Look what showed up on my desk today? Advance copies of Shojo Manga and Enchanting Fairies Color Workbooks. I love this series (I’m not biased, no way!), and I’m excited for you all to get your hands on them, too. Learn how to color your creations by using theirs as practice!
Each of these books has over 45 full-page images to color, and you’ll love Supittha Bunyapen’s great manga characters! Barbara Lanza’s fairies are positively dreamy, or dare I say it? Utterly enchanting. And their easy-to-follow tips and techniques combined with some basic color theory will have you practicing your mad coloring skills on any surface you can find, using markers, crayons and colored pencils.
But if you feel the urge to start scribbling on the walls, pick up a copy of Graff Color Workbook and practice in there, instead. It’s already out in stores!
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Today we have a guest post from IMPACT author and artist Emily Fiegenschuh. Emily has been generous enough to provide her top ten artistic inspirations. Read on, below!
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Top Ten Inspirational Artists
No artist is a blank slate, approaching their craft alone. We bring a little bit of ourselves to each image: our life experiences, our hopes, our feelings on a particular day and, of course, things we have learned from our artistic idols. This list is my attempt to narrow down a vast group of my favorite artists into a Top Ten of those that have been among my most important influences.
Many of the artists on this list do not have their own official websites, so I had to rely on Wikipedia and fan sites to share images and links to additional information on their lives and careers. (Click on their names to be taken to external sites.)
Yoshitaka Amano
Amano’s name was the first I wrote down when beginning this Top Ten list. I discovered Amano’s work through the Final Fantasy video game series on NES and SNES. I pored over the Nintendo Power magazines and Final Fantasy strategy guides I bought to collect his images of heroic characters, bizarre creatures and fanciful technology. Amano’s confident-but-sensitive use of line, bold patterns and color was unlike anything else I had seen. It sparked my imagination. Though the graphics of video games from the late 1980′s and early 1990′s did not always faithfully translate his artwork into pixels, Amano’s images transported me into the world of Final Fantasy and made me feel as though I lived there.
Chuck Jones
Like most children, I was drawn to cartoons. I didn’t just watch animation–I was also fascinated by the way it was created. By the time I was old enough to understand what was going on behind the scenes, I had begun to recognize the work of individual animators. I was especially drawn to Chuck Jones’s style and used to be able to pick out when he was animating a particular character. Chuck Jones was responsible for creating several Looney Toons characters, perhaps most famously the mortal enemies Wile E. Coyote and the Road Runner.
Jones had a way of drawing and animating the most outrageous expressions on his characters. The diabolical smile of The Grinch towards the beginning of my favorite Chuck Jones animated feature, Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas, is a perfect example. Much of my art during my youth included cartoon animal and monster characters that were undoubtedly inspired by his work.
Akira Toriyama
My high school era discovery ofAkira Toriyama’s humorous and colorful artwork marked a turning point in my own work toward designing characters. Out of all the artists on this list, most people probably would have picked him out of a lineup as a major influence on my drawing style at the time. Toriyama is most well-known for his famous manga series, Dragon Ball, and his contribution of character and monster designs for the Dragon Warrior video game series. While some may dismiss Toriyama’s artwork as “just cartoons,” he is an excellent draftsman and can just as easily draw cars and complex fantasy machines as he can alien martial artists. I highly recommend his art books, especially the Dragon Ball illustration books and Toriyama’s the World and The World Special.
Brian and Wendy Froud
As a fan of the Jim Henson fantasy films The Dark Crystal and Labyrinth, I became a fan of Brian and Wendy Froud before I had even learned their names. Their work was crucial to the development of both films. Brian Froud contributed the creature designs and illustrations and Wendy created the Muppets, including, perhaps most importantly, the principal characters of Jen and Kira for The Dark Crystal. The Frouds made an excellent team, bringing to life a coterie of colorful characters. As I sought out the books that contained Brian Froud’s images for the films, I discovered his many faerie books. The most well known might be Faeries, by Brian Froud and fellow master fantasy artist Alan Lee. The presentation of his books as guides classifying various fey and describing their dwellings and habits was a novel idea, and one that helped to inspired my approach to The Explorer’s Guide to Drawing Fantasy Creatures.
