Recently I have been annoyed with the level of my artwork. I haven’t
been practicing enough and it’s evident. When I do draw it doesn’t seem
to improve much, so recently I have been frustrated. Also stressed since
I may end up writing a Doujin with someone from Anime club, but I
really feel that if I did, my art would not be up to snuff.
This may sound like whining but I would prefer if you looked at it as
getting things off my chest. Plus, I have a solution I’m working on.
I decided to take some advice: “He that is taught only be himself has
a fool for a master.” Sure, it is impossible to say I really taught
myself, I had lots of help along the way! For which I am eternally
grateful. But I rarely studied Manga for the purpose of drawing it
later. I have (finally) begun using Manga as a real reference. For those
who draw Manga, this is probably not new so please ignore my ignorance.
As part of my new
training I am drawing characters from
Manga I am particularly inspired by. I am trying to pick up ideas from
drawing pieces by my favorite artists whose work I would like to
emulate. This is rather hard for me. The copying is not what I am
talking about (although, as I said, I am not very good so please do not
think I am acting cocky) but it is the act itself I find issue with.
I am never one for doing things by the book. I prefer to use my own
imagination in everything I do. So copying another person’s character
is… like brushing my hair the wrong way… I feel awkward while doing it,
and a little embarrassed.
But, I can see improvements made. I am happy about what I am
learning. I can also see the gap between professional work and my own. I
don’t see that as a bad thing though, rather I would like to see it
more positively as a goal I wish to reach.
I guess this was a nice place to unload my feelings. *phew* It’s
tiring trying to do everything yourself and keep it all in.
Anyway, I originally made this post to tell you I’ll be posting some of
the stuff I have been working on. I really want to keep improving!
^__^
Cheers.