{"appState":{"pageLoadApiCallsStatus":true},"categoryState":{"relatedCategories":{"headers":{"timestamp":"2022-05-17T12:31:16+00:00"},"categoryId":33666,"data":{"title":"Drawing","slug":"drawing","image":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Academics & The Arts","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33662"},"slug":"academics-the-arts","categoryId":33662},{"name":"Art & Architecture","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33663"},"slug":"art-architecture","categoryId":33663},{"name":"Drawing","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33666"},"slug":"drawing","categoryId":33666}],"parentCategory":{"categoryId":33663,"title":"Art & Architecture","slug":"art-architecture","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33663"}},"childCategories":[{"categoryId":33667,"title":"Fashion Drawing","slug":"fashion-drawing","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33667"},"image":{"src":"/img/background-image-2.fabfbd5c.png","width":0,"height":0}},{"categoryId":33668,"title":"General (Drawing)","slug":"general-drawing","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33668"},"image":{"src":"/img/background-image-1.daf74cf0.png","width":0,"height":0}},{"categoryId":34350,"title":"Manga","slug":"manga","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34350"},"image":{"src":"/img/background-image-2.fabfbd5c.png","width":0,"height":0}}],"description":"Drawing a blank? We're here to help. Master realistic perspective, cool manga characters, and everything in between.","relatedArticles":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles?category=33666&offset=0&size=5"}},"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33666"}},"relatedCategoriesLoadedStatus":"success"},"listState":{"list":{"count":10,"total":119,"items":[{"headers":{"creationTime":"2016-03-27T16:55:01+00:00","modifiedTime":"2022-04-19T20:43:19+00:00","timestamp":"2022-04-20T00:01:09+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Academics & The Arts","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33662"},"slug":"academics-the-arts","categoryId":33662},{"name":"Art & Architecture","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33663"},"slug":"art-architecture","categoryId":33663},{"name":"Drawing","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33666"},"slug":"drawing","categoryId":33666},{"name":"General (Drawing)","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33668"},"slug":"general-drawing","categoryId":33668}],"title":"Figure Drawing For Dummies Cheat Sheet","strippedTitle":"figure drawing for dummies cheat sheet","slug":"figure-drawing-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"Discover the steps to drawing people, including using the correct art supplies and finding locations to draw in public settings.","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"Learning how to draw people is a process that starts with purchasing the right art supplies. Try a simple method for drawing a human head and if you make a figure drawing mistake, use some quick techniques to fix the problem. Drawing people in public settings is fun and relaxing, so consider this list of inspiration spots — just be sure to take the supplies you need with you.","description":"Learning how to draw people is a process that starts with purchasing the right art supplies. Try a simple method for drawing a human head and if you make a figure drawing mistake, use some quick techniques to fix the problem. Drawing people in public settings is fun and relaxing, so consider this list of inspiration spots — just be sure to take the supplies you need with you.","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":10258,"name":"Kensuke Okabayashi","slug":"kensuke-okabayashi","description":"Kensuke Okabayashi is an award-winning professional artist. His illustrations have been featured at the Society of Illustrators in New York City and for such corporate clients as LG Electronics Worldwide, Wendy's, Diet Coke, Canon Digital, Lego, Marvel Entertainment, and Absolut Vodka.","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/10258"}}],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":33668,"title":"General (Drawing)","slug":"general-drawing","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33668"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":33667,"title":"Fashion Drawing","slug":"fashion-drawing","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33667"}},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":null,"inThisArticle":[],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[{"articleId":190227,"title":"Fixing Figure Drawing Bloopers","slug":"fixing-figure-drawing-bloopers","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","art-architecture","drawing","general-drawing"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/190227"}},{"articleId":190228,"title":"Essential Figure Drawing Supplies","slug":"essential-figure-drawing-supplies","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","art-architecture","drawing","general-drawing"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/190228"}},{"articleId":190229,"title":"Portable Figure Drawing Studio Items","slug":"portable-figure-drawing-studio-items","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","art-architecture","drawing","general-drawing"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/190229"}},{"articleId":190225,"title":"Great Spots for Studying and Drawing the Figure","slug":"great-spots-for-studying-and-drawing-the-figure","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","art-architecture","drawing","general-drawing"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/190225"}},{"articleId":190226,"title":"A Simple Way to Draw the Head","slug":"a-simple-way-to-draw-the-head","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","art-architecture","drawing","general-drawing"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/190226"}}],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":208723,"title":"Drawing For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"drawing-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","art-architecture","drawing","general-drawing"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/208723"}},{"articleId":203238,"title":"Five Coloring Pages Suitable for Adults","slug":"5-coloring-pages-suitable-for-adults","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","art-architecture","drawing","general-drawing"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/203238"}},{"articleId":203191,"title":"Five Mandalas to Color","slug":"5-mandalas-to-color","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","art-architecture","drawing","general-drawing"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/203191"}},{"articleId":200446,"title":"Drawing Light and Shadows","slug":"drawing-light-and-shadows","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","art-architecture","drawing","general-drawing"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/200446"}},{"articleId":200447,"title":"Drawing Geometric Perspective","slug":"drawing-geometric-perspective","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","art-architecture","drawing","general-drawing"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/200447"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":282197,"slug":"figure-drawing-for-dummies","isbn":"9780470390733","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","art-architecture","drawing","general-drawing"],"amazon":{"default":"https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0470390735/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","ca":"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/0470390735/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","indigo_ca":"http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-9208661-13710633?url=https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/product/0470390735-item.html&cjsku=978111945484","gb":"https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0470390735/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","de":"https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/0470390735/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20"},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/figure-drawing-for-dummies-cover-9780470390733-203x255.jpg","width":203,"height":255},"title":"Figure Drawing For Dummies","testBankPinActivationLink":"","bookOutOfPrint":false,"authorsInfo":"\n <p>Kensuke Okabayashi is an award-winning professional artist. His work can be seen in everything from comic books to graphic novels to advertising storyboards. Okabayashi has taught illustration courses at Mercer College of New Jersey.</p> ","authors":[{"authorId":10258,"name":"Kensuke Okabayashi","slug":"kensuke-okabayashi","description":"Kensuke Okabayashi is an award-winning professional artist. His illustrations have been featured at the Society of Illustrators in New York City and for such corporate clients as LG Electronics Worldwide, Wendy's, Diet Coke, Canon Digital, Lego, Marvel Entertainment, and Absolut Vodka.","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/10258"}}],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/books/"}},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;academics-the-arts&quot;,&quot;art-architecture&quot;,&quot;drawing&quot;,&quot;general-drawing&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9780470390733&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-625f4d45dc43d\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;academics-the-arts&quot;,&quot;art-architecture&quot;,&quot;drawing&quot;,&quot;general-drawing&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9780470390733&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-625f4d45dcf37\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Cheat Sheet","articleList":[{"articleId":190228,"title":"Essential Figure Drawing Supplies","slug":"essential-figure-drawing-supplies","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","art-architecture","drawing","general-drawing"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/190228"}},{"articleId":190229,"title":"Portable Figure Drawing Studio Items","slug":"portable-figure-drawing-studio-items","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","art-architecture","drawing","general-drawing"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/190229"}},{"articleId":190225,"title":"Great Spots for Studying and Drawing the Figure","slug":"great-spots-for-studying-and-drawing-the-figure","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","art-architecture","drawing","general-drawing"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/190225"}},{"articleId":190226,"title":"A Simple Way to Draw the Head","slug":"a-simple-way-to-draw-the-head","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","art-architecture","drawing","general-drawing"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/190226"}},{"articleId":190227,"title":"Fixing Figure Drawing Bloopers","slug":"fixing-figure-drawing-bloopers","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","art-architecture","drawing","general-drawing"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/190227"}}],"content":[{"title":"Essential figure drawing supplies","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>You don’t have to feel overwhelmed when you walk into the art supplies store to buy your figure drawing materials. Remember to buy the supplies based on your budget and needs. (You can always buy more!) Arm yourself with this list of the basic supplies you need for figure drawing in a studio:</p>\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Drawing pad (18 x 24 inches)</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Tracing paper</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Drawing pencils</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Soft vine charcoal</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Markers</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Kneaded and plastic erasers</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Pencil sharpeners</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">X-Acto blades</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Sandpaper</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Rulers (straight edge and triangle)</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">A composition grid</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Artists tape</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Spray fixative</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Drafting lamp</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Drawing table</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Drafting chair</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Side