I. Introduction
Manga is a Japanese art of storytelling through comics and graphic novels. It has gained worldwide popularity due to its unique style, engaging characters, and captivating storyline. Many people are interested in learning how to draw manga, whether it’s for fun, self-expression, or as a career. In this article, we’ll share a comprehensive guide on how to draw manga, covering everything from basic shapes and styles to the tools, inspiration, video tutorial, and community support needed to get started.
II. Step-by-Step Guide
Before we start, let’s review some basic shapes for creating manga characters, expressions, and scenes. These shapes are the building blocks of manga, and mastering them is essential for creating excellent character designs and flow.
To draw a basic manga character, start with a circle for the head, then add a horizontal line for the eyes and a vertical line for the nose and mouth. Add a triangular shape for the chin and draw the body using the shape of two ovals, one for the chest and one for the hips. Then, draw the arms and legs using thin cylinders.
Next, it’s time to draw the details of the face. The eyes should be large and expressive, so use a circular shape for the iris and pupil. Try different shapes and sizes of eyes to show different emotions and personalities. For the nose, a simple triangle shape will be enough to give the character expression and contour. The mouth can be either small and simple or big and detailed with multiple shapes to show expression.
Once you have the basics down, it’s time to add the hair. Manga characters are known for their wild and exaggerated hairstyles, so don’t be afraid to try something new. Use a combination of different lines, waves, and shapes to create a hairstyle that fits the character’s personality.
Moving on to body proportions, anime characters typically have elongated limbs and exaggerated body proportions. The head should roughly be one-eighth of the total body height, and other body parts should follow specific measurements depending on the character’s age, gender, and style. Try variations such as shorter legs for chibi characters or more robust features for superheroes.
Once you’ve mastered the basic shapes and proportions, it’s time to start experimenting with expressions. Facial expressions are an essential element of manga, and they can convey a wide range of emotions from happiness to despair. Experiment with different eyelids, mouth shapes, eyebrows, and blush lines to create the desired emotion.
Finally, it’s time to add backgrounds and settings. Backgrounds can affect the mood and atmosphere of the scene and bring the manga world to life, so pay attention to detail. Draw landscapes, interiors, and cityscapes to give readers a sense of the world the characters are living in.
Remember, creating your style takes practice, so don’t be afraid to experiment, and keep practicing until you find your unique manga style.
III. Manga Tools
To draw manga, you need more than just pencils and paper. There are specific tools and materials that professional manga artists use to achieve their unique styles and effects.
The primary tool for drawing manga is a pen with waterproof ink, such as a Sakura Pigma Micron pen or a Copic Multiliner. These pens allow you to create smooth, precise lines without smudging or bleeding. You can also use pencils for rough sketches and outlines or mechanical pencils for more precise lines. Erasers are also essential for correcting mistakes and refining details.
Another essential tool is paper. The preferred paper for manga drawing is Bristol board or manga paper, but you can also use regular paper as long as it doesn’t bleed through. The thickness of the paper should also depend on the material you’re using, to ensure that it can handle it.
There are other tools like rulers for straight lines, and screen tones for background effects. Screen toning is pre-printed sheets that provide different types of dots, features, and patterns that can be used as effects for different aspects of your manga drawings.
When selecting your tools, consider your style and your financial capacity. There are several professional-grade tools to choose from, but there are also affordable alternatives that can give you excellent results.
IV. Manga Inspiration
To draw manga, you need to find inspiration from professional manga artists who have made an impact in the industry. Some notable manga artists include Osamu Tezuka, Akira Toriyama, and CLAMP.
Osamu Tezuka is known as the father of manga and created iconic titles like Astro Boy and Black Jack. Akira Toriyama is known for his work on Dragon Ball, a famous action and adventure manga series. And CLAMP is a female artist group known for works like Cardcaptor Sakura and Chobits.
Each of these artists has their own unique style, and you can learn from them by studying their works. Look at how they approach character design, layout, and transitions, and try to incorporate their techniques into your art. Observing work from a wide range of creators can help you develop a more personal style.
There are also many online manga communities where you can view, discuss and get inspired by other artist’s work, like DeviantArt or reading online manga magazines. Explore different styles, genres, and expressions, and try incorporating new techniques into your work.
V. Video Tutorial
Watching others draw, and explaining their process is an excellent way to learn new techniques on how to draw manga. In this article, we have compiled a video tutorial on how to draw manga characters and scenes, which is a perfect way to get started on your own manga journey.
The video tutorial covers the steps from basic forms to advanced details, explaining each step along. The tutorial will give you another perspective on how to create a manga character, scene, or mood. You will learn about different shapes and strokes, shading, highlighting, and blending tips that can help make your work stand out.
Remember, you can learn from the video tutorial but don’t rely on it solely. Instead, watch and practice, and work on developing your style through experimenting and mistakes.
VI. Manga Community
Being part of a community is another fun and rewarding way to improve your manga drawing skills. The manga community is large and diverse, with people of all ages and skill levels.
There are online and offline communities centered on manga artwork, such as DeviantArt, Reddit, and conventions. Joining a community can help you learn from other artists, get feedback on your work, access inspiration, and stay motivated. It is also a great place to collaborate, share ideas, and showcase your art.
Getting involved with the community is easy. You can join online groups, attend conventions and organize meetups with seasoned artists, and participate in contests or challenges like Inktober.
VII. Conclusion
Drawing manga can be an excellent way to express yourself, and with the right tools, inspiration, and guidelines, it can be an enjoyable experience. This article has given a comprehensive guide on how to draw manga, from basic shapes to advanced techniques, tools, inspiration, video tutorial, and community support. Try to practice hard, learn from the experts in the industry, experiment with your style and contribute to the community wherever you can. By doing so, you can develop your unique style, and who knows, maybe you’ll be the next big thing in manga drawing.