Arthur Rackham
Arthur Rackham was a prolific illustrator of myths and fairytales during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. I was immediately drawn to his mastery of line. His drawings simply sing! Line is the foundation of Rackham’s images; the washes of paint and ink are just icing on the cake. Studying his body of work reveals that Arthur Rackham could draw almost anything, and he drew trees like no one else. I often look to Rackham’s work for inspiration when I feel like I’m draining the life from my drawings by getting too bogged down with rendering. He remains one of my favorite influences today.
Hayao Miyazaki
The first Japanese animated film I watched when I was introduced to anime in high school was My Neighbor Totoro (followed by Akira–could I have watched anything more diametrically opposed!?). My Neighbor Totoro was quiet and pleasantly slow, but definitely not boring. It was so different from most of the animation I had seen before, that at first, I wasn’t sure what to think of it.
Miyazaki eventually became one of my favorite filmmakers of all time. I am drawn to the beautiful simplicity of his art style and his sensitive portrayal of characters. His films are magical and transformative. I can’t think of many movies that make me cry at the same fleeting moment the way Laputa: Castle in the Sky does when Sheeta and Pazu catch a glimpse of the robot tending the garden, forever frozen in time.
N.C. Wyeth
During his lifetime, N.C. Wyeth was haunted by the public’s opinion he was “merely” an illustrator and he yearned to be recognized as a painter. It is unfortunate that the illustration field was (and sometimes still is) separated from the fine arts with such an arbitrary distinction. Wyeth’s masterful compositions deftly serve the story he is illustrating. Indeed, they convey so much that the viewer is powerfully impacted by subtle elements of story and character beyond even what is apparent in the text. His paintings exemplify beautiful use of color, light and shadow with lively application of paint. When I see Wyeth’s work, I feel encouraged to experiment more with painterly descriptions of light and volume. I frequently look to his images for color palette inspiration. The Brandywine River Museum in Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania, houses a large collection of N.C. Wyeth’s work, alongside that of his sons Andrew and Jaime, and many other important American illustrators. It’s a must-visit for anyone able to make the trip.
Artists of Capcom
Because I discovered them as a collective, I’ll cheat and consider the several artists who design the characters for Capcom’s games as one influence for the purposes of this list. When I first saw Darkstalkers in an arcade: Wow! I played that game because of the artwork. I used to collect strategy guides and game magazines that contained tidbits of Capcom art within.
Eventually, I bought a copy of Capcom Illustrations so I no longer had to squint at the tiny images printed in the instruction booklets. What I admire most about the art of Capcom is the incredible array of unique character designs and the ability of the artists to manipulate and exaggerate anatomy to differentiate those characters. I learned how dynamic poses and costuming can effectively portray a character’s personality. The artists of Capcom are definitely doing something right when characters from games with relatively sparse story-lines are so instantly recognizable and popular worldwide. Individual websites CRMK Edayan Akiman Kinu Nishimura Ikeno
Terryl Whitlatch
I encountered Terryl Whitlatch’s work through her concept designs for the Star Wars prequels. I was drawn to her uncanny ability to capture the essence and behavior of animals–a task at which few artists excel. Through her study of zoology and extensive knowledge of animal anatomy, she develops fascinating fantasy creatures that look like they would really “work.” She not only crafts the look of a creature with her expressive drawings; she imbues each individual with personality and character.
Omar Rayyan
Omar Rayyan combines two things I love: expressive watercolor painting and cute things! But if “cuteness” isn’t your thing, don’t worry–there is also a bit of an edge to his images. His paintings have a luminous quality. They are full of beautiful textures and colors. I watched Omar paint at a demonstration at Gen Con a few years ago. He’s one of those artists I envy, one whose brain seems constantly several steps ahead of his hands, making painting decisions on a whim that always seem to work. During the demo, he began painting with no drawing to guide him–something I would never dream of doing with my perfectionist personality and fear of producing bad work (even if it’s just for fun)!
