Simple Guide to Drawing Anime And Manga

As with all artwork, manga artists vary in their specific technique and within their artwork. However, there are a number of features that classify a character into the anime or manga category.

An Anime or Manga Character is characterized by stylized body proportions. These include an idealized and exaggerated body, long legs, big and often ridiculous hair (think Yu-Gi-Oh!), large eyes, and fine facial features. These features are further exaggerated by ink strokes varying in thickness and darkness.

In general, anime and manga characters have a flat appearance to them. This style places emphasis on the quality of line used to create the image, and shadow is used to increase that emphasis.

You can learn at Mad About Manga!

To create a basic anime or manga character, you need three things: Paper, Something to draw with, and an Idea in your head!

Any type of writing instrument and paper works, especially if you're just beginning or practicing. Most artists that I know either doodle in a sketchbook or keep a collection of their drawings. You never know when a simple doodle will transform into a compelling character, and this way, all of your mini ideas are in one place!

When drawing or sketching a character, I personally like to use india ink pens that vary in ink concentration. These allow me to add additional shading by adding faint or pale lines, which makes facial features, hair, and clothing pop!

Drawing the skeleton is the first step and will help you to get an idea of what the final pose of your character will actually be. The skeleton is created by simple lines and circles which indicate how the legs, arms, and torso will be positioned.

Your character's head (and hair) is the most important part of your character, as the face holds the emotions that will set the mood of your panel or artwork. The eyes, nose, ears, and mouth must be proportioned to emphasize this emotion or to portray the feeling of the piece. You must be observant, as there are eight elements that can help portray the mood you want.

Creating the body also takes some crucial decisions. The body proportions, dress, and accessories will either complete a look or completely destroy it. The design of clothing is specifically important to placing your character in a specific time period or situation, and any accessories add to this as well.

This is only the beginning of it! There is a whole world of anime and manga out there to create! And Mad About Manga can show you how!