How to Start Drawing Anime: A Beginner's Guide to Creating Fan Art

How to Start Drawing Anime: A Beginner’s Guide to Creating Fan Art

Reader’s Question:
I’ve recently gotten into anime and I’m really interested in drawing, but I don’t know where to start. My experience with drawing is limited to what I did in school, so I’m feeling a bit lost. Ultimately, I’d love to create some fan art. What should I do?

Your Journey
into Anime Art

So, you’re diving into the world of anime and drawing, huh? That’s awesome! I remember when I first got hooked on anime—there was this one moment where I tried to draw my favorite character, and let’s just say, it looked more like a potato than a person. But it was such a blast!

Starting with What You Love

The best advice I can give you is to start with what you love. If you have a favorite character, grab a pencil and start sketching them! Even if it doesn’t look perfect, it’s all about capturing the essence of what you adore. I remember trying to recreate a scene from my favorite anime, and while my drawing didn’t quite match the original, the process was filled with laughter. I even joked with my friends that I could start a new trend of “abstract anime art.” When you’re drawing, pay attention to the unique features of anime characters—their oversized eyes, wild hairstyles, and expressive faces. It’s like unlocking a secret code! I spent hours watching tutorials online, and sometimes I’d get so into it that I would forget to eat. I found myself snacking on way too many chips, and by the end of it, I was more chip than artist!

Practice Makes Perfect

Just like the user mentioned, practice is key! The more you draw, the more you’ll start to notice what you might be missing. I remember there was this one time I was drawing a character’s hair, and I got so frustrated because it just didn’t look right. After some research and a few more sketches, I finally figured out how to make it flow better. It was like a lightbulb moment—so satisfying! And don’t be afraid to make mistakes. They’re part of the journey! I once spent an entire afternoon trying to get a character’s eyes right, only to realize I was using the wrong reference. But guess what? That mistake taught me a lot about proportions and angles.

Embrace the Community

Don’t forget to engage with the community! Share your progress, even if it feels rough. I remember sharing my early sketches on social media and getting encouragement from fellow artists. It felt great to connect with others who were also trying to improve. You might find that someone shares your struggles or even has tips that could help! So, dive in and enjoy the process of learning and creating! Your fan art journey is just beginning, and who knows? You might discover a hidden talent along the way. I’d love to hear about your experiences too! What characters are you thinking of drawing? Or do you have any funny stories from your drawing adventures? Share in the comments!