David Tennant as a comic evil mastermind? That’s how Bryan Hitch is drawing him, according to The Sun.
Written by Jonathan Ross, the premise of the story is: “His character is kind of the mastermind behind a brutal reality show where kids with super powers slug it out to join the only Government-sanctioned super team.”
Sounds like a great premise, don’t you think? And since Bryan Hitch drew Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury, maybe we’ll see David Tennant on the big screen playing…himself, sort of?
This weekend I had the privilege of attending the Cincinnati TEDxChange event held at St. Michael’s Art Sanctuary. It was a great day all around, with a ton of great insights ranging from using design to help build communities in India to reconnecting our bodies and minds and breaking the physical “habit” of fear.
The final speaker was David Mack, a gifted illustrator, storyteller and graphic novelist (Kabuki, Daredevil), and he did not disappoint. When the video comes out, I encourage you to watch. However, I’ll share a few of his concepts that really struck me, here.
Tradition is a good place to start, not to stay.
We talk about being right-brained or left-brained. We should be whole-brained.
Use procrastination to your benefit. Rotate procrastinations until what you’re avoiding doesn’t seem like such a big deal anymore.
There is no security, so why not do what you love?
There was so much more; this was just the tip of the iceberg. If you get a chance to hear David speak or go to a TEDxChange, I highly encourage you to do so. I learned so much, met a great many wonderful people, and saw so much genuine passion and talent on display. You can follow David Mack on Twitter and on Facebook.
And you can find out more about us at IMPACT Books by liking us on Facebook and following us on Pinterest and Twitter!
Check out the nominees and go vote for the Eisner winners at this year’s award show. Are you going to Comic Con?
EISNER AWARD NOMINEES 2012
Best Short Story
“A Brief History of the Art Form Known as Hortisculpture,” by Adrian Tomine, in Optic Nerve #12 (Drawn & Quarterly)
“Harvest of Fear,” by Jim Woodring, in The Simpsons’ Treehouse of Horror #17 (Bongo)
“The Phototaker,” by Guy Davis, in Metal Hurlant vol. 2 (Humanoids)
“The Seventh,” by Darwyn Cooke, in Richard Stark’s Parker: The Martini Edition (IDW)
“The Speaker,” by Brandon Graham, in Dark Horse Presents #7 (Dark Horse)
Best Single Issue (or One-Shot)
Daredevil #7, by Mark Waid, Paolo Rivera, and Joe Rivera (Marvel)
Ganges #4, by Kevin Huizenga (Fantagraphics)
Locke & Key: Guide to the Known Keys, by Joe Hill and Gabriel Rodriguez (IDW)
Princeless #3, by Jeremy Whitley and M. Goodwin (Action Lab)
The Unwritten #24: “Stairway to Heaven” by Mike Carey, Peter Gross, and Al Davison (Vertigo/DC)
Best Continuing Series
Daredevil, by Mark Waid, Marcos Martin, Paolo Rivera, and Joe Rivera (Marvel)
Naoki Urasawa’s 20th Century Boys, by Naoki Urasawa (VIZ Media)
Rachel Rising, by Terry Moore (Abstract Studio)
Ultimate Comics Spider-Man, by Brian Michael Bendis and Sara Pichelli (Marvel)
Usagi Yojimbo, by Stan Sakai (Dark Horse)
Best Limited Series
Atomic Robo and the Ghost of Station X, by Brian Clevinger and Scott Wegener (Red 5)
Criminal: The Last of the Innocent, by Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips (Marvel Icon)
Flashpoint: Batman – Knight of Vengeance, by Brian Azzarello and Eduardo Risso (Vertigo/DC)
The New York Five, by Brian Wood and Ryan Kelly (Vertigo/DC)
Who Is Jake Ellis? by Nathan Edmondson & Tonci Zonjic (Image)
Best Publication for Early Readers (up to age 7)
Beauty and the Squat Bears, by Émile Bravo (Yen Press)
Benjamin Bear in Fuzzy Thinking, by Philippe Coudray (Candlewick/Toon Books)
Dragon Puncher Island, by James Kochalka (Top Shelf)
Nursery Rhyme Comics, edited by Chris Duffy (First Second)
Patrick in a Teddy Bear’s Picnic, by Geoffrey Hayes (Candlewick/Toon Books)
Best Publication for Kids (ages 8-12)
The All-New Batman: The Brave and the Bold, by Sholly Fisch, Rick Burchett, and Dan Davis (DC)
Amelia Rules: The Meaning of Life … And Other Stuff, by Jimmy Gownley (Atheneum)
The Ferret’s a Foot, by Colleen AF Venable and Stephanie Yue (Graphic Universe/Lerner)
Princeless, by Jeremy Whitley and M. Goodwin (Action Lab)
Snarked, by Roger Langridge (kaboom!)