table</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Archival boxes and folders</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Egg timer</p>\n</li>\n</ul>\n"},{"title":"Portable figure drawing studio items","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>Once in a while, step out of your art studio for a breath of fresh air. An occasional change of physical and psychological scenery is essential for figure drawing. Besides your figure drawing pad and tools, pack up the following supplies:</p>\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Drawing backboard with clip</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Portfolio case</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Carrying case for your drawing tools</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Paper towels/baby wipes (for cleaning up after yourself)</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Portable folding chair</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Baseball cap</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Water and snacks</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Music player</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Blanket</p>\n</li>\n</ul>\n"},{"title":"Great spots for studying and drawing the figure","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>Even the most motivated artist can benefit from outside education and another artist’s input to help with figure drawing. A variety of outside inspiration exists to help you create fresh figure drawing ideas and methods. Here are a few great places for studying and drawing the human form:</p>\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Continuing education classes and art schools</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Open sessions at your local art institution</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Art galleries and museums</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Trains and other mass transportation</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Bookstores and coffee shops</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Libraries</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Parks</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Beaches</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Shopping malls</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Public squares</p>\n</li>\n</ul>\n"},{"title":"A simple way to draw the head","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>If you want to build your figure drawing confidence, put down the drawing tools and use the freehand method to draw the basic structure of the head. Just follow these basic steps:</p>\n<ol class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Draw an oval shape that resembles an upside-down egg.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Draw a horizontal line and a vertical line to form a cross that divides the oval evenly.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Place two small circles along the horizontal guideline for the center of the eyes and lightly draw an arc above each circle; the width of the arc shouldn’t be more than one-fifth of the width of the head.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Draw a slightly larger arc above each eye to indicate the eyebrow; make sure that each arc slightly angles down toward the center of the guidelines.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Draw a small concave arc for the nose so that the bottom of the arc is about halfway between the horizontal guideline and the bottom of the chin; make the width of the arc about one eye width.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Indicate the mouth with a line halfway between the bottom of the nose and the bottom of the chin; place the line symmetrically along the vertical guideline.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Draw a <em>C</em> shape on each side of the head for each ear; the top of the ear shouldn’t go past the top of the eye and the bottom of the ear shouldn’t go past the nose.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Draw two short parallel lines for the neck, starting each line from the bottom of each <em>C</em> ear shape; the length of each line should be half of the length of the head.</p>\n</li>\n</ol>\n"},{"title":"Fixing figure drawing bloopers","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>Even the most experienced artists make mistakes in their work. Fortunately if you make a figure drawing mistake it doesn’t have to be completely removed to maintain the integrity of your drawing. Here are some clever techniques for fixing figure drawing bloopers:</p>\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Use a kneaded eraser (the advantage is that you have no eraser dust).</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">For correcting darker lines, use the end of a plastic eraser.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Rub out the mistakes by using a soft cloth.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Use your finger to smudge lighter blooper lines.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Use darker lines to trace over the lighter blooper lines without erasing.</p>\n</li>\n</ul>\n"}],"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Explore","lifeExpectancy":"Two years","lifeExpectancySetFrom":"2022-04-19T00:00:00+00:00","dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":208791},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2016-03-27T16:56:59+00:00","modifiedTime":"2022-03-25T13:23:50+00:00","timestamp":"2022-03-25T18:01:11+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Academics & The Arts","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33662"},"slug":"academics-the-arts","categoryId":33662},{"name":"Art & Architecture","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33663"},"slug":"art-architecture","categoryId":33663},{"name":"Drawing","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33666"},"slug":"drawing","categoryId":33666},{"name":"Manga","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34350"},"slug":"manga","categoryId":34350}],"title":"Manga For Dummies Cheat Sheet","strippedTitle":"manga for dummies cheat sheet","slug":"manga-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"Learn the common manga archetypes and genres, and, if you're exhibiting at a manga convention, what you should bring.","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"The Japanese comics and cartoons known as manga bring a unique style to age-old art forms. Like the art forms that precede it, manga works within specific archetypes and genres. However, the manga conventions are a new twist, and if you’re exhibiting at one you need to know what to bring.","description":"The Japanese comics and cartoons known as manga bring a unique style to age-old art forms. Like the art forms that precede it, manga works within specific archetypes and genres. However, the manga conventions are a new twist, and if you’re exhibiting at one you need to know what to bring.","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":10258,"name":"Kensuke Okabayashi","slug":"kensuke-okabayashi","description":"Kensuke Okabayashi is an award-winning professional artist. His illustrations have been featured at the Society of Illustrators in New York City and for such corporate clients as LG Electronics Worldwide, Wendy's, Diet Coke, Canon Digital, Lego, Marvel Entertainment, and Absolut Vodka.","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/10258"}}],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":34350,"title":"Manga","slug":"manga","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34350"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":null,"inThisArticle":[],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":200589,"title":"Creating Common Manga Characters","slug":"creating-common-manga-characters","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","art-architecture","drawing","manga"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/200589"}},{"articleId":199481,"title":"Constructing Your Manga Plot","slug":"constructing-your-manga-plot","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","art-architecture","drawing","manga"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/199481"}},{"articleId":193553,"title":"Common Manga Archetypes","slug":"common-manga-archetypes","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","art-architecture","drawing","manga"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/193553"}},{"articleId":193543,"title":"Basic Manga Genres","slug":"basic-manga-genres","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","art-architecture","drawing","manga"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/193543"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":0,"slug":null,"isbn":null,"categoryList":null,"amazon":null,"image":null,"title":null,"testBankPinActivationLink":null,"bookOutOfPrint":false,"authorsInfo":null,"authors":null,"_links":null},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;academics-the-arts&quot;,&quot;art-architecture&quot;,&quot;drawing&quot;,&quot;manga&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[null]}]\" id=\"du-slot-623e0367ec62c\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;academics-the-arts&quot;,&quot;art-architecture&quot;,&quot;drawing&quot;,&quot;manga&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[null]}]\" id=\"du-slot-623e0367ed872\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Cheat Sheet","articleList":[{"articleId":193553,"title":"Common Manga Archetypes","slug":"common-manga-archetypes","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","art-architecture","drawing","manga"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/193553"}},{"articleId":193543,"title":"Basic Manga Genres","slug":"basic-manga-genres","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","art-architecture","drawing","manga"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/193543"}},{"articleId":193541,"title":"Manga Materials to Bring to a Convention","slug":"manga-materials-to-bring-to-a-convention","categoryList":[],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/193541"}}],"content":[{"title":"Common manga archetypes","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>The type of Japanese comics or cartoons called manga has its <i>archetypes</i> — classic examples of the art — just like every other art form. The archetypal characters and plots you encounter in manga generally fall into one of four categories:</p>\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>The good guys:</b></p>\n<ul class=\"level-two\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>The androgynous rookie (main lead): </b>He’s the new kid on the block who’s full of energy and promise. He usually has an androgynous face and hairstyle.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>The sidekick: </b>He, she, or it is the young rookie’s best pal. The two go hand-in-hand and rarely go through a complete manga story by themselves.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>The caring female: </b>She’s the only main, featured female who represents the maternal caregiver and is always around to give emotional support to the young rookie.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>The veteran: </b>He’s the experienced character. He’s not necessarily the strongest, but he has a lot of wisdom and makes sure the young rookie is in check with reality.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>The loyal geek: </b>What he lacks in muscle, he makes up in intelligence and loyalty. He’s the one who stays back at the home base crunching numbers to make sure the team wins.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>The backup: </b>This guy is pure muscle, which makes him the ultimate backup. He’s not the sharpest tool in the shed, but he’ll use his dominating physical presence to help the team.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>The wise one: </b>He’s the sage mentor who’s been around for what seems like forever.</p>\n</li>\n</ul>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>The bad guys:</b></p>\n<ul class=\"level-two\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>The handsome icy villain: </b>This type is cunning, deceitful, and drop-dead gorgeous. His attire is simple — he wears a dark cape, but the rest of his costume is one plain color.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>The evil sorceress: </b>She’s clad in dark armor and a bikini, with a dark cape flowing behind her. With her evil magic, there’s no telling what demonic plan she has in mind.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>The awesome warrior: </b>This handsome and muscular giant relies on his strength to get the job done. In addition to a cape, he never leaves without his elaborate armor.