CAA: Christian Anime Alliance

AGGGHH!!!! I've been practicing for a long time to draw but all I can do is chibi. even my chibi looks cheap. I've bought a book called "how to draw manga" by katie cooper, and practicing but to know avail. is my problem hereditary? or some sort of virus (just being sarcastic). and I'm becoming jealous of my freinds who can really draw.

I would try to help you but I don't know anything about your art (strengths, weaknesses, etc...)

yeah
dunno how to help

supa dupa ninja wrote::bang:
AGGGHH!!!! I've been practicing for a long time to draw but all I can do is chibi.

*looks around*

~Chibi

Where's the law that says you have to draw well? Don't worry about how good it looks, just keep on drawing. If you want to draw better, sure, get help, but don't ever get so frustrated you give up. Drawing is something you should do for fun, so enjoy it!

I've been drawing since I was 7. I can only copy and can't make my own designs, I just love drawing but lately I'm getting frustrated.

supa dupa ninja wrote:I've been drawing since I was 7. I can only copy and can't make my own designs, I just love drawing but lately I'm getting frustrated.

Woah there! I used to be in the same exact situation! I only coppied and when I tried to draw my own stuff, it was bad. When I finally did start drawing original stuff (because elfwood didn't allow coppies) I hated it at first, but through harsh critique (that you must listen to, don't be stubborn or think that your art is a masterpiece, listen to advice, people only want to help) I improved GREATLY. I've been drawing since 2000 and drawing my own since 2001 and I know that without forcing myself to do my own work, would still be doing the weird stuff that looked like it came from a 2 year old.

I think I'm gonna chaulk it up to my left handedness (is that a word? ) or just frustration.

Chibi wrote:*looks around*

~Chibi

oh, you know SD (super deformed).

The best thing is to take an art class if you can arrange it. And practice. Of course, the other question is why do you feel the need to draw anime/manga style, instead of developing your own? One of the big (and IMHO very valid criticisms) of these is that they're very static artistically. You get a lot of people who are very good technically, but work within very narrow boundaries- all of there stuff looks very much the same.

supa dupa ninja wrote:I've been drawing since I was 7. I can only copy and can't make my own designs, I just love drawing but lately I'm getting frustrated.

I understand EXACTLY what you mean! LOL Yes, I think a lot of people started at the exact same spot. I learned by drawing fanart from my favorite games and cartoons, and look at me now! Uh...bad example...I'm still drawing fanart of my favorite games and cartoons...O.o

But seriously. Persistence is the key. Don't let yourself get too frustrated, put that energy toward looking for inspiration. It isn't always easy. And if you get too frustrated, back off for a while and come back to it...everybody needs a little time away from something that aggravates them.

Technomancer wrote:The best thing is to take an art class if you can arrange it. And practice. Of course, the other question is why do you feel the need to draw anime/manga style, instead of developing your own? One of the big (and IMHO very valid criticisms) of these is that they're very static artistically. You get a lot of people who are very good technically, but work within very narrow boundaries- all of there stuff looks very much the same.

This is true...very true. I have this trouble ALL the time! LOL!