Zita the Space Girl, by Ben Hatke (First Second)
Best Publication for Young Adults (Ages 12-17)
Anya’s Ghost, by Vera Brosgol (First Second)
Around the World, by Matt Phelan (Candlewick)
Level Up, by Gene Yang and Thien Pham (First Second)
Life with Archie, by Paul Kupperberg, Fernando Ruiz, Pat & Tim Kennedy, Norm Breyfogle et al. (Archie)
Mystic, by G. Willow Wilson and David Lopez (Marvel)
Best Anthology
Dark Horse Presents, edited by Mike Richardson (Dark Horse)
Nelson, edited by Rob Davis and Woodrow Phoenix (Blank Slate)
Nursery Rhyme Comics, edited by Chris Duffy (First Second)
The Someday Funnies, edited by Michel Choquette (Abrams ComicArts)
Yiddishkeit: Jewish Vernacular and the New Land, edited by Harvey Pekar and Paul Buhle (Abrams ComicArts)
Best Humor Publication
The Art of Doug Sneyd: A Collection of Playboy Cartoons (Dark Horse Books)
Chimichanga, by Eric Powell (Dark Horse)
Coffee: It’s What’s for Dinner, by Dave Kellett (Small Fish)
Kinky & Cosy, by Nix (NBM)
Milk & Cheese: Dairy Products Gone Bad, by Evan Dorkin (Dark Horse Books)
Best Digital Comic
Bahrain, by Josh Neufeld, www.cartoonmovement.com/comic/24
Battlepug, by Mike Norton, www.battlepug.com
Delilah Dirk and the Turkish Lieutenant, by Tony Cliff, www.delilahdirk.com
Outfoxed, by Dylan Meconis, www.dylanmeconis.com/outfoxed
Sarah and the Seed, by Ryan Andrews, www.ryan-a.com/comics/sarahandtheseed01.htm
Best Reality-Based Work
Around the World, by Matt Phelan (Candlewick)
Green River Killer: A True Detective Story, by Jeff Jensen and Jonathan Case (Dark Horse Books)
Marzi: A Memoir, by Marzena Sowa and Sylvain Savoia (Vertigo/DC)
Onward Towards Our Noble Deaths, by Shigeru Mizuki (Drawn & Quarterly)
Vietnamerica, by GB Tran (Villard)
Best Graphic Album – New
Bubbles & Gondola, by Renaud Dillies (NBM)
Freeway, by Mark Kalesniko (Fantagraphics)
Habibi, by Craig Thompson (Pantheon)
Ivy, by Sarah Olekysk (Oni)
Jim Henson’s Tale of Sand, adapted by Ramón K. Pérez (Archaia)
One Soul, by Ray Fawkes (Oni)
Best Graphic Album – Reprint
Big Questions, by Anders Nilsen (Drawn & Quarterly)
The Death Ray, by Dan Clowes (Drawn & Quarterly)
Richard Stark’s Parker: The Martini Edition, by Darwyn Cooke (IDW)
WE3: The Deluxe Edition, by Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely (Vertigo/DC)
Zahra’s Paradise, by Amir and Khalil (First Second)
Best Archival Collection/Project – Strips
Flash Gordon and Jungle Jim, by Alex Raymond and Don Moore, edited by Dean Mullaney (IDW/Library of American Comics)
Forgotten Fantasy: Sunday Comics 1900-1915, edited by Peter Maresca (Sunday Press)
Prince Valiant vols. 3-4, by Hal Foster, edited by Kim Thompson (Fantagraphics)
Tarpé Mills’s Miss Fury Sensational Sundays, 1944-1949, edited by Trina Robbins (IDW/Library of American Comics)