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>The military vixen: </b>This lady takes down anyone in charge to get power for herself. She’s beautiful, but her dark attire and evil smile are giveaways that you don’t want to be near her.</p>\n</li>\n</ul>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Damsels in distress:</b></p>\n<ul class=\"level-two\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>The “little sister” princess: </b>Picture<b> </b>a younger sister getting in trouble by sticking her nose in other people’s business. The main character has little choice but to go in and bail her out.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>The innocent schoolgirl: </b>She endures harsh treatment at the hands of her captor while the lead character devises a daring way of rescuing her. Don’t worry, she never dies (that would <i>kill</i> the plot).</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>The loyal, selfless damsel: </b>Compared to the Innocent School Girl, this damsel controls her emotions. Despite being tortured, she remains calm and loyal to her team.</p>\n</li>\n</ul>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Shôjo style:</b></p>\n<ul class=\"level-two\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>The rags-to-riches girl: </b>Once a commoner or an orphan, this girl is now living a better life. She has to fend off other jealous girls while she tries to capture the heart of her charming prince.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>The knight in shining armor: </b>This gentleman is a handsome dream for any teenage girl. He’s flawless in every aspect, and any girl can come to him for help or comfort.</p>\n</li>\n</ul>\n</li>\n</ul>\n"},{"title":"Basic manga genres","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>Manga cartoons and comics come in several different styles, geared toward different audiences that range from young children to older readers interested in topical issues. The following list describes each manga genre:</p>\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><strong>Kodomo manga: </strong>Comics for little kids</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><strong>Shōnen manga:</strong> Comics for young teenage boys</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><strong>Shōjo manga:</strong> Comics for young teenage girls</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><strong>Seinen manga: </strong>Comics for young adult males</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><strong>Seijin manga:</strong> Adult comics for males</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><strong>Redisu (lady’s) manga:</strong> Comics for young adult females</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><strong>Dōjinshi manga:</strong> Comic publication that’s written by and for amateurs. Often created for self-promotion</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><strong>Yonkoma manga:</strong> Four-panel comics (usually published in newspapers)</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><strong>Gekiga manga:</strong> Comics focusing on serious topics geared toward mature audiences</p>\n</li>\n</ul>\n"},{"title":"Manga materials to bring to a convention","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>If you’re promoting your manga or manga-inspired work in an exhibit or at a manga convention, you need to have a balance of freebies and money-makers to hand out as well as equipment for your display. Change and improvise on the following lists to meet your specific needs.</p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"208\"><strong>Promotional Materials (freebies)</strong></td>\n<td width=\"208\"><strong>Selling Materials</strong></td>\n<td width=\"208\"><strong>Exhibit Essentials</strong></td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"208\">Postcards</td>\n<td width=\"208\">Prints</td>\n<td width=\"208\">Tablecloth</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"208\">Business cards</td>\n<td width=\"208\">T-shirts</td>\n<td width=\"208\">Banners and stands</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"208\">Flyers</td>\n<td width=\"208\">Original art</td>\n<td width=\"208\">Book stands</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"208\">Buttons</td>\n<td width=\"208\">Mini-manga books</td>\n<td width=\"208\">Money box or safe</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"208\">Stickers</td>\n<td width=\"208\">Protective manga and print sleeves</td>\n<td width=\"208\">Inventory checklist</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"208\"></td>\n<td width=\"208\"></td>\n<td width=\"208\">Basic drawing materials</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"208\"></td>\n<td width=\"208\"></td>\n<td width=\"208\">Food</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"208\"></td>\n<td width=\"208\"></td>\n<td width=\"208\">Moving cart and storage boxes</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"208\"></td>\n<td width=\"208\"></td>\n<td width=\"208\">Another warm body</td>\n</tr>\n</tbody>\n</table>\n"}],"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Explore","lifeExpectancy":"One year","lifeExpectancySetFrom":"2021-11-12T00:00:00+00:00","dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":209184},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2016-03-27T16:52:22+00:00","modifiedTime":"2022-02-28T15:42:52+00:00","timestamp":"2022-02-28T18:01:07+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Academics & The Arts","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33662"},"slug":"academics-the-arts","categoryId":33662},{"name":"Art & Architecture","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33663"},"slug":"art-architecture","categoryId":33663},{"name":"Drawing","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33666"},"slug":"drawing","categoryId":33666},{"name":"Fashion Drawing","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33667"},"slug":"fashion-drawing","categoryId":33667}],"title":"Fashion Drawing For Dummies Cheat Sheet","strippedTitle":"fashion drawing for dummies cheat sheet","slug":"fashion-drawing-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"Hone your personal drawing style by mastering the S curve and observing the golden rules of fashion drawing.","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"Fashion drawing is all about attitude, exaggeration, and style. As you develop your fashion illustration skills, infuse your work with personal flair — your signature — to create a look unlike any other. Start by observing the golden rules of fashion drawing, mastering the <i>S</i> curve and other figure drawing techniques, and putting a creative spin on the fashion drawings you create.","description":"Fashion drawing is all about attitude, exaggeration, and style. As you develop your fashion illustration skills, infuse your work with personal flair — your signature — to create a look unlike any other. Start by observing the golden rules of fashion drawing, mastering the <i>S</i> curve and other figure drawing techniques, and putting a creative spin on the fashion drawings you create.","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":9826,"name":"Lisa Arnold","slug":"lisa-arnold","description":"Lisa Smith Arnold teaches art and drawing, including fashion illustration, at Norwalk Community College. She has also served as creative coordinator and fashion editor at several major publications. ","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9826"}},{"authorId":9827,"name":"Marianne Egan","slug":"marianne-egan","description":"Marianne Egan teaches fashion illustration and design, apparel construction, and more.","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9827"}}],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":33667,"title":"Fashion Drawing","slug":"fashion-drawing","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33667"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":null,"inThisArticle":[],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[{"articleId":205085,"title":"Fashion Drawing: How to Sketch a Basic Figure","slug":"fashion-drawing-how-to-sketch-a-basic-figure","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","art-architecture","drawing","fashion-drawing"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/205085"}},{"articleId":205083,"title":"How to Slant Shoulders and Hips without Drawing S Curves","slug":"how-to-slant-shoulders-and-hips-without-drawing-s-curves","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","art-architecture","drawing","fashion-drawing"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/205083"}},{"articleId":205082,"title":"Create a Basic Stick Figure for Fashion Drawing","slug":"create-a-basic-stick-figure-for-fashion-drawing","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","art-architecture","drawing","fashion-drawing"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/205082"}},{"articleId":205081,"title":"How to Sculpt Arms for Male Fashion Figures","slug":"how-to-sculpt-arms-for-male-fashion-figures","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","art-architecture","drawing","fashion-drawing"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/205081"}},{"articleId":205080,"title":"How to Draw Fashion Figure Noses","slug":"how-to-draw-fashion-figure-noses","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","art-architecture","drawing","fashion-drawing"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/205080"}}],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":205085,"title":"Fashion Drawing: How to Sketch a Basic Figure","slug":"fashion-drawing-how-to-sketch-a-basic-figure","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","art-architecture","drawing","fashion-drawing"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/205085"}},{"articleId":205083,"title":"How to Slant Shoulders and Hips without Drawing S Curves","slug":"how-to-slant-shoulders-and-hips-without-drawing-s-curves","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","art-architecture","drawing","fashion-drawing"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/205083"}},{"articleId":205082,"title":"Create a Basic Stick Figure for Fashion Drawing","slug":"create-a-basic-stick-figure-for-fashion-drawing","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","art-architecture","drawing","fashion-drawing"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/205082"}},{"articleId":205081,"title":"How to Sculpt Arms for Male Fashion Figures","slug":"how-to-sculpt-arms-for-male-fashion-figures","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","art-architecture","drawing","fashion-drawing"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/205081"}},{"articleId":205080,"title":"How to Draw Fashion Figure Noses","slug":"how-to-draw-fashion-figure-noses","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","art-architecture","drawing","fashion-drawing"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/205080"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":282190,"slug":"fashion-drawing-for-dummies","isbn":"9780470601600","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","art-architecture","drawing","fashion-drawing"],"amazon":{"default":"https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0470601604/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","ca":"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/0470601604/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","indigo_ca":"http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-9208661-13710633?url=https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/product/0470601604-item.html&cjsku=978111945484","gb":"https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0470601604/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","de":"https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/0470601604/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20"},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/fashion-drawing-for-dummies-cover-9780470601600-203x255.jpg","width":203,"height":255},"title":"Fashion Drawing For Dummies","testBankPinActivationLink":"","bookOutOfPrint":false,"authorsInfo":"\n <p>Marianne Egan teaches fashion illustration and design, apparel construction, and more. Lisa Smith Arnold teaches art and drawing, including fashion illustration, at Norwalk Community College.?She has also served as creative coordinator and fashion editor at several major publications. </p> ","authors":[{"authorId":9826,"name":"Lisa Arnold","slug":"lisa-arnold","description":"Lisa Smith Arnold teaches art and drawing, including fashion illustration, at Norwalk Community College. She has also served as creative coordinator and fashion editor at several major publications. ","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9826"}},{"authorId":9827,"name":"Marianne