From the various animation styles, to why anime is oftentimes mistaken for manga, we explain five important things to know about anime drawing!
Then, find out how you can have your very own, custom anime self portrait or anime portrait drawing!
1. Anime is Animation
If you have ever seen a cartoon, like Mickey Mouse, Dumbo, or Dragon Ball Z, then you have seen animation. Animation is the sequence of successive drawings that creates the illusion of movement. While it can be inspired by still art, it has motion and movement that still art does not. There are four general types of animation.
Types of Animation
Believe it or not, there are several different types of animation. You have likely seen the most common forms, but there are also a few that you do not even know exist!
Traditional
This is the oldest form of animation, and is also known as cel animation. In this form of animation, drawings are made on transparent celluloid paper.
In order for the animation to take shape as an animated picture, the artist must draw out each frame. When all of the frames are "flipped," the drawings take on a sequence of movement, creating an animated film.
Generally, traditional animation takes the form of 2D animation. You might recognize this in films like The Lion King or Aladdin, or even earlier cartoons like Bugs Bunny.
2D
While 2D animation can incorporate the previously mentioned movies like The Lion King, there is another type known as Vector-based animation.
In this type of animation, the motion is controlled by vectors rather than by pixels as it is in the other form. Pixel animation uses JPGs, GIFs, and BMPs which are pixel-based to create the art.
In Vector-based animation, mathematical values determine how an image is displayed, which can lead to a smoother, cleaner animation.
3D
3D animation is the most common form of animation found today. Have you seen any of the Toy Story series? If so, then you have laid your eyes on 3D animation.
This type of animation is also called computer animation.
While this is created using technology, that does not necessarily mean that it is easier to produce. 3D animation can be a long, drawn-out and tedious process.
In this animation, the artist uses a computer program to manipulate and move the character's body. They have to set each digital frame, and then the computer is used to calculate the movement from frame to frame.
The animator will then adjust the movements to make them appear more natural. That way the characters seem more lifelike.
Motion Graphic
Motion graphics appear to be still art to come to life. Used mostly for business ads, motion graphics create motion through art, but are aimed at conveying a message to the viewer. They are usually on trend and combined with sound to make them current.
Stop Motion
Stop motion animation can include the use of puppets, claymation, cutout animation, pixelation or object-motion, and is similar to the use of flip books like traditional animation.
In stop motion, tangible objects like clay figures get filmed as a still, and then moved in tiny increments and captured one frame at a time.
When all of the frames are put together, it produces an illusion of motion to create a film.
Anime refers to only animation that has been influenced by Japanese artists. It is not still art, but rather an animated show. While anime is influenced by Japanese comic book drawings and other still art, anime itself is the term for the animated version of those drawings.
2. Anime Often Gets Confused with Manga
Did you know that Anime is often confused with Manga? That is because they are similar. In Japan, manga is used to describe all comic books, not animations. While the actual art images may appear to be the same, manga is the still art form of anime.
Manga is also often published as a black and white piece without the use of color. That is likely due to printing cost. Since they are printed weekly, printing them in color would be costly and take too much time.
The Japanese word anime on the other hand refers to all animation. In fact, only outside of Japan has the word anime become associated exclusively with Japanese animation.
3. Anime First Appeared in the 1960s
Anime made its first appearance on January 1, 1963. Astro Boy, created by artist Osamu Tezuka, premiered on Fuji TV and was the first anime show to gain popularity in Western civilization.
In fact, it was thought to influence U.S. pop culture, and led to American companies to acquire other Japanese titles for their networks.
4. You Can Now Get a Customized Anime Self Portrait
The newest twist in Anime production is being able to customize it. You can now be featured in anime creations! Artists can take your portrait and create a customized anime self portrait for you to hang in your home or use however you wish!
In anime portrait drawing, the artist can also incorporate any other things that you want, like your dog, your car, or your surfboard. If you can dream it, they can draw it!
5. Anime Art is Known for its Eyes
Anime art for its unique eye characteristics. The eyes appear both lifelike through the use of shadowing, but simultaneously cartoonish due to their proportion to the rest of the character's body size.
They are often expressive and can convey the character's emotions well, whether those are joyful, angry or sad.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are you ready for a custom anime portrait drawing, but have a few more questions? Don't worry, we love to talk about ourselves and don't mind answering a few questions!
Will the portrait look like me?
Yes! Yes! Yes! We always include those special, unique details and quirks that make you look like you! Each portrait is a one-of-a-kind and recognizable likeness to you!
What do people use these portraits for?
Our portraits are used in a number of ways. Some people print and frame them to hang with their other photos in their home. Other people use the portraits for holiday cards or as modern, trendy profile photos for their social media and other digital accounts.
Will I be able to see my portrait before purchasing?
Yup! We will communicate with you for approval and revisions before finalizing your artwork!
Are You Ready to Order Your Custom Anime Self Portrait?
Are you ready to order an anime self portrait for you or someone else? Cartoonely can help! Our amazingly creative artists are waiting to make a portrait for you that is unique and off-the-beaten-path! If you still have questions, don't worry! We will happily answer anything you need to know. Contact us today!