10 Things You Need to Know to Be a Better Manga Artist
Manga is a popular form of Japanese comics and animation that has been around for decades. It is known for its distinct art style and its dynamic characters. If you want to become a better manga artist, there are some important things you need to know. Here are 10 tips to help you become a better manga artist.
1. Study Real Anatomy
Just like with any figure drawing, knowing a body’s anatomy is vital. You need to understand the structure of the human body and how it moves in order to create believable manga characters. Studying anatomy books and taking figure drawing classes can help you become more familiar with the human form.
2. Find Reference Images
Reference images are a great way to get ideas for your manga characters. Look for images of people in various poses and expressions to get an idea of how to draw your characters. You can also use reference images to help you draw specific body parts or clothing.
3. Use Guidelines
Guidelines are an important tool for manga artists. They help you create a consistent look for your characters and keep your drawings in proportion. You can use basic shapes such as circles and squares to create guidelines for your characters.
4. Don’t Copy
It can be tempting to copy the art of other manga artists, but it’s important to remember that copying is not the same as learning. Instead of copying, try to learn from the techniques of other artists and apply them to your own work.
5. Be Open to Criticism
Criticism can be hard to hear, but it can also be invaluable for improving your art. Listen to constructive criticism and use it to help you become a better manga artist.
6. Be Skeptical of Praise from Family and Friends
It’s nice to get praise from family and friends, but it’s important to remember that they may not be the best judge of your art. Don’t let praise from family and friends stop you from improving your art.
7. Avoid Shortcuts
It can be tempting to take shortcuts when drawing manga characters, but it’s important to take the time to draw each character properly. Taking shortcuts can lead to sloppy art and can make your characters look unrealistic.
8. Draw Different Kinds of Characters
It’s important to practice drawing different kinds of characters. Try drawing characters of different ages, genders, and body types. This will help you become more familiar with the different shapes and proportions of manga characters.
9. Experiment with Different Styles
Manga art has many different styles, so it’s important to experiment with different styles to find the one that works best for you. Try drawing in different styles and see what works best for you.
10. Practice, Practice, Practice
The most important thing to remember is that practice makes perfect. The more you practice, the better you will become. So don’t be afraid to make mistakes and keep practicing.
By following these tips, you can become a better manga artist. Remember to study anatomy, find reference images, use guidelines, don’t copy, be open to criticism, be skeptical of praise from family and friends, avoid shortcuts, draw different kinds of characters, experiment with different styles, and practice, practice, practice. With enough practice and dedication, you can become a great manga artist.