Egan","slug":"marianne-egan","description":"Marianne Egan teaches fashion illustration and design, apparel construction, and more.","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9827"}}],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/books/"}},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;academics-the-arts&quot;,&quot;art-architecture&quot;,&quot;drawing&quot;,&quot;fashion-drawing&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9780470601600&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-621d0de3b87d5\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;academics-the-arts&quot;,&quot;art-architecture&quot;,&quot;drawing&quot;,&quot;fashion-drawing&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9780470601600&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-621d0de3b91ec\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Cheat Sheet","articleList":[{"articleId":177333,"title":"Following the Rules of Fashion Illustration","slug":"following-the-rules-of-fashion-illustration","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","art-architecture","drawing","fashion-drawing"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/177333"}},{"articleId":177322,"title":"How to Draw a Basic Fashion Figure","slug":"how-to-draw-a-basic-fashion-figure","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","art-architecture","drawing","fashion-drawing"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/177322"}},{"articleId":177326,"title":"Developing Your Own Fashion Illustration Style","slug":"developing-your-own-fashion-illustration-style","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","art-architecture","drawing","fashion-drawing"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/177326"}}],"content":[{"title":"Following the rules of fashion illustration","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>Fashion drawing isn’t known for having a lot of rules, but it does have a few pointers. When drawing fashion models, remember the following guidelines:</p>\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Know the difference between figure drawing and fashion drawing. In fashion drawing, go for a stylized look over realism. Show just a few key folds or shadows instead of every detail, and leave some white space.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Exaggerate!</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Render proportions appropriate to the model’s gender and age. For adult figures, keep heads small for a graceful look.</p>\n<p class=\"child-para Tip\"><b><i> </i></b>Start with a stick figure to set your pose and proportions and make sure the model looks balanced before you get too far into a drawing.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Diversify your fashion poses and views (front, side, back, and three-quarter) to draw audience interest. Tilt the shoulders and hips to create active poses.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">To avoid a flat look, curve lines with the figure’s body. Have necklines and hemlines wrap around to the back of the figure. Let fabric prints cut off at the seams or disappear over the edges.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Experiment to keep your art fresh.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Know when to fix a drawing, stop it, or scrap it.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Practice, practice, practice.</p>\n</li>\n</ul>\n"},{"title":"How to draw a basic fashion figure","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>Fashion figures need attitude as well as style. Here’s how to draw a basic fashion figure with a look that rules the runway. Start by creating a <i>fashion croquis, </i>or rough sketch of the body:</p>\n<ol class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Lay tracing paper over a full-body picture of a model from a magazine and use a pencil to trace around the perimeter of her body.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Draw lines to show the angles of her shoulders and hips. Trace a center line down the front of her body and draw an oval for the head.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Break your figure down into basic shapes, using two trapezoids for the torso and cylinders for the arms and legs, as in “a” in the figure. Include circles for the elbows and knees.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Remove the tracing paper from your model.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">On a piece of sketch paper, redraw your fashion model freehand, but lengthen the torso, arms, and legs. <b></b>The new figure is taller and narrower and has a smaller head in comparison to the rest of her body. Fashion figures almost always have long, slim torsos and long, slender limbs, which make the clothes look better.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Use a black pen to draw over the areas of the body that you want to show. Erase the pencil lines.</p>\n<p class=\"child-para\">See the “b” figure.</p>\n<div class=\"imageBlock\" style=\"width: 535px;\">\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/317833.image0.jpg\" alt=\"Drawing a fashion model freehand with basic lines and shapes.\" width=\"535\" height=\"819\" /></p>\n<div class=\"imageCaption\">Drawing a fashion model freehand with basic lines and shapes.</div>\n</div>\n</li>\n</ol>\n"},{"title":"Developing your own fashion illustration style","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>When you first start drawing fashion illustrations, it’s easiest to imitate someone else’s style. But eventually, you need to develop your own signature look. Try these methods on for drawing style:</p>\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Experiment with exaggeration and play with proportions. Draw attention with outrageous hair or go for a minimalist look.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Specialize in the clothing types you like best.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Study other artists’ work. Borrow design elements from them but don’t copy their style.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Keep up on the latest fashion trends. Read magazines, visit websites, and scope out styles at department stores, boutiques, and vintage shops. Perfect the art of people-watching. Watch old movies and find inspiration in costumes from film and stage.</p>\n</li>\n</ul>\n"}],"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Advance","lifeExpectancy":"One year","lifeExpectancySetFrom":"2021-11-10T00:00:00+00:00","dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":208351},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2016-03-27T16:54:35+00:00","modifiedTime":"2022-02-18T19:24:19+00:00","timestamp":"2022-02-24T17:07:34+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Academics & The Arts","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33662"},"slug":"academics-the-arts","categoryId":33662},{"name":"Art & Architecture","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33663"},"slug":"art-architecture","categoryId":33663},{"name":"Drawing","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33666"},"slug":"drawing","categoryId":33666},{"name":"General (Drawing)","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33668"},"slug":"general-drawing","categoryId":33668}],"title":"Drawing For Dummies Cheat Sheet","strippedTitle":"drawing for dummies cheat sheet","slug":"drawing-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"Want to start learning to draw? Here's a handy guide to the supplies you'll need, how to find inspiration, and some drawing styles.","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"Discover everything you need to know to get started with drawing, including what supplies and styles to use to create different types of drawings. You'll also find ways to come up with ideas about what to draw.","description":"Discover everything you need to know to get started with drawing, including what supplies and styles to use to create different types of drawings. You'll also find ways to come up with ideas about what to draw.","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":10221,"name":"Brenda Hoddinott","slug":"brenda-hoddinott","description":"Brenda Hoddinott is an award-winning artist and art educator. ","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/10221"}},{"authorId":10222,"name":"Jamie Combs","slug":"jamie-combs","description":" Jamie Combs Platt is an artist, gallery director, and former adjunct professor at the Herron School of Art & Design in Indianapolis.","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/10222"}}],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":33668,"title":"General (Drawing)","slug":"general-drawing","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33668"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":null,"inThisArticle":[],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[{"articleId":189261,"title":"Get Started Drawing with Basic Supplies","slug":"get-started-drawing-with-basic-supplies","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","art-architecture","drawing","general-drawing"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/189261"}},{"articleId":189260,"title":"How to Identify Common Drawing Styles","slug":"how-to-identify-common-drawing-styles","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","art-architecture","drawing","general-drawing"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/189260"}},{"articleId":189236,"title":"How to Find Drawing Inspiration","slug":"how-to-find-drawing-inspiration","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","art-architecture","drawing","general-drawing"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/189236"}}],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":208791,"title":"Figure Drawing For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"figure-drawing-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","art-architecture","drawing","general-drawing"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/208791"}},{"articleId":203238,"title":"Five Coloring Pages Suitable for Adults","slug":"5-coloring-pages-suitable-for-adults","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","art-architecture","drawing","general-drawing"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/203238"}},{"articleId":203191,"title":"Five Mandalas to Color","slug":"5-mandalas-to-color","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","art-architecture","drawing","general-drawing"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/203191"}},{"articleId":200447,"title":"Drawing Geometric Perspective","slug":"drawing-geometric-perspective","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","art-architecture","drawing","general-drawing"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/200447"}},{"articleId":200446,"title":"Drawing Light and Shadows","slug":"drawing-light-and-shadows","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","art-architecture","drawing","general-drawing"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/200446"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":282160,"slug":"drawing-for-dummies-2nd-edition","isbn":"9780470618424","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","art-architecture","drawing","general-drawing"],"amazon":{"default":"https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0470618426/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","ca":"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/0470618426/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","indigo_ca":"http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-9208661-13710633?url=https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/product/0470618426-item.html&cjsku=978111945484","gb":"https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0470618426/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","de":"https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/0470618426/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20"},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/drawing-for-dummies-2nd-edition-cover-9780470618424-201x255.jpg","width":201,"height":255},"title":"Drawing For Dummies, 2nd Edition","testBankPinActivationLink":"","bookOutOfPrint":false,"authorsInfo":"\n <b data-author-id=\"10222\">Jamie Combs</b> is an adjunct professor at the Herron School of Art &amp; Design, where she teaches several classes on drawing, painting, and design. <p><b data-author-id=\"10221\">Brenda Hoddinott</b> is an award-winning artist and art educator.