Walt Disney’s Mickey Mouse vols. 1-2, by Floyd Gottfredson, edited by David Gerstein and Gary Groth (Fantagraphics)
Best Archival Collection/Project – Comic Books
Government Issue: Comics for the People: 1940s-2000s, edited by Richard L. Graham (Abrams ComicArts)
The MAD Fold-In Collection, by Al Jaffee (Chronicle)
PS Magazine: The Best of Preventive Maintenance Monthly, by Will Eisner (Abrams ComicArts)
The Sugar and Spike Archives, vol. 1, by Sheldon Mayer (DC)
Walt Simonson’s The Mighty Thor Artist’s Edition (IDW)
Best U.S. Edition of International Material
Bubbles & Gondola, by Renaud Dillies (NBM)
Isle of 100,000 Graves, by Fabien Vehlmann and Jason (Fantagraphics)
Like a Sniper Lining Up His Shot, by Jacques Tardi and Jean-Patrick Manchette (Fantagraphics)
The Manara Library, vol. 1: Indian Summer and Other Stories, by Milo Manara with Hugo Pratt (Dark Horse Books)
Night Animals: A Diptych About What Rushes Through the Bushes, by Brecht Evens (Top Shelf)
Best U.S. Edition of International Material – Asia
A Bride’s Story, by Kaoru Mori (Yen Press)
Drops of God, by Tadashi Agi and Shu Okimoto (Vertical)
Onward Towards Our Noble Deaths, by Shigeru Mizuki (Drawn & Quarterly)
Saturn Apartments, vols. 3-4, by Hisae Iwaoka (VIZ Media)
Stargazing Dog, by Takashi Murakami (NBM)
Wandering Son, vol. 1, by Shimura Takako (Fantagraphics)
Best Writer
Cullen Bunn, The Sixth Gun (Oni)
Mike Carey, The Unwritten (Vertigo/DC)
Jeff Jensen, Green River Killer: A True Detective Story (Dark Horse Books)
Jeff Lemire, Animal Man, Flashpoint: Frankenstein and the Creatures of the Unknown, Frankenstein: Agent of S.H.A.D.E. (DC); Sweet Tooth (Vertical/DC)
Mark Waid, Irredeemable, Incorruptible (BOOM!); Daredevil (Marvel)
Best Writer/Artist
Rick Geary, The Lives of Sacco and Vanzetti (NBM)
Terry Moore, Rachel Rising (Abstract Studio)
Sarah Oleksyk, Ivy (Oni)
Craig Thompson, Habibi (Pantheon)
Jim Woodring, Congress of the Animals (Fantagraphics), “Harvest of Fear,” in The Simpsons’ Treehouse of Horror #17 (Bongo)
Best Penciller/Inker or Penciller/Inker Team
Michael Allred, iZombie (Vertigo/DC); Madman All-New Giant-Size Super-Ginchy Special (Image)
Ramón K. Pérez, Jim Henson’s Tale of Sand (Archaia)
Chris Samnee, Captain America and Bucky, Ultimate Spider-Man #155 (Marvel)
Marcos Martin, Daredevil (Marvel)
Paolo Rivera/Joe Rivera, Daredevil (Marvel)
Best Cover Artist
Michael Allred, iZombie (Vertigo/DC)
Francesco Francavilla, Black Panther (Marvel); Lone Ranger, Lone Ranger/Zorro, Dark Shadows, Warlord of Mars (Dynamite); Archie Meets Kiss (Archie)
Victor Kalvachev, Blue Estate (Image)
Marcos Martin, Daredevil, Amazing Spider-Man (Marvel)
Sean Phillips, Criminal: The Last of the Innocent (Marvel Icon)
Yuko Shimizu, The Unwritten (Vertigo/DC)
Best Coloring
Laura Allred, iZombie (Vertigo/DC); Madman All-New Giant-Size Super-Ginchy Special (Image)
