This weekend I saw Midnight in Paris, a movie about a writer who is vacationing in Paris when he accidentally travels back to the ‘20s and meets writers and artists of the time. Although the movie only included Picasso and Matisse, it got me wondering about the other artists and art that was around back then. What did people draw dragons like? Did comics have the same form?  I did some Google research and learned about Henri Iselin, who drew many comics in the ‘20s. Here are a few.

It is cool to think about how art has changed and progressed over the decades. And how much changing it is still doing!

Although manga started in the east and didn’t hit it big in America until almost two decades ago, it has still has come a long way in that time. Right now, I am working on Shojo Fashion Manga Art School, Year Two.  It seems to me that the manga and details in this book compared to the first seem like they have already progressed a little in this short time.

Here are some great IMPACT instructionals to help you keep up with art’s constant evolution.

Hi everyone! My name’s Kirstie and I’m the intern for the summer at IMPACT books. During my time here, I’m going to update you on what’s going on behind the scenes, what I’ve been working on and other cool stuff that we’re all interested in. So far this summer, I have been very busy with Shojo Fashion Manga Art School, Year Two. The first Shojo Fashion Manga Art School taught us how to draw fabulous shojo manga clothing and characters. The second is just as promising, including steps on how to draw formal wear, school uniforms, sports uniforms, etc.

I have also been working on our new Fun to Draw Books. These books teach young, beginning artists how to draw funny characters, mangamon, and mini mangas. They will get released this fall. They aren’t available for pre-sale yet, but I will give you a peek of the covers! I will be back on Monday with another update!

It’s holiday time (at least that’s what Mariah Carey’s new CD and the decorations at the mall are telling us) and that means it’s time for presents! Even if you celebrate nothing, you can celebrate yourself with a lovely book from our IMPACT line…and for cheap with our Super 7 Day Sale.

Enter SUPER7 at the checkout to receive 15% off your North Light Shop purchase today and tomorrow, and 10% off Dec. 3-5.

That means titles like Dreamscapes, Shojo Fashion Manga Art School and DragonArt are all super cheap. And really, nothing says “happy holidays” like a copy of Hell Beasts.

I keep talking about Shojo Fashion Manga Art School because it just can’t be stopped. Author Irene Flores filled the book with every fashion style you can dream of, and shows you how to deck out your characters no matter what the season. It’s so much fun!

For even more fashion inspirations check out this new site where you can dive into a huge wardrobe and dress your choice of models. Find a cool look then jump back into Shojo Fashion Manga Art School to draw it on your character. So, put on your best designer hat, and pick up that pencil!

The quickest way to make your characters recognizable is with clothing. Give them their own individual style and they come to life on the page, and stand out from the crowd. Irene Flores, author of Shojo Fashion Manga Art School (IMPACT Books) is a manga artist and fashionista extraordinaire with a knack for teaching others how to draw.

In eager anticipation of Shojo Fashion Manga Art School’s November release, here’s Irene’s 3 easy steps for drawing a scarf:

1 Create the Basic Shape: Determine the path of the scarf using a ribbon as a model.

2 Develop the Shape: Make the band wider.

3 Refine and Add Detail: Draw the fabric using the band as a guide, and drape the fabric as it wraps around itself. Add darker areas to indicate folds and overlaps in the scarf.

In the mood for death, destruction, maybe even the apocalypse? Check out the trailer for the Tokyopop’s Deadman Wonderland here.

If you’re looking for something a little more cheerful, why not create your own manga? Check out Shojo Fashion Manga Art School by Irene Flores or Draw Furries by Jared Hodges and Lindsay Cibos. Both are available for preorder now.

IMPACT’s newest manga instructional book is coming this Fall to a store near you. With Shojo Fashion Manga Art School you’ll learn all about drawing people, creating great expressions, clothing your characters, and placing people into settings. Everything you need to bring your manga to life.

But, you don’t have to wait. Get your fashion fix now by clicking here for a FREE demo from Shojo Fashion Manga Art School.

Enjoy!

Preorder Shojo Fashion Manga Art School now at Amazon.com.

The number one fashion workshop for shojo manga is…

Shojo Fashion Manga Art School: How to Draw Cool Looks and Characters

Brought to you by Irene Flores (the world’s coolest artist)

From ‘dos to shoes, how you dress and style your characters says a lot about who they are, before they even utter a word. Whether your story calls for a flashy drama queen or a mousy bookworm, this guide contains everything you need to know to create fabulous shojo manga characters with personality.

 Inside you’ll find page after page of instruction and inspiration on: 

1. The Figure. Follow simple basics to draw guys and girls of various body types, in any pose.

2. The Face. Learn how to draw an endless variety of features, getting the feeling across with facial expressions, from a subtle quirk of the mouth to all-out crocodile tears. Then add the perfect hairstyle–the icing on the cake.

3. The Look. “Shop” from an illustrated gallery of clothing and accessories for every season and occasion, from formal dresses to bunny slippers, with demos and tips on designing your own original fashions.

4. The Setting. Portray your character’s world, with demonstrations on how to create classic hangouts like classrooms, coffee shops and bedrooms.

Complete with 14 start-to-finish demonstrations for drawing a range of character “types,” from the girl next door to the punk guy, from single characters to couples and groups, this book will help you bring a world of unique and memorable characters to life … and have lots of fun doing it!

Preorder Shojo Fashion Manga Art School now at Amazon.com.