[Takuma Terashima’s Illustration Literacy #1] Drawing Lessons with Mangaka Shirow Miwa!

He learned extremely quickly. It was probably largely due to the fact he’s already been drawing, but he had an idea of what tool does what, which is a big help as a learning artist.

He could probably even break into the business (lol).

Today’s theme is avatar creation, with the artists sketching using a photo of themselves, and we believe knowing the basics of using software like this is also a valuable skill that helps in creating unique character designs and other creations. 

I think he’ll be learning one thing after another as he goes on, so I would just say not to be too fixated on what we covered today. Much of my own drawing style is the result of trial-and-error, so there might even be some parts of what I taught that might be hit-or-miss (chuckle).

Beyond that, I’d still say it’s practice through repetition.

And, it would be great if the practice went outside the usual routine.

For example, you could take a bunch of photographs of your own hand and use them as models to practice drawing.

And not just with the angle that’s there on the picture, but using your mental snapshot of the opposite side of your hand from the photographed side. Your hand is a model that’s always at hand, so you can practice anytime.

The variations in the body and hand movements you’re able to draw will increase, and it’ll become easier to make them stand out. Since hand gestures are useful regardless of whether they belong to men or women, it’s a useful skill I recommend practicing.

I would definitely say, have a goal, or something along those lines.

For example, if your were trying for “Make the pixiv Rankings with fanart illustrations,” you’d have to go through trial-and-error within the given theme (fanart illustrations), and pixiv users would be looking at that.

Plus, when thinking about participating in a popular contest, you also have to think about how not to get lost in the waves of popularity--rather how to ride them. The result of such trial-and-error will be an originality, unique to that person, and if you have this, then I think you’ll be able to create memorable drawings.

I think it’s valid to use “fanart” or “imitating the style an artist you like” as a method of training. I also had a period where all I did was imitate my favorite artists, and I think it was extremely helpful.

You should embrace your affinity for that person’s art, and don’t feel any shame in copying them, and just churn them out. Because there’s nothing wrong with appreciating something.

However, being fixated on a single author restricts your own potential, so I would recommend keeping a variety of tastes. Rather than keeping your distance because you don’t know about a certain style, I would suggest opening up your palate to many different tastes as to broaden and enrich your own style. It’s okay to be an omnivore when it comes to art (lol).

Still, always remember to properly specify that it’s a fanart when you upload a drawing that’s imitating someone else on pixiv and other social media!