You’re in the right spot if you want to improve your manga and anime drawing skills. There’s always something to improve, whether you’re just starting out or have been drawing for some time. How to improve perspective is a skill that many artists strive to achieve. Let’s look at some practical tips to help you improve your drawing skills.
Draw basic shapes
Let’s begin with the basics: drawing shapes. You may think “I can do this!” “Squares, triangles, and circles are easy!” When it comes to manga and anime, these basic shapes are the building blocks for your characters and scenes.
You’ll be surprised to learn that your favorite anime characters are made of geometric shapes. Naruto, for example, can be divided into ovals and circles, while his body is made up of rectangles and triangular shapes.
Start by mastering these shapes to improve your perspective when you’re working on anime/manga. Here’s how:
- Sketch circles. They are the foundation for heads and eyes. Draw circles at different angles and sizes.
- Learn to master squares and rectangles. These shapes are the foundation of body structure and building. Try to draw them from different perspectives.
- Use triangles to create sharp features such as noses and hair spikes. Try out different triangle types and angles.
No one expects perfection the first time. You’re here to improve and learn, so it’s okay to make mistakes. Consistency is the key. Keep practicing and you will soon see the difference in your understanding of anime/manga.
The Work of Manga and Animation Artists
Let’s embark on an artistic journey. Imagine it as a treasure-hunt where you are not searching for gold, but rather for styles, perspectives, and techniques that will help improve your manga/anime drawing skills. Where can you find the most treasures? You’ll find them in the works of manga and anime artists who have achieved success!
How can you learn without copying the style of established artists? Here are a few steps to follow:
- Watch their work: See how they depict characters and scenes. Be sure to pay attention to the details, such as the curves, lines and shading. These subtle elements will greatly affect your understanding of anime/manga perspective.
- Analyze the techniques they used: Look at their use of different colors, shapes and lines in order to depict a character or scene. What makes their work unique? What is their approach to creating depth and perspective?
- Adapt your learning: You don’t have to copy their style. Instead, you can adapt what you learned for your own drawings. You can use the techniques that you have observed and analyzed to improve your own drawings.
Keep in mind that every artist is unique. Don’t let your creativity slip away while studying other artists’ work. Your originality is what will make your artwork stand out.
Get ready to explore the world of manga and anime art to discover new perspectives. You might find a new artist!
Find out how to draw characters accurately using anatomy
Remember those biology lessons where you thought that you would never need to understand the difference between a fibula and a femur? If you want to improve your manga and anime drawing skills, then it’s time for you to dust off the old textbooks. Although it may sound a little academic, I assure you that learning the basics of anatomy will boost your drawing skills.
Although anime and manga characters have exaggerated bodies, they still adhere to the basic rules of anatomy. Here’s why:
- Realism: Even fantastical characters need some basis in reality. Understanding how the human body moves and functions can help you to create characters who feel more realistic to your audience.
- Consistency: By understanding anatomy, you will be able to draw characters in various poses and perspectives.
- Depth & perspective: By understanding the human anatomy, you can add depth & perspective to your drawing and make it more dynamic.
You don’t have to be a medical expert. A basic understanding of the human anatomy will help you to take your drawing skills to another level. Why not give it a go? You may be surprised by how much it can help!
Try out different drawing styles
It’s only natural that you try to imitate your favorite anime and manga artists when you first start out. Once you have the basics down pat, don’t hesitate to try something different. Who wants to copy someone else’s style when you can develop your own?
At first, trying out different drawing techniques can be intimidating. It’s also a good way to discover your artistic voice and stand out. It can also help you to improve your perspective when it comes to anime/manga. Each style has a different approach towards depth, angles and space.
Here are some ways to experiment:
- Mix-and-match: Combine styles and elements to create something completely new. Mix the Shojo manga’s big eyes with the intense action of Shonen animation.
- Switch it up: Draw your favorite character using a different style. What would Naruto’s chibi look like? How about drawing Sailor Moon with a gritty, dark style?
- Extend your horizons beyond anime and manga: Do not limit yourself to only anime and manga. You can incorporate elements of Western comics, fine arts, and even graffiti in your work.
Don’t forget that the “best” style is not the one which best expresses you. It’s the one which best reflects your vision. Don’t hesitate to have fun and break the rules. Isn’t being an artist all about having fun?
Reference Images
Referencing images is one of the best ways to improve your drawing skills, especially in terms of perspective. You can use real-life or pictures to get the right proportions and angles. These are like your drawing GPS that will guide you.
Reference images are anything from a photograph of a person, place or thing to a 3-D model of the character or object. They can be found in books, on the internet, or in your backyard. Your reference images should be as varied and detailed as possible.
How to get the most out of your reference images
- Take the time to study your references: Don’t just look at them. Study them carefully. Study the way light and shadows interact, how lines form shapes, and how surfaces are lit. You will be able to better understand how you can render these elements on your own drawings.
- Use more than one reference: A single image may not provide all the information that you need. This is especially true if you are trying to draw a complex scene or pose. Multiple references can help you get a better picture.
- Do not be a slave of your references: References are only a tool. You can use them to help you draw, but not to dictate it. You can deviate if you think it will make your drawing more interesting or better.
Next time you are stuck and don’t know how to draw or improve perspective in manga/anime, don’t guess. Use a reference picture to guide your drawing.
Drawing Regularly will Improve Your Skills
Imagine that you are training for a marathon. You wouldn’t expect to reach the finish line by putting on your sneakers every month and jogging for a few minutes. As with any skill, you need to practice consistently if you want to improve your manga and anime drawing skills. Yes, you can learn how to improve your perspective in manga and anime.
