcake errors. Every professional — every professional — starts with basic shapes before drawing a grapheme.

4. Don't Copy

Copycat manga illustration

Studying your favorite creative person shouldn't turn into copying that artist — if you start copying as a beginner, you tin easily end upwards mimicking the artist's flaws. Instead, examine their art closely to figure out what parts yous like, and why.

5. Be Open to Criticism

This is tough advice to follow considering criticism can experience similar a scolding. Yous don't take to take every critique equally legit, but y'all practice need to keep an open mind. The other person may have a valid point.

6. Exist Skeptical of Praise from Family and Friends

People who love you will e'er say your artwork is perfect, just here's the thing: they're not being totally true. Sometimes, artists end upward buying into all that praise and cease trying to amend. Ever seek out people who'll give you honest feedback and constructive criticism. Information technology'southward the only way yous'll grow every bit an artist!

seven. Avoid Shortcuts

Don't avoid shortcuts manga illustration

If you hate drawing hands, continue practicing! It'southward as well like shooting fish in a barrel to hide 'em or only draw your characters from the waist upwards. Information technology's meliorate to draw terrible hands and go on improving than to give up. With practice, yous'll get better.

8. Describe Different Kinds of Characters

We all take a sure "type" of character we similar to describe and information technology can be easy to fall dorsum on those drawings, whether it be a chibi, a pretty girl or a pretty boy. As you practise your anime drawings, it's of import to co-operative out and draw all kinds of people and characters. It'll vastly improve your drawings overall.

ix. Don't Get Discouraged

"Why am I so terrible?" Manga illustration

It's easy to start feeling down when you come across other artists who are oh-so-talented. Before you start comparing yourself to others, remember: everyone has to start somewhere. Don't let your peers make you feel bad nigh your skills; let them inspire y'all to ameliorate.

10. Take Fun!

Improving art skills tin can be frustrating, just try not to permit it get to you. Cartoon should be fun. Simply relax, do your best, and go on up with your practice.