Studying influences vs Subject matter

LCT_m_a_d 2019-11-13 00:36:20 UTC #21

Interesting, why would you say your behind in skills and your art is a mess?

carloswebcomic 2019-11-13 01:02:07 UTC #22

Well, I keep changing my mind on how to draw things. I don't have a consistent method of drawing characters.
Also, because I developed from scratch the way I draw things, I don't have the skill of someone who studied then developed their own style.
In hindsight, I should've just copied Masamune Shirow and used that as a base to develop my own thing. Instead, I did it all from scratch and, to be honest, it was not a good idea. I would be a lot more skilled if I had not been so obsessed with trying to reinvent the wheel.

LCT_m_a_d 2019-11-13 01:25:37 UTC #23

That's really interesting! I actually have been very impressed with how consistent and clear your art looks despite how dynamic it is. I actually felt the exact same way about my comicart except I was thinking maybe something western for me.
I first learned to draw self-taught by redrawing looney tunes and disney coloring books. I actually regret burning so many years trying to invent my own thing and not realizing the stickiness factor.

IdiotWithPencil 2020-03-19 16:11:30 UTC #24

I study purely subject matter, since it's basically study of the fundamentals, and with fundamentals you can do everything else. of course when it comes to some specific styles I wish to introduce I study techniques and other artist but only briefly to copy and then mold it into my own style.

lwflouisa 2020-03-19 16:14:03 UTC #25

You would never know it, but I prefer the darker and edgier Moe style found in Manga like Saikano. I also really like the style of Battle Angel Alita. ( People might guess that more. )

But I actually study poetry as well, as the flow of words matters more than strict panel layout. And not the poetry form you might be thinking of.

Of course, there are aspects where I thought it was cool, I'm not sure where I got the idea from. Such as using charcoal for scenes meant to feel smoky and atmospheric. And used mixed media to convey different moods.

I still want to try charcoal / water color comics later.

Oh if there is a good mangaka to keep an eye out for that does Gearts and robotics really well, that isn't a battle armor / gundam manga, I'm all ears.