Things I need to remember when I'm creating a story:
things I like about drawing:
flowing hair that looks realistic
precise lines that define what is what.
eyes that convey intensity without looking like "anime eyes" (bigger than those beady things that american comics use
the way americans draw noses because it gives them a defined character
but the way japanese draw lips is better because it's not crowded.
the shadowing of manga, the straight lines, instead of heavy black shading gives it more depth and makes it look less solid
the way japanese draw necks and torsos. makes people appear less bulky and more stylized.
the way manga draws hands often times as well. less detail looks less crowded.
sharp edges on folds of clothes like the pants from bleach or the way redhood and the outlaws looks.
defiantly prefer shoes from redhood and the outlaws.
detailed realistic faces that allow you to see that you're supposed to be looking at a person not just a bunch of lines.
the incompleteness of the lines to convey light reflection and refraction. japanese style is good for conveying light, american is good for conveying shadow.
solid colors without the blend tool used for coloring. I almost want to see where the shadow color becomes the light. I like when you can see contrast, but sometimes it's appropriate to blend.
Tips to remember:
I like the way the action portrayed in naruto, like it appears as a dire situation, not people making stupid faces at each other. it's all in the eyes and the lines are focused in to the center in the background of the picture.
Have detailed backgrounds and costumes to make it feel like it's an actual place. naruto and redhood are good examples.
Lots of detail into each person both in background and foreground so main characters don't look out of place in their world. I hate more than anything spotting a main character by their "anime eyes"
Have lots of face shots can make the story flow quicker and make the audience feel what the character is feeling. too many shots of a character from far away sets too great a distance. but never forget to show the setting first to make sure reader has the right idea about where they are.
It's ok to have people doing things that are "over the top" when there is a peaceful moment. it will bring the intensity of the character to new heights when there is a conflict. Just don't be afraid to go all out when that happens either otherwise it will appear too dry. don't end up like a few batman comics where people could be robots when there's no angst happening.
Make a lot of references in the background and in conversation. the character will feel more personalized.
Have characters do mundane tasks for the same reason. it's always great to see characters doing every-day things.
Have lots of animals in the comic. and trees too if you can. it makes the world seem more like a world and not a TV series.
Throw in little aspects of the culture when you can. teach the reader about everything you can. Be the historian and the anthropologist. Let them know everything from eating utensils to how they bury their dead. Take nothing lightly. Place whatever you would see in the real world into the comic.
Give people lots of characters to work with and to know. They don't have to be main characters but give them a moment to shine. Changing perspective makes main characters look less like gods and more like people, and every person has different reasons for reactions. Don't create villains. Create people.
Always strive to entertain and give hope. That's the main point of the story.
