How to Become an Anime Artist

There's no substitute for skill if you hope to draw anime professionally, and even a consummate artisan needs a good game plan. A few simple steps will help you turn your drawing ability into an anime fan's dream job.

Difficulty:

Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Paper
• Pencil
• art school
• acting class
• portfolio
• demo reel

1. Study and practice drawing. Draw manga and anime, but most of all draw from life and from your imagination.

2. Take art classes in high school. If your school doesn't have an art program, try a local college or community art center. Drawing classes are best, but all kinds of art classes can be helpful.

3. Assemble a portfolio of your best drawing work, updating it as your skill improves. Showcase your life-drawing skills, and only include original anime character drawings - well-drawn copies will not impress. Show motion, mood and variety. You can include high quality animation too, but showcasing your drawing skill is primary at this stage.

4. Enroll in a degree program in animation or a closely related field at a school known for producing quality animators, such as CalArts. Research the best program for your particular needs: ask employers what they seek, see what alumni have done, talk to current students and recent grads, check for instructors with industry experience and inquire about available equipment and class sizes. Your portfolio will be a key component to gaining admission.

5. Create a demo reel of your best animation work. Start with school and independent projects; add new projects as you gain work experience.

6. Look for internships and open positions. Be willing to work your way up from entry-level jobs like runner and inbetweener. Any illustration or animation-related job will provide valuable experience - it'll be easier to get anime work if you're already an accomplished animator.

7. Make your own breaks. Publish your work doujinshi-style via print, Internet, video, animation festivals, anime conventions and contests. Collaborate with trusted colleagues to produce more complex projects.

8. Continue to perfect your skill. Drawing anime is a complex and demanding art that requires a lifetime of learning.

Tips & Warnings

• The drool test can gauge your readiness: unless you consistently produce original work that makes strangers drool, go back to the drawing board.

• If you can't get into your dream school, keep practicing or consider enrolling in another program to improve your skills before applying again.

• Take acting classes to help you visualize the actions of your animated actors.

• If you don't have animation skills, you can still get involved in the process. Writers, translators, voice actors, musicians, sound designers, graphic artists and businesspeople all contribute.

• Don't try to turn your anime hobby into a full-time job unless you really love to draw and have a passion for becoming part of the creative process.