Bill Crabtree, The Sixth Gun (Oni)
Ian Herring and Ramón K. Pérez, Jim Henson’s Tale of Sand (Archaia)
Victor Kalvachev, Blue Estate (Image)
Cris Peter, Casanova: Avaritia, Casanova: Gula (Marvel Icon)
Best Lettering
Deron Bennett, Billy Fog, Jim Henson’s Dark Crystal, Jim Henson’s Tale of Sand, Mr. Murder Is Dead (Archaia); Helldorado, Puss N Boots, Richie Rich (APE Entertainment)
Jimmy Gownley, Amelia Rules! The Meaning of Life … And Other Stuff (Atheneum)
Laura Lee Gulledge, Page by Paige (Amulet Books/Abrams)
Tom Orzechowski, Manara Library, with L. Lois Buholis(Dark Horse); Manga Man (Houghton Mifflin); Savage Dragon (Image)
Stan Sakai, Usagi Yojimbo (Dark Horse)
Best Comics-Related Journalism
The AV Club Comics Panel, by Noel Murray, Oliver Sava et al., www.avclub.com/features/comics-panel/
The Beat, produced by Heidi MacDonald et al., www.comicsbeat.com
The Comics Journal, edited by Gary Groth, and The Comics Journal website, www.tcj.com, edited by Timothy Hodler and Dan Nadel (Fantagraphics)
The Comics Reporter, produced by Tom Spurgeon, www.comicsreporter.com
TwoMorrows Publications: Alter Ego edited by Roy Thomas, Back Issue edited by Michael Eury, Draw edited by Mike Manley, and Jack Kirby Collector edited by John Morrow
Best Educational/Academic Work
Alan Moore: Conversations, ed. by Eric Berlatsky (University Press of Mississippi)
Cartooning: Philosophy & Practice, by Ivan Brunetti (Yale University Press)
Critical Approaches to Comics: Theories and Methods, edited by Matthew J. Smith and Randy Duncan (Routledge)
Hand of Fire: The Comics Art of Jack Kirby, by Charles Hatfield (University Press of Mississippi)
Projections: Comics and the History of 21st Century Storytelling, by Jared Gardner (Stanford University Press)
Best Comics-Related Book
Archie: A Celebration of America’s Favorite Teenagers, edited by Craig Yoe (IDW/Yoe Books)
Caniff: A Visual Biography, edited by Dean Mullaney (IDW/Library of American Comics)
Drawing Power: A Compendium of Cartoon Advertising, edited by Rick Marschall and Warren Bernard (Fantagraphics/Marschall Books)
Genius Isolated: The Life and Art of Alex Toth, designed by Dean Mullaney (IDW/Library of American Comics)
MetaMaus, by Art Spiegelman (Pantheon)
Best Publication Design
Genius Isolated: The Life and Art of Alex Toth, designed by Dean Mullaney (IDW/Library of American Comics)
Jim Henson’s Tale of Sand, designed by Eric Skillman (Archaia)
Kinky & Cosy, designed by Nix (NBM)
The MAD Fold-In Collection, designed by Michael Morris (Chronicle)
Richard Stark’s Parker: The Martini Edition, designed by Darwyn Cooke (IDW)
I gotta tell you, Mark’s book isn’t even out yet, and already, it’s popular, which, as its humble editor, thrills me! But I can’t claim much credit, it’s all Mark and he did an excellent job!
