How to Learn to Draw Manga and Develop Your Own Style

Co-authored by Kathy Leader

Last Updated: December 15, 2022 Approved

Whether you are a child or adult, learning to draw manga can be an arduous process that requires much patience, dedication, and time. Developing your own style also requires many practice sessions, and accidentally adapting another artist's style can be a concern. This wikiHow article will help you start the journey of drawing manga, as well as provide steps on learning to establish your own unique art style.

Steps

1
Become familiar with manga and anime. A crucial step in learning to draw manga is to study the art styles of Japanese artists and understand the different components that set manga apart from other types of art. For instance, the eyes are normally the main focus of the face and contain the most detail. Furthermore, a variety of different manga styles exist, and it can be helpful to study them before deciding which one appeals to you the most.
2
Practice manga characters and/or animals without books. Before purchasing a how-to-draw book, attempt to learn the basics on your own. Because instructional books are normally written by a single artist, the images may be drawn in one style. To prevent unconsciously absorbing his or her style, it is best to practice for a while. With many references and guides on the Internet, you can search the basics of manga anatomy and do your best to learn them.
- Avoid trying to copy other artists' styles. Focus on what techniques they have used, then practice using your own style. Push this even further by forcing yourself to make different versions, don't just stick to one style but try out a variety to see what works best for you.
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3
Follow each step in drawing books. Rather than skipping to the final product and copying it, it is best to lay out each step. The directions will guide you through the process of starting from scratch and developing each essential part of the face, so you can eventually draw on your own without the book's guidance. If you attempt to cheat and skip ahead, you may have difficulties with remembering and learning the anatomy of manga. Furthermore, attempt to draw your own character so that you can start to develop your own style.
4
Practice drawing your favorite characters. Although you should not completely adapt another artist's style, copying their work can help you decide what design you prefer. If you enjoy that particular style, bits of that technique will eventually carry over to you. Although this method can be used as a starting point for style development, you should not solely rely upon it; otherwise, you may have difficulties with creating original designs.
- Experimenting is the best way to develop your own style. As already said, try different versions of whatever you want to draw. Push yourself beyond what you think you can do to discover just what you really can do. Look at what you've done without over-thinking it and mark out which pieces resonate most with you. Those are the ones directing you toward what you need to keep developing as your personal style.
5
Do not allow others to discourage you. Although it is important to remain open to suggestions, remember that there is a difference between constructive criticism and demeaning remarks. As long as you remain dedicated towards drawing, you have a chance to improve your art. All artists work at different paces, so remain focused upon your own path and avoid comparing yourself to others.

Community Q&A

Question

What is the name of the pens used to get the manga look?

Community Answer

You want to use felt tip pens that don't bleed of fade, such as Micron or Sakura. Many manga artists will also use brush-tip pens as well. You can also use a traditional ink pen with an inkwell and nib.
Question

Is there somewhere I can find this demonstrated?

Community Answer

There's a popular manga/comic book artist named Mark Crilley, the author and illustrator of Brody's Ghost and many other works. He posts weekly videos on YouTube about how to's, art supplies, and Q&A's.
Question

How can I highlight hair and clothes?

Community Answer

If you're using pencil and/or ink, leave the desired area of shine blank. For coloring with any medium, you can leave it blank for extreme lighting, or use a lighter color than the hair/clothes.

Warnings

This process takes a long time. You won't become an awesome manga-artist in a week, or a month. If you have a large artistic background, like going to an Art college, or anything like that, it will be easier to grasp this (or harder, it depends). You will probably also improve faster.

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If you really make it big, and if you start selling your art, be sure not to infringe on any copyright laws by making your characters just like your favorite manga characters, in costume, voice or personality, it doesn't matter. They'll find anything.

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Things You'll Need

Pencils
Erasers
Inks
Clean, smooth good quality paper. This paper should be grain free. (Copier or printer paper is good, and inexpensive!)
How to draw manga book (optional)
A computer (if you make digital art)
Various real manga volumes and/or knowledge of Japanese culture (optional but very very helpful)