Digital Drawing!

Hello Digital art software!

For a while, I'd been trying to use Smithmicro's Manga Studio on our desktop computer. With the mouse, that is. For anyone who has not tried drawing on the computer with a mouse, it's hard. You can master it if you try though, it has been done. But it's hard!

Well, I was drawing that way, at least, trying to draw that way, but wasn't getting anywhere with it. To be perfectly honest, I was getting quite frustrated. Then my Dad offered to install the software on his tablet. Guess what? I can draw now! The pen does sometimes malfunction, but when it works, it works well. To anyone who has digital art software: you should try a tablet.

Here are two drawings I did digitally on Smithmicro’s Manga Studio. Doug Hills created some very helpful tutorials for Manga Studio users. I could never have made it this far without those!

 The latest, "Rebel Leader" from Christopher Hart's Manga for the Beginner: Chibis. Great book!

Daniel X: Dana. (Same picture I drew previously, but redrawn on the tablet.)

Now, I'll probably be able to sketch all my pages for my manga novel straight into the pc. Definitely a lifted burden!

I think God is helping me with this project, little by little. 

He works in miraculous ways. ;)

"Realism" Drawings

The other day, I rediscovered some of my old drawings from an art co-op I did in 2011. Can't believe it's been almost two years!! O_O

Well, I think they're decent examples of my hand at "Realism".

...Acorns...

...Self portrait: drawing myself...

...View from my window (it's an exaggeration)...

...Still life with flowers and lemons (?)...

...My hand...

...A kitty...

Ciao for now!

25 Essential Expressions, and other tips...

Hello again! I've been busy with the new school year, so that's why I haven't posted for a while. :(

But I have been drawing! Right now I'm working on a manga novel that will probably take a year to finish. "Slow and steady". ;) Well, in creating this book, I've been studying many other comic and manga artist's works and books. Here are some tips that I've found extremely helpful...

When making any type of book, illustration, comic, or really anything that you will have to draw a certain character frequently, I would highly recommend creating a character study folder. A character study is when you, well, study your character! 

First, read and study books that are similar to what you want to make. Another book I would highly recommend is Scott McCloud's "Understanding Comics" and "Creating Comics".Very informational. 

Make a 360 Sheet (aka Model Sheet) or Turnaround. What this does is help you to see you character from all angles. A comic book would be pretty boring if the hero was always facing the same direction! 

What about your hero's expression? Constructing an expression reference sheet will be a huge help in creating the mood desired. If you're doing a manga novel, I might even make an expression sheet of your character "chibified". 

If you plan to either publish your comics as a book or as a web-comic  make sure you have a good illustrating/comics/manga software. I recommend Smithmicro's Manga Studio EX4. Although it is expensive, (and learning it can be quite tough), it is extremely important to have your novel in a clean, professional format. Other software that are good are Adobe Illustrator and/or Photoshop. I haven't used those programs, but I've heard good reviews about them. Thinking about a book? Talk to a local printing company about what format they would require, and other necessary information.

And of course, if you are creating a novel from start to finish: Write your story first! Have a friend proofread it, to get an outside opinion. Choose someone who won't be afraid to be honest with you. But finish it! I have made the mistake of starting to illustrate an incomplete story, and had to redo because of a change of plans...not fun.

Lastly, practice practice practice! You can never get to much of it!

Well, I hope this is helpful to anyone who might need it. :)

Here are some links to helpful websites:

GoTeenWriters.blogspot.com (!!!)

10 Things to know Before you Start

How to Make your own Manga

Some of my character study sheets-

My attempt at the "25 Essential Expressions Challenge". 

Believe me, it's very helpful!

Here's the link: 25 Essential Expressions Challenge

Darcy(the main character of my book): Front view

A page of my graphic novel(it's cropped).

My first expressions sheet. It's all about refining and practicing.

Whew! This has been quite the post. I think it's time for me to shut up, so, until next time!

Karate!

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

Philippians 4:13

One of my goals for this year: karate lessons.

The "poster" I made of my goal.

Acrylic paints on canvas.

Close up

Japanese: Goal, Endurance, Respect

(Each line is one word.)

Again, Japanese: Grace, Power, Determination, Karate

Fan Art #1

I love the Maximum Ride and Daniel X manga novels. Maximum Ride is illustrated by an amazing artist, NaRae Lee. SeungHui Kye, another talented artist, illustrated Daniel X. One day, God willing, I'll be able to draw as well as they can. This is some "fan art" I drew.

Maximum Ride: Nudge. Old drawing. :(

Daniel X: Dana. (Full)

Daniel X: Dana. (Close-up)

Daniel X: Joe. He's one of my favorite characters!

Another one of Joe

I couldn't help taking these pics since I was already photographing my artwork,(that's why they're so dark).

 My sketch book= my best friend.

(Not really) 
;D

Manga Boys

These are some random manga guys I drew last year. Looking at my art work lately, I think I've improved. ;)

 This is the second manga boy I drew...I think...

Manga school boy from the book Manga for the Beginner by Christopher Hart. It's NOT traced.

My latest (full) manga boy, still last year though, made for my cousin who is a black belt in karate. This is completely an original.

I'm currently in the middle of a large art project, so sorry for the old art.

Roses after Rain

"Consider how the lilies grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these."
Luke 12: 27 NIV

Here are some photos I took in California at my Grandma's house during Christmas break. It had rained the night before, so there were droplets of water over everything, making the flowers shimmer. It was absolutely beautiful!

I used a Canon PowerShot SX40 HS Digital Camera on micro-focus. 

My personal favorite is the white rose (pic 2). What's yours?

Fantasy

Fantasy: n. Imagination unrestricted by reality

I love that definition! It's from Vocabulary.com.

 Here is a piece I drew of a fantasy character. My favorite drawing style is manga, so that's what you'll be seeing most often.

Full

Face detail

My First Post, and Greyson Chance

  Hello! Hola! Bonjour! Guten Tag! To anyone who is reading this: Welcome to my blog. This is the blog of a teenage girl who loves to draw. Most of what you'll be seeing here is my art, though I may insert some photography endeavors, other artsy stuff, or just stuff I love occasionally. Since I am an amateur, there will be no breath taking masterpieces, so please don't expect any. ;) Comments welcome. Please scroll... and enjoy!

I think this should be a good one to kick this blog off! I drew this for a cover contest for one of my favorite music artists of all time: Greyson Chance! 

The above pic I drew freehand (with reference pic and graphite pencils), then edited it on the computer to add the lettering and effects.

The original drawing, no editing.

Check back for more drawings in the future!