Objective

By the end of this lesson, Tanner will have gained a deeper understanding of anime art styles, created his own character design, and practiced basic drawing techniques that are commonly used in anime illustrations.

Materials and Prep

• Sketchbook or drawing paper
• Pencil and eraser
• Colored pencils or markers (optional)
• Reference images of anime characters (can be printed or viewed online)

Before the lesson, Tanner should gather his materials and look up a few anime characters that he likes for inspiration. It's helpful to have these references on hand while drawing.

Activities

• Character Design Brainstorm

  Tanner will spend some time brainstorming ideas for his own anime character. He can think about their personality, powers, and appearance. This is a chance to let his imagination run wild!

• Sketching the Character

  Using the ideas from the brainstorming session, Tanner will begin sketching his character. He should focus on the basic shapes and proportions first before adding details like facial features and clothing.

• Incorporating Color

  If he has colored pencils or markers, Tanner can experiment with adding color to his character design. He can think about what colors represent his character's personality and how to use shading to create depth.

• Creating a Backstory

  To enhance his character, Tanner can write a short backstory. This could include where the character comes from, their goals, and any challenges they face. This will help him connect more with his creation!

Talking Points

• "Anime art has unique features like big eyes and exaggerated expressions. This style helps convey emotions more vividly!"
• "Think about what makes your character special. What are their strengths and weaknesses? This will make them more relatable!"
• "When sketching, start with simple shapes. They help you get the proportions right before adding details."
• "Color can change how a character feels. Warm colors like red and yellow can show energy, while cool colors like blue and green can feel calm or mysterious."
• "Creating a backstory is like writing a mini-novel. It gives your character depth and makes them more interesting!"
• "Don't be afraid to make mistakes! Every artist learns from their errors, and they can lead to unexpected creativity."
• "Look at different anime styles for inspiration. There are so many variations, from cute and chibi to dark and dramatic!"
• "Practice makes perfect! The more you draw, the better you'll get, so keep experimenting with your style!"
• "Art is a form of expression. Your character is a reflection of your thoughts and feelings, so let your personality shine through!"
• "Remember, there are no strict rules in art. If you want to break the norm, go for it! That's what makes your art unique!"
• "Sharing your art with others can be scary, but it can also be rewarding. You might inspire someone else!"
• "Have fun with your art! The more you enjoy the process, the more creative you'll become!"
• "Lastly, keep exploring! There are countless resources online for learning more about anime art and techniques."