In addition, take literature and writing courses. As a mangaka, you’ll be creating a story line, as well, so make sure to spend time focusing on how to develop a story.
If you can’t find one to join, consider creating one. There’s bound to be others who have similar interests. Look for classes or groups at your local library or with your park and recreation department.
In addition, think about double majoring or minoring in literature or writing. Developing your writing skills will be helpful in writing stories later.
In fact, comic artists recommend putting in practice every day. Make sure you are setting aside at least an hour a day to work on your artwork.
Don’t just get books on drawing. Look at books on writing comic books, as well as books just on writing. If your library doesn’t have what you want, most libraries will order books from other libraries for you to use. If you are wanting to become a mangaka, you obviously have some familiarity with the genre. Nonetheless, make sure you are reading widely in the genre to see what is getting published. Don’t just read your favorite mangas over and over. Branch out into ones you normally wouldn’t be drawn to, just to see what else manga has to offer. Plus, exposing yourself to different styles will help you work towards your own style.
Try starting with one idea on a piece of paper. Build off that idea by connecting dots to other ideas you come up with. Another way to get your creativity flowing is just to free write. Start with a word or image, and just start writing until you hit on something you like. Once you do, start developing that idea. Pick an idea you enjoy. Working on your own manga is going to take some hard work. If you don’t pick an idea you love, you’ll have a hard time motivating yourself to work on it. [5] X Research source
Start by figuring out the main plot points. What’s the driving force of your story? What are the major events? Make sure to include setting, as well. Think about the background you want for your setting and how that will affect your story. For example, an urban setting is very different from a rural setting in terms of story. Move on to going scene-by-scene, so you have an idea of what the main scenes will look like.
For appearance, you can simply draw the character in a model or turnaround sheet. Basically, you draw the character from every angle, figuring out clothing, hair, and proportion, so that you can recreate the character in the same manner throughout your manga. You can also create a 3D model using something like clay instead. For their personality and personal traits, write down traits for the character, such as personality quirks, personal beliefs, religion, favorite foods and color, and so on. Don’t forget things like personality flaws. No one is perfect, and no character should be either. Also, think about things like motivation. [7] X Research source Create sheets for all your characters, but make sure your main characters are the most fleshed out.
That doesn’t mean that it must look simple, just that it’s simple enough that you can put in the hours it takes to draw it through a whole story or a series of stories. Explore different styles. Once you see what others do, you can see what you like and don’t like. That will help you figure out what you like in your own style. Try not to just copy any one style exactly. You want yours to be unique in some aspect.
If you prefer to work digitally, consider using a manga drawing app. These tools are designed for creating comics, so they will make it easier for you to work. [11] X Research source Don’t forget to make your text legible. If people can’t read your text, they won’t read your comic.
Most publishers will want a copy of your manga, not the original. You can make a copy on a high quality copier or use a laser printer. Pay attention to sizing formats for the company you are sending it to. Most companies will expect you to have the basics of drawing down, such as proper proportions. If you aren’t there yet, you may want to wait awhile.
You need to have your work ready to show. It may not be published, but many publishers will give you advice on how to do better. Others will hire you to work for them. If you can’t visit in person, many publishers take submissions by mail.
Morning Manga and Comic Zenon both sponsor manga contests in other languages, so find their websites if you want to learn more.
