by Julie Dancer

Created on: October 08, 2010   Last Updated: October 10, 2010

The anime art-style is instantly recognizable, and has become incredibly popular - not just in Japan, where it originates, but internationally. Many studios have copied the anime style, either wholesale or by integrating it with their own art style to create a hybrid. For many people, becoming an artist that works in the anime industry would be a dream come true.

Luckily, it's a dream that can come true - though it takes a lot of work and dedication. Here's how to do it:

1. Get really good

Drawing anime isn't just a case of drawing cute, wide-eyed faces. You'll need to have a good grasp of the human figure, and be able to pull off lots of different action poses. You'll need to be able to draw hands, guns, swords, clothes, trees, animals, demons, cute little mascot animals, and more! Think of the last few anime you watched - was there mecha? Houses? Mountains?

You need to have a good grounding in art. Make sure you take every art class and life-drawing class you can. You need to fill sketch-book after sketch-book with drawings of everything and anything. Don't just copy your favorite style - whether it's Clamp or Shirow, you need to be able to mimic it. Over time, you may find you start to develop a style of your own.

2. Get a degree in animation

Animation is a whole different beast to simple drawings. It requires a lot of technical skill, and patience for detail. There is a lot of computer software out now, that means that individual hand-drawn cells are a thing of the past. However, you will need to know that software inside and out. Being able to animate long flowing hair is very different to sketching it. 

A formalized degree program is the best way of ensuring you cover everything you need to know, and gain a recognizable certificate at the end of it - as well as a portfolio of your work that you can use to sell yourself to studios. Take every opportunity that comes your way - internships, volunteer work, or helping with indie projects. 

3. Sell yourself

Your work should be professional quality, and you should know how to work with a team of people. At first, jobs will be hard-to-come by, so take on anything that will increase your experience. Over time, you will be able to pick and choose more carefully where you want to work, and ultimately you may end up heading a project or two of your own. 

Above all, keep enjoying what you do! There is something magical about animation, and to be a part of the process that brings those drawings to life is incredibly rewarding. Keep at it!

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