Drawing Manga Animals, Chibis, and Other Adorable Creatures

About the Book

Learn the Tricks of the Trade for Drawing Irresistibly Cute Manga-Style Animals and Chibis! The world of manga is filled with strange creatures and adorable sidekicks. Just about every manga hero and heroine has an animal mascot, and all the most popular ones have a cute "chibi" form. This book teaches aspiring manga artists how to create the funny critters that populate girls' manga and the more gritty, gothic creatures found in boys' manga.  It starts with the basics of creating manga-style characters—everything from drawing heads and faces to eyes and expressions, to creating incredibly cute chibis. Part two features a valuable reference section on the mythological and real animals that have shaped Japanese artwork and stories. The final section has step-by-step demonstrations on using computer programs such as Photoshop and Corel Painter to create manga art and comics. So whether you're just starting out and want to draw a cute, simple mascot, or would like to try something more complex like an Asian dragon, or are ready to create your own otherworldly adventure, this book has something for you no matter what your skill level.
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Excerpt

Drawing Manga Animals, Chibis, and Other Adorable Creatures

Cats, like dogs, have a long and storied history in Japanese culture. Whether an ordinary house cat or a supernatural youkai spirit, cats always know how to leave an impression. The Maneki Neko (welcoming cat) is a good example of the feline's place in Japanese popular culture. Many Japanese shops display a statue of a calico cat with one paw raised in the air, which is the Japanese gesture for "Come here." This cat is believed to bring good luck to its owner. The lucky cat is usually depicted with a collar, bell, and some kind of decorative bib.

About the Author

J.C. Amberlyn
J.C. AMBERLYN is an award-winning artist, animator, graphic novelist, photographer, and naturalist. She is the author of the bestselling Drawing Wildlife. More by J.C. Amberlyn
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