HOW TO DRAW- BLACK CHARACTERS IN MANGA STYLE

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through the process of drawing black characters in manga style. It highlights key features and techniques to accurately represent these characters while embracing the unique aspects of manga art.

Step 1: Gather Your Tools

To effectively draw black manga characters, ensure you have the following materials:

• Solid blacks for hair and outlines
• Light and dark grays for skin tones
• Screen toning for texture and shading
• Manga drawing software or traditional drawing tools (pencils, pens, paper)

Step 2: Sketch the Head Shape

Begin by sketching random head shapes. Focus on:

• Using wider, oval-shaped noses to represent black characters accurately.
• Ensuring the nose is fully pronounced, as this adds depth to the character.

Step 3: Inking and Adding Features

After your initial sketch:

• Proceed to ink the outlines of your characters smoothly.
• Use solid blacks for hair and light grays for skin tones.
• Fill in the lip area with a darker gray instead of the typical white outline, to represent natural lip color.

Step 4: Create Contrast

Contrast is crucial for character definition:

• Ensure there is a clear distinction between skin tones, hair colors, and clothing.
• Use varying shades of gray to create depth, highlighting different features.

Step 5: Hair Design Techniques

When drawing hair:

• Opt for blocky shapes to create styles like afros or dreads.
• For highlights, use lighter grays or screen toning with stippling techniques to add texture.
• Remember that solid black can also effectively convey hairstyles without needing detailed highlights.

Step 6: Shading and Texturing

Enhance your character with shading:

• Utilize cross-hatching to add texture and depth, especially in intense scenes.
• Use cell shading techniques by applying solid black to shadow areas and adjusting opacity for a crisp finish.

Step 7: Final Touches

Add finishing details:

• Include word bubbles and any text needed for your manga panels.
• Review your character to ensure all features are well-defined and consistent with your desired style.

Conclusion

Drawing black characters in manga is straightforward once you understand key elements such as skin tones, facial features, and hair textures. Focus on using a limited palette of blacks and grays to create contrast and depth. Keep practicing these techniques, and consider experimenting with different styles to find what works best for you. Happy drawing!