by Kathy Deutsch

Created on: June 19, 2008

The term "anime" refers to a stylized cartoon type originating in Japan. An anime artist is one who draws cells to be used in these cartoons.
To become an "anime" artist, one must be dedicated to becoming a filmmaker as well as a specialist artist.

The style of character used in anime cartoons has an exaggerated body-either long or "super-deformed": squat and stubby. The face is extraordinarily expressive with strongly colored hair and eyes. Gestures are also exaggerated, as well as clothing.

To become an anime artist, one needs to be exact in knowing how to draw the human body accurately. In order to do the character body's deformations properly, one must first know how to make the body and face correctly. Taking figure drawing classes is mandatory. In fact, most anime artists continue to take figure drawing classes to keep their skills up throughout their careers.

While it is important to watch anime and keep up with the industry, there is a problem with watching too much. One absolutely must develop his own style of charater design. Watching too much anime makes the artist a copy-artist, only able to mimic another artist's style. Start by drawing favorite anime characters, then work to develop a character unique to your own style.

There is one vital aspect to becoming an anime artist-you must be fast. Cells are churned out to make cartoons-there is no time for mistakes. Practice drawing a character accurately and quickly, over and over.

Here's something most would-be anime artists do not consider-they will probably be drawing someone elses's work to make cartoons. One starts by copying, then if they are good, fast, accurate, and a good worker, they may get to develop their own character. So it is important to be a professional person, willing to be polite, work hard, and do what one is told. You will be a copy-artist, but in your spare time you must work on your own character so you'll be ready when the "big break" comes.

One must have an idea of how films are made. If you are lucky you will get a job with a cartoon studio and knowing how films are put together is crucial. The editors and directors will expect things from you and will want to communicate with the artists using film terms. Take a class or two on how films are put togther.

Finally, the anime artist needs a portfolio of their work. Still drawings, a series of cells and a 10 second animation are the bare necessities of a portfolio. You will use this portfolio to show cartoon companies your skills. Hopefully, it will help land you a job.

These are the steps (along with a college degree in film and traditional animation) my daughter used to start her career as an anime artist and director. She also has been drawing Japanese characters since childhood, and has worked on her craft every day for the past 23 years. Practice is the surest way to gain skills to become an anime artist.

Learn more about this author, Kathy Deutsch.
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