</p> ","authors":[{"authorId":10221,"name":"Brenda Hoddinott","slug":"brenda-hoddinott","description":"Brenda Hoddinott is an award-winning artist and art educator. ","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/10221"}},{"authorId":10222,"name":"Jamie Combs","slug":"jamie-combs","description":" Jamie Combs Platt is an artist, gallery director, and former adjunct professor at the Herron School of Art & Design in Indianapolis.","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/10222"}}],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/books/"}},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;academics-the-arts&quot;,&quot;art-architecture&quot;,&quot;drawing&quot;,&quot;general-drawing&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9780470618424&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-6217bb5702d68\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;academics-the-arts&quot;,&quot;art-architecture&quot;,&quot;drawing&quot;,&quot;general-drawing&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9780470618424&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-6217bb5703762\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Cheat Sheet","articleList":[{"articleId":189261,"title":"Get Started Drawing with Basic Supplies","slug":"get-started-drawing-with-basic-supplies","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","art-architecture","drawing","general-drawing"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/189261"}},{"articleId":189236,"title":"How to Find Drawing Inspiration","slug":"how-to-find-drawing-inspiration","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","art-architecture","drawing","general-drawing"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/189236"}},{"articleId":189260,"title":"How to Identify Common Drawing Styles","slug":"how-to-identify-common-drawing-styles","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","art-architecture","drawing","general-drawing"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/189260"}}],"content":[{"title":"Get started drawing with basic supplies","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>If you’re new to drawing, you’ll want to gather a few must-have supplies. But these drawing basics aren’t any old pencils, erasers, rulers, and paper. Here are the basic supplies you need to have in hand to get started drawing:</p>\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Three to five pencils in a variety of grades:</b> Drawing pencils come in a wide range of grades. The grade of a pencil indicates its softness. The softness of a pencil controls the darkness of its marks. A very soft pencil makes a very dark mark because it leaves more graphite on the paper than a harder pencil. A very hard pencil leaves less graphite on the paper and therefore makes a lighter mark.</p>\n<p class=\"child-para\">Harder pencils are given grades from H to 9H with 9H being the hardest. Softer pencils are given grades from B to 9B with 9B being the softest. An HB pencil is right in the middle of the range between hardest and softest.</p>\n<p class=\"child-para Tip\">A good range to begin with is 2H, HB, 2B, 4B, and 6B. If you only buy three, try the 2H, 2B, and 4B.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Erasers: </b>A variety of erasers, each suited to different jobs, is available. Start with one rectangular vinyl eraser and one kneaded eraser. A vinyl eraser is a hard, white eraser. It’s an excellent choice when you want to erase graphite or charcoal completely. A kneaded eraser is a soft, moldable gray eraser.</p>\n<p class=\"child-para Remember\">Choose a kneaded eraser when you want to lift some graphite or charcoal off your paper without disturbing the whole drawing. For example, if you need to lighten part of your drawing but don’t want to completely erase it, you can pat that part of your drawing with a kneaded eraser.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Ruler and plastic triangle: </b>Get a 12- or 18-inch clear plastic ruler and a 10- or 12-inch plastic triangle with one right angle. Rulers are helpful for drawing straight lines. A clear plastic ruler is a good choice because you can see through it in case you need to make sure something is lining up with something else. You can use a plastic triangle as a guide to draw right angles of any size.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Paper: </b>You need lots of paper. Buy a sketchbook with at least 50 sheets. A good size is 9 inches by 12 inches, because it’s small enough to stow in your bag for the day but large enough that you’re not limited to tiny sketches.</p>\n</li>\n</ul>\n"},{"title":"Graphite drawing pencil grades","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>Graphite drawing pencils are essential drawing tools because they have a variety of grades and work well in all styles of drawing. This handy chart is a guide for the range of values of 16 popular graphite pencil grades:</p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/161405.image0.jpg\" alt=\"image0.jpg\" width=\"455\" height=\"400\" /></p>\n"},{"title":"How to find drawing inspiration","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>Artist’s block (what you have when you can’t think of anything to draw) can strike at any time. Fortunately, inspiration can strike anytime, too! You just have to know where to look. To unclog your creative flow, try these tips:</p>\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Go for a walk (or just sit outside for a while) to clear your mind and gather new sensory stimulation. </b>While you’re out, look around. Take in everything you can about your surroundings: light, colors, shapes, sounds, smells, temperature, and so on.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Look at art made by others to get ideas for your own.</b> Looking at art is like food for an artist. You just need it. Visit a local art museum or gallery. Go to the library and browse the art books. Get online and type <i>drawings</i> into a search engine.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Make an inspiration wall or journal.</b> Fill it with postcards, photographs, sketches, and anything else that strikes you. Anytime you find an image you like in a newspaper or magazine, clip it out and add it to your collection. When you do have ideas, make note of them to use later.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>If an idea just won’t come, don’t force it.</b> Do something else for a while to take your mind off drawing. In no time, the ideas will come flooding back in.</p>\n</li>\n</ul>\n"},{"title":"How to identify common drawing styles","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>Style in drawing is a collection of attributes that make drawings unique. Each period in the history of art is characterized by the style of some groundbreaking artists. For example, modernism is characterized in part by Cubism, a style developed by Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque.</p>\n<p>Here are common drawing styles:</p>\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Abstraction/Nonrepresentational:</b> Artists who work in an abstract style make drawings that are usually about shape, line, value, color, and/or texture. Practitioners of the nonrepresentational style of drawing include Piet Mondrian, Josef Albers, and Al Held.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Art Nouveau: </b>Artists who work in an Art Nouveau style make drawings that are illusionistic but primarily flat, that are highly pattern driven, and that usually incorporate fluid, curving lines. Practitioners of art nouveau include Gustav Klimt, Aubrey Beardsley, and Alphonse Mucha.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Manga: </b>Artists who practice the manga style make drawings based on the Japanese comic book style developed in 19th-century Japan. Practitioners of Manga include Osamu Tezuka and Machiko Hasegawa.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Post-impressionism</b>: Artists who practiced the style called postimpressionism made drawings based on light (the preoccupation of the impressionists) but with more attention to geometric shapes. This style includes some purposefully expressive distortions. Practitioners of post-impressionism include Georges Seurat, Paul Cézanne, and Vincent van Gogh.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Realism:</b> When artists draw convincing representations of reality, the style is called realism. Practitioners of realism include Leonardo da Vinci, Jean-Augustus-Dominique Ingres, William Beckman, and Steven Assael.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Surrealism:</b> Artists who draw dreamlike and sometimes startling works based on pure imagination are practicing surrealism. Practitioners of surrealism include Salvador Dalí, Marcel Duchamp, and Yves Tanguy.</p>\n</li>\n</ul>\n"}],"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Explore","lifeExpectancy":"Two years","lifeExpectancySetFrom":"2021-11-10T00:00:00+00:00","dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":208723},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2016-03-26T22:49:58+00:00","modifiedTime":"2021-11-12T19:25:36+00:00","timestamp":"2022-02-24T17:07:10+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Academics & The Arts","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33662"},"slug":"academics-the-arts","categoryId":33662},{"name":"Art & Architecture","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33663"},"slug":"art-architecture","categoryId":33663},{"name":"Drawing","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33666"},"slug":"drawing","categoryId":33666},{"name":"General (Drawing)","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33668"},"slug":"general-drawing","categoryId":33668}],"title":"Drawing Geometric Perspective","strippedTitle":"drawing geometric perspective","slug":"drawing-geometric-perspective","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"<i>Geometric perspective</i> (sometimes called <i>linear</i> perspective) makes subjects in a drawing look like they recede into distant space, appearing smaller the farther they are away from you.\r\n\r\nGeometric perspective can also create the illusion that you are either above or below the subject of a drawing. Using geometric perspective makes your drawings appear three-dimensional (rather than flat), and more realistic.\r\n\r\nTo get started with geometric perspective, you first need to acquaint yourself with the following:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><b>Horizon line:</b> An imaginary horizontal line, sometimes referred to as <i>eye level,</i> which divides your line of vision when you look straight ahead.Objects below this line are below your eye level, and objects above this line are above your eye level. Artists draw horizon lines to accurately establish perspective in their drawings.</li>\r\n \t<li><b>Perspective lines:</b> Straight lines, drawn at an angle from the edges of objects, back into perceived distant space, until they finally converge at a point on the horizon line. These lines establish guidelines for drawing objects in proper perspective.</li>\r\n \t<li><b>Angular lines:</b> Straight lines that are neither parallel nor perpendicular to the horizon line.</li>\r\n \t<li><b>Vanishing point:</b> The point on the horizon line where the angular perspective lines of an object visually continue past its edges and eventually converge. Objects become smaller and smaller the closer they are to the vanishing point and, at this point, seem to completely disappear (or vanish). Some objects can even have more than one vanishing point.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<p class=\"Remember\">Lines of objects that are parallel or perpendicular (at a right angle) to the horizon line don't appear to go back in space (such as the top, bottom, and side edges of a building from a frontal view) and therefore don't meet the vanishing point.</p>\r\n<!-- break -->\r\n<h2 id=\"tab1\" >Creating a drawing's horizon line</h2>\r\nAlways draw your horizon line parallel to the top and bottom of a square or rectangular drawing space. You determine the viewer's eye level by choosing the position of the horizon line. You control whether you want viewers to feel like they're above, below, or at eye level with the objects in your drawing.\r\n\r\nIn the first drawing in Figure 1, the horizon line is close to the top of the drawing space, higher than the cubes. Imagine that you are standing on the top of a high cliff, or floating in a hot air balloon. The perspective lines of objects below you angle upward toward the horizon line and converge at the vanishing point.\r\n<div class=\"figure\"><img src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/0-7645-5476-X_0901.jpg\" border=\"0\" /></div>\r\n<span class=\"caption\"><b>Figure 1:</b> Observing cubes from two different perspectives, below and above the horizon line.</span>\r\n\r\nIf you want viewers of your drawings to feel like they are looking downward, draw the subjects below the horizon line.