Don’t let the word “practice” scare you off. You don’t have to spend all day hunched up over a drawing pad. A little drawing every day can have a huge impact. Making it a regular habit is key. Here are some tips that will help you achieve this:
- Create a schedule: Schedule time to draw in your daily routine. You can draw for 15 minutes each morning or a half-hour after dinner. Whatever works best for you. Make sure you choose a time that allows you to focus without being easily distracted.
- Always carry a sketchbook with you: Inspiration can strike at any time. It could be a cool tree shadow or an idea for a character that just popped into your mind. You can practice drawing and capture these moments by carrying a sketchbook.
- Set yourself a challenge: Experiment with different styles and themes in your drawings. Try out new styles, techniques or themes. This will not only keep you interested, but also encourage you to improve. It’s okay to fail. This is how you will learn.
Don’t forget that practice isn’t only about quantity – it’s about quality. Don’t draw mindlessly. Always reflect on your work, what works and what doesn’t, and strive to improve. You’ll soon see improvements in your manga and anime drawings and even your perspective skills.
Try Different Media
Art is not a one-size-fits-all thing. What may work for one artist, might not work for someone else. Mediums are no different. Try out a few different mediums to see which one suits you. You can learn to improve your perspective when you watch anime/manga.
You might consider trying out some of these mediums:
- Pencils Here is where many artists begin. Choose from different types of lead, such as soft lead to create darker lines or hard lead to make lighter ones. The pencil is great for drawing and detailing.
- Markers: markers are available in vibrant colors, and they can be used to fill large areas. Choose between alcohol-based or water-based markers. The alcohol-based markers blend better, but they can also bleed through paper.
- Paints Each type of paint has a different texture and feel. It’s a little more difficult to paint, but the results are worth it.
- Digital : With the correct software, you are able to create almost anything on a canvas digital. You can also easily correct errors, experiment with different color schemes and more. This is a completely different experience than traditional drawing. However, it is a very valuable skill for today’s digital world.
There’s no such thing as a wrong or right medium. It’s about finding the one that best allows you to express your creativity. Don’t hesitate to try something different and step outside your comfort zone. You may discover a new way to improve the quality of your manga and anime drawing, including perspective.
Focus on Drawings Backgrounds, and Settings
The background is often forgotten by artists who are so focused on drawing the characters. Setting the scene is equally important to a balanced, complete composition. It also gives you the chance to showcase your perspective drawing skills in manga/anime.
How can you add more depth to the backgrounds and settings of your videos? Here are some tips:
- Study Real Life: Look around you. Have you ever noticed how objects, such as trees and buildings, seem to shrink in size when they move away? Perspective is what we call it. This principle can be used to create depth and distance in your drawings.
- Try different angles: Do not stick to a single point of view. Try different angles – low, high or side views, as well as bird’s-eye view. It will not only enhance your perspective but add interest to your drawing.
- Add Details: Details are important to setting the scene. Consider the time of the day, weather, season and other factors that may affect the setting. A sunset can cast long, dark shadows. Meanwhile, a rainy, wet day can produce reflections in the pavement.
- Add depth and volume with shading: Shading is a great way to add dimension to your drawings. You can add depth to a two-dimensional drawing by using light and shade.
Remember that the background is more than just a setting for your characters. It’s an integral part of the plot. Take the time to fully develop it. This will not only improve your artwork but also your understanding of anime/manga perspective.
Draw Expressions and Emotions
What is it about anime and manga characters that makes them so appealing? Their expressive faces. These characters show their emotions on their faces, whether they are shouting with anger, crying out in despair or blushing from embarrassment. If you want to be able to depict their emotional life in vivid detail, you’ll need to become proficient at drawing expressions and emotions.
How to do it:
- Learn the Basics – Each emotion has its own facial expression. As an example, happiness is often expressed by a large smile, while sadness may be shown through downcast eyes or a mouth that is turned down. Learn these basic expressions and build upon them.
- Practice and Practice more: You’ll improve the more you draw. Draw different emotions to see the changes in their faces. Use a mirror to study your own facial expressions.
- Exaggerate to effect: Anime, manga and other media are known for their exaggerated facial expressions. Do not be afraid to overdo your drawing. This can give your characters more personality and make them more interesting.
- Consider the Eyes. The eyes are the most expressive feature of the face in anime and manga. When drawing emotions, pay special attention to the eyes. Even a slight change in shape or location of the eyes can drastically alter the character’s facial expression.
Remember that capturing the correct emotion will give your characters more depth and allow your readers to connect with them at a deeper level. Don’t be afraid to use these expressions, as they can bring your characters alive.
Seek feedback and criticism
We are all our worst critics. When we look at our work, all we see are the flaws. We may not even notice if our work has improved because we are too close to it. It’s crucial to get feedback from others. They can give you a new perspective and help you to identify areas that you can improve. We’ll talk about the best way to get feedback:
- Do not be afraid to ask: You may feel apprehensive about showing your work and asking for others’ opinions, especially if your confidence in your abilities is low. Remember that every artist began somewhere. You’ll progress faster if you receive more feedback.
- Be Specific: When you ask for feedback, make sure to be specific about what it is that you are looking for. Do you have any doubts about the perspective of your anime sketch? You want to know how you can make your manga characters expressive? You will get more useful feedback if you can be more specific.
- Listen With an Open Mind: When someone criticises your work, it’s normal to feel defensive. Try to listen with an opened mind. They are not trying to hurt you, but rather help you.
- Take into consideration the source: All feedback is not created equal. Think about who is giving the feedback. Consider who is giving it.
Remember that constructive criticism is an amazing gift. You can see your work in a new light and grow as an artist. Go ahead and ask for those critiques. You’ll be surprised at how much their critiques can improve your manga and anime drawing skills.