We came across this great image over on Facebook. I love it!
If you’re all grown up and looking for places to get your art on, hit up Dr. Sketchy’s Anti-Art School. If you don’t go, you’re missing out! Pay attention to the age restrictions, but otherwise, join or start one in your area for a great chance to draw from live models. And these models never disappoint!
Have you been to any art openings lately? Sadly, I missed this one. LA is so far away. High on my wishlist: unlimited air miles so I wouldn’t have to miss things like this. But at least we have pictures! If you get a chance, though, get out and experience some art firsthand.
Graffiti writer David Choe has been in the news since getting paid in Facebook shares has made him rich, though the fact that he tagged Barbara Walters is far more impressive, don’t you think?
We’re starting a new series, in which we highlight some of the week’s most IMPACTful news, tweets, videos and oddities–all in one convenient place!
Earlier this week, we found these awesome videos, banned advertisements for University of Lincoln in the UK, check them out! And, of course, we’re all getting excited about the forthcoming Dark Shadows movie.
Pinterest is the new craze, and what an awesome one it is! A new, fun form of social bookmarking designed to act like a virtual pinboard, and while our page is still in it’s fledgling stages, we’re excited to be rounding up our favorite items on the web, as well as finding some awesome gems we wouldn’t have seen otherwise. Keep an eye on us there by clicking on the handy-dandy Pinterest button.
The big topic in Comics this week is the Before Watchmen debate–everything from the creators to the ethics of it, to just whether or not it’s going to be any good. What do you think? Is this something you’re looking forward to, or do you think they should have left it alone?
And you can always check out what one of my favorite graffiti artist’s, Phlegm, is up to at his blog. This is just one of his latest pieces. And while we’re talking graffiti, does anyone know where in Brooklyn this is located?. Collage street art, how awesome can you get?
That’s all for this week’s edition, folks, but give us a shout if you have any items you’d like us to cover next week–either in the round up, or separately. And as always, follow us on Twitter!
Some manga stories take place in a world populated only by teenaged characters, where adults have seemingly been banished from the scene. Still, even the most youth-obsessed story will have at least a couple representatives of the adult world, and if you’re going to draw them properly, you’ll need to learn an entirely different system of body proportions. Manga grown-ups are much closer to real human anatomy. Many of these adult characters have smaller eyes and fully rendered noses that we are more likely to associate with Western comic book characters. 1 Build Your Frame
Begin by drawing eight horizontal lines, equally spaced. You’ll want them to be at least an inch or more apart to allow for details
later on. Draw your character’s head between lines one and two.
2 Create the Torso
Draw the neck, shoulders, torso and right arm with a rough indication of his hand. His left arm is hidden behind his body. The bottom line of the torso is about two-thirds of the way between lines four and five. This guy’s pretty big: almost three heads wide across the chest. His hand extends just a touch beyond the bottom line of his torso.
3 Sketch in Legs and Feet
There’s no need to worry about the width of his ankles because his pants cover them. The right foot touches line eight. The bottom line of his left foot is about one third of the way up between lines seven and eight. There is a slight diagonal lean to the legs. This will help to convey his solid, confident stance.
4 Add Fingers and Hair
Add a hairstyle suitable to his age and personality. You could even leave him bald. Refine the hand, showing the curve of his fingers. The angle he’s holding his hand makes the index finger look longer and hides the thumb.
5 Draw Clothes
Place his tie, lapels and buttons closer to his left because he’s standing at an angle. Suit coats don’t wrinkle much, so draw just a few lines near the elbow and shoulder.
6 Fine-Tune
Add folds to his trousers and drape the cuffs following the curve of his foot. Add soles to the bottom of his shoes.
7 Finish It
Add ink and, if you like, gray tones or color. He doesn’t look like a teenager, and that’s exactly what we want.
Want some fantastic resources for the aspiring comic artist in your life? Check out these IMPACT Books titles in our shop or through your favorite retailer for some great gift ideas for the holiday season.