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab2\" >Looking upward</h2>\r\nThe horizon line is below the cubes in the second drawing in Figure 1. You sense that you are below the cubes — maybe looking up into the sky or standing in a valley looking upward. The perspective lines of the objects all lead downward to the same vanishing point. The cubes almost look like helium-filled balloons, and the perspective lines seem to hold them anchored at the vanishing point.\r\nTo create the illusion that the viewer is looking upward, draw your subjects above the horizon line.\r\n\r\nYou are at eye level as you look into Figure 2. The horizon line is the first horizontal line, almost halfway down from the top of the drawing space.\r\n\r\nLook at the angular lines (neither horizontal nor vertical) that define the edges of the objects, and visually follow them to the vanishing point on the horizon line. You should notice the following:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Angular lines of objects at your eye level (touching the horizon line) converge both downward and upward.</li>\r\n \t<li>The lines of objects above your eye level (above the horizon line) converge downward.</li>\r\n \t<li>Angular lines of objects below your eye level (below the horizon line) converge upward.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<div class=\"figure\"><img src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/0-7645-5476-X_0902.jpg\" border=\"0\" /></div>\r\n<span class=\"caption\"><b>Figure 2: </b>An eye-level perspective — all angular lines converge at the same vanishing point.</span>\r\n<!-- break -->\r\n<h2 id=\"tab3\" >Finding vanishing points</h2>\r\nWhen an object's perspective lines recede into a properly placed vanishing point, your drawings appear more three-dimensional and visually correct. Finding and properly placing a vanishing point allows you to draw your subjects more realistically and in proper perspective.\r\n\r\nMany artists work from photos, without realizing that a camera lens can sometimes visually distort a scene. This may not be a problem when drawing landscapes. However, if you have human-made objects in your scene, such as buildings, stairs, or other objects with horizontal lines, you need to find the vanishing point and use geometric perspective to make them look visually correct.\r\n\r\nThe following steps explain how you can find a vanishing point in a photograph or sketch. These basic principles also apply to rendering a final drawing from one of your rough sketches.\r\n\r\nFind an image that includes a level, man-made object with horizontal lines, such as a railing, deck, or wharf; or the roof, horizontal siding, or steps of a building. Then, follow these steps:\r\n<ol>\r\n \t<li>Find an object in the image that you know is level and has more than one horizontal line. In Figure 3, the horizontal lines on the edge of the railing and the wooden planks in the deck are level.</li>\r\n \t<li>Tape a piece of tracing paper over the entire image.</li>\r\n \t<li>With a pencil and a ruler, outline the upper and lower horizontal edges of this object, as well as any other lines that you know to be parallel, such as railings, decks, or the upper and lower edges of doors and windows. Look at the outlines of the upper and lower edges of the railing and some of the spaces between the boards in the second drawing in Figure 3.<img src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/0-7645-5476-X_0903.jpg\" border=\"0\" /><span class=\"caption\"><b>\r\nFigure 3: </b>Tracing the outlines to find the vanishing point.</span></li>\r\n \t<li class=\"number\">Tape your traced drawing to a larger sheet of drawing paper, leaving room to extend the horizontal lines of the object.\r\nRefer to the lines on your tracing and take note of the direction in which they point. You can visually identify which lines are going to eventually converge.\r\nTape only the outer edges so that the tape doesn't tear the center area of your drawing paper when you remove it.</li>\r\n \t<li class=\"number\">Use your ruler and a pencil to extend all of the horizontal lines until they meet.\r\nKeep your lines light, so you can erase them later. Note the point where most lines converge. This is your vanishing point, which is located on the horizon line.\r\nWhen an object has only one vanishing point, its perspective is referred to as one-point perspective.</li>\r\n \t<li class=\"number\">Draw a straight line (the horizon line) through the vanishing point, horizontal to the top and bottom of your drawing paper.\r\nFigure 4 shows the location of the vanishing point and the horizon line (Line AB).</li>\r\n \t<li class=\"number\">Remove your tracing, redraw the lines of the object using the vanishing point as a guide, and complete your drawing.</li>\r\n</ol>\r\n<div class=\"figure\"><img src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/0-7645-5476-X_0904.jpg\" border=\"0\" /></div>\r\n<span class=\"caption\"><b>Figure 4: </b>Extending the horizontal lines until they converge at the vanishing point.</span>\r\n\r\nSometimes you can see more than one side of an object, such as a building. If the angle (or corner end) of the building is closer to you than one of its sides, you need to use this same method to locate the second vanishing point (this is called <i>two-point perspective</i>). Horizontal lines on other visible sides of this object also converge at vanishing points somewhere on the same horizon line.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab4\" >Finding a horizon line and vanishing point in real life</h2>\r\nTo identify the horizon line in an actual scene, mark it with your eye level. Remember — your eye level and the horizon line are one and the same. Look straight ahead, and the horizon line is in front of you.\r\nSome clues for finding a vanishing point in a real setting include the following:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>A building or object with horizontal lines provides a perfect clue. Follow the same procedure as in \"Finding the vanishing point in a photograph or sketch\" earlier in this article. However, instead of drawing the lines, you simply eyeball them to find the approximate position of your vanishing point. Then you mark it in your drawing.</li>\r\n \t<li>Two parallel lines of the edges of straight roads, railway tracks, and fences can lead you to the vanishing point.</li>\r\n</ul>","description":"<i>Geometric perspective</i> (sometimes called <i>linear</i> perspective) makes subjects in a drawing look like they recede into distant space, appearing smaller the farther they are away from you.\r\n\r\nGeometric perspective can also create the illusion that you are either above or below the subject of a drawing. Using geometric perspective makes your drawings appear three-dimensional (rather than flat), and more realistic.\r\n\r\nTo get started with geometric perspective, you first need to acquaint yourself with the following:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><b>Horizon line:</b> An imaginary horizontal line, sometimes referred to as <i>eye level,</i> which divides your line of vision when you look straight ahead.Objects below this line are below your eye level, and objects above this line are above your eye level. Artists draw horizon lines to accurately establish perspective in their drawings.</li>\r\n \t<li><b>Perspective lines:</b> Straight lines, drawn at an angle from the edges of objects, back into perceived distant space, until they finally converge at a point on the horizon line. These lines establish guidelines for drawing objects in proper perspective.</li>\r\n \t<li><b>Angular lines:</b> Straight lines that are neither parallel nor perpendicular to the horizon line.</li>\r\n \t<li><b>Vanishing point:</b> The point on the horizon line where the angular perspective lines of an object visually continue past its edges and eventually converge. Objects become smaller and smaller the closer they are to the vanishing point and, at this point, seem to completely disappear (or vanish). Some objects can even have more than one vanishing point.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<p class=\"Remember\">Lines of objects that are parallel or perpendicular (at a right angle) to the horizon line don't appear to go back in space (such as the top, bottom, and side edges of a building from a frontal view) and therefore don't meet the vanishing point.</p>\r\n<!-- break -->\r\n<h2 id=\"tab1\" >Creating a drawing's horizon line</h2>\r\nAlways draw your horizon line parallel to the top and bottom of a square or rectangular drawing space. You determine the viewer's eye level by choosing the position of the horizon line. You control whether you want viewers to feel like they're above, below, or at eye level with the objects in your drawing.\r\n\r\nIn the first drawing in Figure 1, the horizon line is close to the top of the drawing space, higher than the cubes. Imagine that you are standing on the top of a high cliff, or floating in a hot air balloon. The perspective lines of objects below you angle upward toward the horizon line and converge at the vanishing point.\r\n<div class=\"figure\"><img src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/0-7645-5476-X_0901.jpg\" border=\"0\" /></div>\r\n<span class=\"caption\"><b>Figure 1:</b> Observing cubes from two different perspectives, below and above the horizon line.</span>\r\n\r\nIf you want viewers of your drawings to feel like they are looking downward, draw the subjects below the horizon line.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab2\" >Looking upward</h2>\r\nThe horizon line is below the cubes in the second drawing in Figure 1. You sense that you are below the cubes — maybe looking up into the sky or standing in a valley looking upward. The perspective lines of the objects all lead downward to the same vanishing point. The cubes almost look like helium-filled balloons, and the perspective lines seem to hold them anchored at the vanishing point.\r\nTo create the illusion that the viewer is looking upward, draw your subjects above the horizon line.\r\n\r\nYou are at eye level as you look into Figure 2. The horizon line is the first horizontal line, almost halfway down from the top of the drawing space.\r\n\r\nLook at the angular lines (neither horizontal nor vertical) that define the edges of the objects, and visually follow them to the vanishing point on the horizon line. You should notice the following:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Angular lines of objects at your eye level (touching the horizon line) converge both downward and upward.</li>\r\n \t<li>The lines of objects above your eye level (above the horizon line) converge downward.</li>\r\n \t<li>Angular lines of objects below your eye level (below the horizon line) converge upward.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<div class=\"figure\"><img src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/0-7645-5476-X_0902.jpg\" border=\"0\" /></div>\r\n<span class=\"caption\"><b>Figure 2: </b>An eye-level perspective — all angular lines converge at the same vanishing point.</span>\r\n<!-- break -->\r\n<h2 id=\"tab3\" >Finding vanishing points</h2>\r\nWhen an object's perspective lines recede into a properly placed vanishing point, your drawings appear more three-dimensional and visually correct. Finding and properly placing a vanishing point allows you to draw your subjects more realistically and in proper perspective.\r\n\r\nMany artists work from photos, without realizing that a camera lens can sometimes visually distort a scene. This may not be a problem when drawing landscapes. However, if you have human-made objects in your scene, such as buildings, stairs, or other objects with horizontal lines, you need to find the vanishing point and use geometric perspective to make them look visually correct.\r\n\r\nThe following steps explain how you can find a vanishing point in a photograph or sketch. These basic principles also apply to rendering a final drawing from one of your rough sketches.\r\n\r\nFind an image that includes a level, man-made object with horizontal lines, such as a railing, deck, or wharf; or the roof, horizontal siding, or steps of a building. Then, follow these steps:\r\n<ol>\r\n \t<li>Find an object in the image that you know is level and has more than one horizontal line. In Figure 3, the horizontal lines on the edge of the railing and the wooden planks in the deck are level.</li>\r\n \t<li>Tape a piece of tracing paper over the entire image.</li>\r\n \t<li>With a pencil and a ruler, outline the upper and lower horizontal edges of this object, as well as any other lines that you know to be parallel, such as railings, decks, or the upper and lower edges of doors and windows. Look at the outlines of the upper and lower edges of the railing and some of the spaces between the boards in the second drawing in Figure 3.