How to Make Manga
Observe and research manga., Learn how to draw., Write a script., Make the basics of the manga., Fill in the details., Scan in your pages., Using a picture editing software such as Adobe Photoshop or GIMP, clean up your lineart and make sure it...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Observe and research manga.
Learn the different styles, such as shonen (boys) and shoujo (girls), and the differences between them.
Understand the techniques used. -
Step 2: Learn how to draw.
A manga tells a story in pictures, and your story will be a little limited if all your characters are stick figures.
Using your knowledge of the manga styles, develop an individual style instead of sticking to the stereotypes of manga.
If you can't draw, find an artist, but you have to be an excellent writer to stand a chance finding a good artist. , As with all stories, you'll need to plan well.
Know exactly what's going to happen in your story, view it in your head like a movie or an anime before writing it out.
If you are working with an artist, you'll need to give them a precise, vivid description or a basic storyboard for them to understand your script. , When you were writing the script, you should have known exactly how you were going to lay out your manga, but if not, draw out the panels and draw sketches onto paper to represent characters.
If you're working with an artist, ask them if they want to do this or if you should do it for them.
At this stage, since you're not making the details, it doesn't matter if your artist doesn't fully understand the script and gets something wrong, as you'll be able to correct them or change it without destroying any solid work.
Do not add in the speech bubbles yet. , Flesh out the characters, turn your basic plan into a work of art.
If you're working with an artist, leave this stage up to them.
Still do not add in the speech bubbles. , Alternatively, take a picture with your webcam or smartphone (it will be lower quality). , A graphics tablet is an extremely good idea for using this, so you can edit anything with the same precision as with a pencil.
Again, leave this stage to the artist if they have any graphics experience. , If you intend to make a lot of manga on a weekly basis, you probably will not want to colour it, but a one-shot manga or a short graphic novel would be good in colour. , Keep it clean
- do not colour-code your speech bubbles or add in unnecessary effects.
If you're working with an artist, you may want him or her to do some of the more complicated effects, but anybody can make ordinary speech bubbles. , Full time Manga artist usually average out to about $30k to $35k yearly. obviously the more publicity you get the higher you will get paid.
Find a publisher in your own country.
If this is your first manga, this is definitely the way to go.
You may think that it will not sell, as it is not of Japanese origin, but with the increasing popularity of manga across the world, you may be surprised.
If you are determined to publish in Japan, however, prepare yourself for dedication and disappointment.
Becoming a manga artist in Japan is not an easy thing to do, however, it isn't impossible.
Try taking part in a contest that manga magazines hold.
This is the easiest way to establish yourself in the Japanese manga industry. -
Step 3: Write a script.
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Step 4: Make the basics of the manga.
-
Step 5: Fill in the details.
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Step 6: Scan in your pages.
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Step 7: Using a picture editing software such as Adobe Photoshop or GIMP
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Step 8: clean up your lineart and make sure it looks professional.
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Step 9: Optionally
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Step 10: colour and shade the manga.
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Step 11: Add in the speech bubbles and effects using your picture editing software.
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Step 12: Try getting published by one of these methods: If you want to take the easy way out
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Step 13: use a website such as Comicgenesis.com and publish it as a free webcomic
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Step 14: but the only money you can make from this will be from merchandise and donations - not a good way to go
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Step 15: if you plan to be a full time manga artist.
Detailed Guide
Learn the different styles, such as shonen (boys) and shoujo (girls), and the differences between them.
Understand the techniques used.
A manga tells a story in pictures, and your story will be a little limited if all your characters are stick figures.
Using your knowledge of the manga styles, develop an individual style instead of sticking to the stereotypes of manga.
If you can't draw, find an artist, but you have to be an excellent writer to stand a chance finding a good artist. , As with all stories, you'll need to plan well.
Know exactly what's going to happen in your story, view it in your head like a movie or an anime before writing it out.
If you are working with an artist, you'll need to give them a precise, vivid description or a basic storyboard for them to understand your script. , When you were writing the script, you should have known exactly how you were going to lay out your manga, but if not, draw out the panels and draw sketches onto paper to represent characters.
If you're working with an artist, ask them if they want to do this or if you should do it for them.
At this stage, since you're not making the details, it doesn't matter if your artist doesn't fully understand the script and gets something wrong, as you'll be able to correct them or change it without destroying any solid work.
Do not add in the speech bubbles yet. , Flesh out the characters, turn your basic plan into a work of art.
If you're working with an artist, leave this stage up to them.
Still do not add in the speech bubbles. , Alternatively, take a picture with your webcam or smartphone (it will be lower quality). , A graphics tablet is an extremely good idea for using this, so you can edit anything with the same precision as with a pencil.
Again, leave this stage to the artist if they have any graphics experience. , If you intend to make a lot of manga on a weekly basis, you probably will not want to colour it, but a one-shot manga or a short graphic novel would be good in colour. , Keep it clean
- do not colour-code your speech bubbles or add in unnecessary effects.
If you're working with an artist, you may want him or her to do some of the more complicated effects, but anybody can make ordinary speech bubbles. , Full time Manga artist usually average out to about $30k to $35k yearly. obviously the more publicity you get the higher you will get paid.
Find a publisher in your own country.
If this is your first manga, this is definitely the way to go.
You may think that it will not sell, as it is not of Japanese origin, but with the increasing popularity of manga across the world, you may be surprised.
If you are determined to publish in Japan, however, prepare yourself for dedication and disappointment.
Becoming a manga artist in Japan is not an easy thing to do, however, it isn't impossible.
Try taking part in a contest that manga magazines hold.
This is the easiest way to establish yourself in the Japanese manga industry.
About the Author
Marie Kim
Specializes in breaking down complex pet care topics into simple steps.
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