<img src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/0-7645-5476-X_0903.jpg\" border=\"0\" /><span class=\"caption\"><b>\r\nFigure 3: </b>Tracing the outlines to find the vanishing point.</span></li>\r\n \t<li class=\"number\">Tape your traced drawing to a larger sheet of drawing paper, leaving room to extend the horizontal lines of the object.\r\nRefer to the lines on your tracing and take note of the direction in which they point. You can visually identify which lines are going to eventually converge.\r\nTape only the outer edges so that the tape doesn't tear the center area of your drawing paper when you remove it.</li>\r\n \t<li class=\"number\">Use your ruler and a pencil to extend all of the horizontal lines until they meet.\r\nKeep your lines light, so you can erase them later. Note the point where most lines converge. This is your vanishing point, which is located on the horizon line.\r\nWhen an object has only one vanishing point, its perspective is referred to as one-point perspective.</li>\r\n \t<li class=\"number\">Draw a straight line (the horizon line) through the vanishing point, horizontal to the top and bottom of your drawing paper.\r\nFigure 4 shows the location of the vanishing point and the horizon line (Line AB).</li>\r\n \t<li class=\"number\">Remove your tracing, redraw the lines of the object using the vanishing point as a guide, and complete your drawing.</li>\r\n</ol>\r\n<div class=\"figure\"><img src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/0-7645-5476-X_0904.jpg\" border=\"0\" /></div>\r\n<span class=\"caption\"><b>Figure 4: </b>Extending the horizontal lines until they converge at the vanishing point.</span>\r\n\r\nSometimes you can see more than one side of an object, such as a building. If the angle (or corner end) of the building is closer to you than one of its sides, you need to use this same method to locate the second vanishing point (this is called <i>two-point perspective</i>). Horizontal lines on other visible sides of this object also converge at vanishing points somewhere on the same horizon line.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab4\" >Finding a horizon line and vanishing point in real life</h2>\r\nTo identify the horizon line in an actual scene, mark it with your eye level. Remember — your eye level and the horizon line are one and the same. Look straight ahead, and the horizon line is in front of you.\r\nSome clues for finding a vanishing point in a real setting include the following:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>A building or object with horizontal lines provides a perfect clue. Follow the same procedure as in \"Finding the vanishing point in a photograph or sketch\" earlier in this article. However, instead of drawing the lines, you simply eyeball them to find the approximate position of your vanishing point. Then you mark it in your drawing.</li>\r\n \t<li>Two parallel lines of the edges of straight roads, railway tracks, and fences can lead you to the vanishing point.</li>\r\n</ul>","blurb":"","authors":[],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":33668,"title":"General (Drawing)","slug":"general-drawing","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33668"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":null,"inThisArticle":[{"label":"Creating a drawing's horizon line","target":"#tab1"},{"label":"Looking upward","target":"#tab2"},{"label":"Finding vanishing points","target":"#tab3"},{"label":"Finding a horizon line and vanishing point in real life","target":"#tab4"}],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":208791,"title":"Figure Drawing For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"figure-drawing-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","art-architecture","drawing","general-drawing"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/208791"}},{"articleId":208723,"title":"Drawing For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"drawing-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","art-architecture","drawing","general-drawing"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/208723"}},{"articleId":203238,"title":"Five Coloring Pages Suitable for Adults","slug":"5-coloring-pages-suitable-for-adults","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","art-architecture","drawing","general-drawing"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/203238"}},{"articleId":203191,"title":"Five Mandalas to Color","slug":"5-mandalas-to-color","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","art-architecture","drawing","general-drawing"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/203191"}},{"articleId":200446,"title":"Drawing Light and Shadows","slug":"drawing-light-and-shadows","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","art-architecture","drawing","general-drawing"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/200446"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":0,"slug":null,"isbn":null,"categoryList":null,"amazon":null,"image":null,"title":null,"testBankPinActivationLink":null,"bookOutOfPrint":false,"authorsInfo":null,"authors":null,"_links":null},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;academics-the-arts&quot;,&quot;art-architecture&quot;,&quot;drawing&quot;,&quot;general-drawing&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[null]}]\" id=\"du-slot-6217bb3e8f12b\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;academics-the-arts&quot;,&quot;art-architecture&quot;,&quot;drawing&quot;,&quot;general-drawing&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[null]}]\" id=\"du-slot-6217bb3e8fb00\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Articles","articleList":null,"content":null,"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Explore","lifeExpectancy":"Two years","lifeExpectancySetFrom":"2021-11-12T00:00:00+00:00","dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":200447},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2016-03-26T22:50:52+00:00","modifiedTime":"2021-11-12T19:12:16+00:00","timestamp":"2022-02-24T17:07:10+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Academics & The Arts","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33662"},"slug":"academics-the-arts","categoryId":33662},{"name":"Art & Architecture","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33663"},"slug":"art-architecture","categoryId":33663},{"name":"Drawing","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33666"},"slug":"drawing","categoryId":33666},{"name":"Manga","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34350"},"slug":"manga","categoryId":34350}],"title":"Creating Common Manga Characters","strippedTitle":"creating common manga characters","slug":"creating-common-manga-characters","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"When you know how to draw a manga figure, you're ready to turn your attention to creating your own characters. A number of common <i>archetypes</i> appear often in manga. In this case, <i>archetypes</i> are basically sets of personalities and attributes assigned to a character. An archetype may include, for example, the color of the individual's hair and eyes and the type of body build the character has.\r\n\r\nThe decision of what your character looks like is ultimately yours, but first explore these established archetypes and see if they will work for you:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><b>The main protagonist:</b> Every manga story must have a main leading character, either male or female. Readers lose interest in manga very quickly without a lead character to identify with. Even if everything else about your script is terrific, captivating the audience with memorable lead characters is crucial. Common main protagonists are the androgynous student, the varsity team captain, the Army Special Forces rookie, the innocent daydreamer, and the martial arts warrior.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><b>The lovable sidekick:</b> For every lead character, you have at least one supporting cast member — otherwise known as the <i>sidekick.</i> These archetypes can be male, female, or neither (animal or alien). Conquering battles and winning over hearts of loved ones gets pretty lonely without supporting sidekicks. Humans learn from interacting with each other, and that's true of manga lead characters in every story.\r\nLead characters look alike in so many manga stories, so the sidekicks make the difference — by either helping the lead character's mission go smoothly or by turning it into a living nightmare (usually unintentionally). Regardless of their impact, a sidekick's existence is just as crucial as the lead character's. Some common sidekick archetypes are the dimwitted muscle-man, the loyal little brother or sister, and the spoiled brat.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><b>The Dreaded Villain:</b> No action manga saga is complete without an opposing bad force — for every protagonist, there must be an antagonist; otherwise, you don't have a strong plot. Contrary to most American comics, where villains are portrayed as teeth-gnashing and grotesque, modern manga stories rely on good-looking, intelligent, and cunning lead villains to make the plot more interesting.\r\nThese archetypes expand and change, just like every form of popular entertainment does, but you want to at least recognize the common trend that has flooded the popular manga market for the past several decades. Current popular villain archetypes are the handsome, yet icy-cold villain, the military vixen, the well-trained warrior, and the evil sorceress.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><b>Damsels in Distress:</b> Ever watch one of those silent movies featuring attractive women tied down to the railroad tracks? How about the girl who gets abducted and taken up the tall building by a giant gorilla? Well, guess what — the manga world is flooded with these characters. Damsels in distress give your main protagonist an obvious mission — save the girl!</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<p class=\"article-tips Remember\">These characters shouldn't steal the spotlight from your main characters; they should play secondary roles in advancing the focus of your story. Common types of characters that need saving are the \"little sister\" princess, the innocent schoolgirl, and the loyal and selfless damsel.</p>","description":"When you know how to draw a manga figure, you're ready to turn your attention to creating your own characters. A number of common <i>archetypes</i> appear often in manga. In this case, <i>archetypes</i> are basically sets of personalities and attributes assigned to a character. An archetype may include, for example, the color of the individual's hair and eyes and the type of body build the character has.\r\n\r\nThe decision of what your character looks like is ultimately yours, but first explore these established archetypes and see if they will work for you:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><b>The main protagonist:</b> Every manga story must have a main leading character, either male or female. Readers lose interest in manga very quickly without a lead character to identify with. Even if everything else about your script is terrific, captivating the audience with memorable lead characters is crucial. Common main protagonists are the androgynous student, the varsity team captain, the Army Special Forces rookie, the innocent daydreamer, and the martial arts warrior.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><b>The lovable sidekick:</b> For every lead character, you have at least one supporting cast member — otherwise known as the <i>sidekick.</i> These archetypes can be male, female, or neither (animal or alien). Conquering battles and winning over hearts of loved ones gets pretty lonely without supporting sidekicks. Humans learn from interacting with each other, and that's true of manga lead characters in every story.\r\nLead characters look alike in so many manga stories, so the sidekicks make the difference — by either helping the lead character's mission go smoothly or by turning it into a living nightmare (usually unintentionally). Regardless of their impact, a sidekick's existence is just as crucial as the lead character's. Some common sidekick archetypes are the dimwitted muscle-man, the loyal little brother or sister, and the spoiled brat.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><b>The Dreaded Villain:</b> No action manga saga is complete without an opposing bad force — for every protagonist, there must be an antagonist; otherwise, you don't have a strong plot. Contrary to most American comics, where villains are portrayed as teeth-gnashing and grotesque, modern manga stories rely on good-looking, intelligent, and cunning lead villains to make the plot more interesting.\r\nThese archetypes expand and change, just like every form of popular entertainment does, but you want to at least recognize the common trend that has flooded the popular manga market for the past several decades. Current popular villain archetypes are the handsome, yet icy-cold villain, the military vixen, the well-trained warrior, and the evil sorceress.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><b>Damsels in Distress:</b> Ever watch one of those silent movies featuring attractive women tied down to the railroad tracks? How about the girl who gets abducted and taken up the tall building by a giant gorilla? Well, guess what — the manga world is flooded with these characters. Damsels in distress give your main protagonist an obvious mission — save the girl!</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<p class=\"article-tips Remember\">These characters shouldn't steal the spotlight from your main characters; they should play secondary roles in advancing the focus of your story. Common types of characters that need saving are the \"little sister\" princess, the innocent schoolgirl, and the loyal and selfless damsel.</p>","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":10258,"name":"Kensuke Okabayashi","slug":"kensuke-okabayashi","description":"Kensuke Okabayashi is an award-winning professional artist. His illustrations have been featured at the Society of Illustrators in New York City and for such corporate clients as LG Electronics Worldwide, Wendy's, Diet Coke, Canon Digital, Lego, Marvel Entertainment, and Absolut Vodka.","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/10258"}}],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":34350,"title":"Manga","slug":"manga","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34350"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":null,"inThisArticle":[],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":209184,"title":"Manga For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"manga-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","art-architecture","drawing","manga"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/209184"}},{"articleId":199481,"title":"Constructing Your Manga Plot","slug":"constructing-your-manga-plot","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","art-architecture","drawing","manga"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/199481"}},{"articleId":193553,"title":"Common Manga Archetypes","slug":"common-manga-archetypes","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","art-architecture","drawing","manga"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/193553"}},{"articleId":193543,"title":"Basic Manga Genres","slug":"basic-manga-genres","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","art-architecture","drawing","manga"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/193543"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":0,"slug":null,"isbn":null,"categoryList":null,"amazon":null,"image":null,"title":null,"testBankPinActivationLink":null,"bookOutOfPrint":false,"authorsInfo":null,"authors":null,"_links":null},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;academics-the-arts&quot;,&quot;art-architecture&quot;,&quot;drawing&quot;,&quot;manga&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[null]}]\" id=\"du-slot-6217bb3e87b70\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;academics-the-arts&quot;,&quot;art-architecture&quot;,&quot;drawing&quot;,&quot;manga&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[null]}]\" id=\"du-slot-6217bb3e88519\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Articles","articleList":null,"content":null,"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Explore","lifeExpectancy":"One year","lifeExpectancySetFrom":"2021-11-12T00:00:00+00:00","dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":200589},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2016-03-26T22:43:14+00:00","modifiedTime":"2021-11-12T19:04:53+00:00","timestamp":"2022-02-24T17:07:10+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Academics & The Arts","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33662"},"slug":"academics-the-arts","categoryId":33662},{"name":"Art & Architecture","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33663"},"slug":"art-architecture","categoryId":33663},{"name":"Drawing","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33666"},"slug":"drawing","categoryId":33666},{"name":"Manga","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34350"},"slug":"manga","categoryId":34350}],"title":"Constructing Your Manga Plot","strippedTitle":"constructing your manga plot","slug":"constructing-your-manga-plot","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"Following are the basic stages that a manga-ka (a manga artist) uses to create an original plot. The basic stages are widely embraced by the manga-ka community today, and they originate from classical Chinese poetry.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab1\" >Stage 1: Ki — Introduction of an idea</h2>\r\nStage 1 basically sets up the context and scene so that the story can begin and the characters can begin to interact. To start this <i>Ki</i> (introduction) stage, a manga-ka draws the opening frame, called an <i>establishing shot, </i>to give the readers a sense of the location where the story takes place. These shots are usually larger than the average-sized frame the manga-ka draws because he wants to include more detail in the setting. By the time this stage is complete, readers should have a good sense of who the important characters are, as well as the time and location of the story.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab2\" >Stage 2: Sho — Developing the idea</h2>\r\nIn the second stage, you focus on building up the suspense of the story based upon the characters and concepts you introduced in the <i>Ki</i> stage. You introduced your readers to your characters and briefed them on the context of your story, and now you build up their curiosity.\r\n\r\nIn this <i>Sho</i> (development) stage, the tempo of the story should steadily increase. What kinds of conflicts are your characters taking on to achieve their goals? Do you leave clues to the readers about possible dangers that the main characters themselves don't know about? What are the perils or challenges ahead? In most manga, this section is crucial because if the readers don't care about your characters, they don't care about what happens to them.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab3\" >Stage 3: Ten — The dramatic, unexpected turn of events</h2>\r\nIn the third stage, you want a surprise development in which your characters face a situation that throws the readers off guard.\r\n\r\nNote that it's the <i>readers</i> and not necessarily the <i>characters</i> that you want to engage. In the <i>Ten</i> (turn) stage, the result of all the building up since Stage 2 leads to the ultimate climax where readers are sitting on the edge of their seats holding their collective breath. If you want to reveal to the readers the largest showdown of your story sequence, this is the right time and place to do so!\r\n<h2 id=\"tab4\" >Stage 4: Ketsu — Conclusion</h2>\r\nStage 4 (or <i>Ketsu</i>) finishes the story. While some episodes may end by fully resolving an issue, others end by opening another can of worms, leaving the readers hanging from a cliff, wanting to know what happens in the next issue.","description":"Following are the basic stages that a manga-ka (a manga artist) uses to create an original plot. The basic stages are widely embraced by the manga-ka community today, and they originate from classical Chinese poetry.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab1\" >Stage 1: Ki — Introduction of an idea</h2>\r\nStage 1 basically sets up the context and scene so that the story can begin and the characters can begin to interact. To start this <i>Ki</i> (introduction) stage, a manga-ka draws the opening frame, called an <i>establishing shot, </i>to give the readers a sense of the location where the story takes place. These shots are usually larger than the average-sized frame the manga-ka draws because he wants to include more detail in the setting. By the time this stage is complete, readers should have a good sense of who the important characters are, as well as the time and location of the story.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab2\" >Stage 2: Sho — Developing the idea</h2>\r\nIn the second stage, you focus on building up the suspense of the story based upon the characters and concepts you introduced in the <i>Ki</i> stage. You introduced your readers to your characters and briefed them on the context of your story, and now you build up their curiosity.\r\n\r\nIn this <i>Sho</i> (development) stage, the tempo of the story should steadily increase. What kinds of conflicts are your characters taking on to achieve their goals? Do you leave clues to the readers about possible dangers that the main characters themselves don't know about? What are the perils or challenges ahead? In most manga, this section is crucial because if the readers don't care about your characters, they don't care about what happens to them.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab3\" >Stage 3: Ten — The dramatic, unexpected turn of events</h2>\r\nIn the third stage, you want a surprise development in which your characters face a situation that throws the readers off guard.\r\n\r\nNote that it's the <i>readers</i> and not necessarily the <i>characters</i> that you want to engage. In the <i>Ten</i> (turn) stage, the result of all the building up since Stage 2 leads to the ultimate climax where readers are sitting on the edge of their seats holding their collective breath. If you want to reveal to the readers the largest showdown of your story sequence, this is the right time and place to do so!\r\n<h2 id=\"tab4\" >Stage 4: Ketsu — Conclusion</h2>\r\nStage 4 (or <i>Ketsu</i>) finishes the story. While some episodes may end by fully resolving an issue, others end by opening another can of worms, leaving the readers hanging from a cliff, wanting to know what happens in the next issue.","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":10258,"name":"Kensuke Okabayashi","slug":"kensuke-okabayashi","description":"Kensuke Okabayashi is an award-winning professional artist. His illustrations have been featured at the Society of Illustrators in New York City and for such corporate clients as LG Electronics Worldwide, Wendy's, Diet Coke, Canon Digital, Lego, Marvel Entertainment, and Absolut Vodka.","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/10258"}}],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":34350,"title":"Manga","slug":"manga","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34350"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":null,"inThisArticle":[{"label":"Stage 1: Ki — Introduction of an idea","target":"#tab1"},{"label":"Stage 2: Sho — Developing the idea","target":"#tab2"},{"label":"Stage 3: Ten — The dramatic, unexpected turn of events","target":"#tab3"},{"label":"Stage 4: Ketsu — Conclusion","target":"#tab4"}],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":209184,"title":"Manga For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"manga-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","art-architecture","drawing","manga"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/209184"}},{"articleId":200589,"title":"Creating Common Manga Characters","slug":"creating-common-manga-characters","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","art-architecture","drawing","manga"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/200589"}},{"articleId":193553,"title":"Common Manga Archetypes","slug":"common-manga-archetypes","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","art-architecture","drawing","manga"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/193553"}},{"articleId":193543,"title":"Basic Manga Genres","slug":"basic-manga-genres","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","art-architecture","drawing","manga"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/193543"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":0,"slug":null,"isbn":null,"categoryList":null,"amazon":null,"image":null,"title":null,"testBankPinActivationLink":null,"bookOutOfPrint":false,"authorsInfo":null,"authors":null,"_links":null},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;academics-the-arts&quot;,&quot;art-architecture&quot;,&quot;drawing&quot;,&quot;manga&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[null]}]\" id=\"du-slot-6217bb3e78aa0\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;academics-the-arts&quot;,&quot;art-architecture&quot;,&quot;drawing&quot;,&quot;manga&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[null]}]\" id=\"du-slot-6217bb3e7944d\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Articles","articleList":null,"content":null,"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Explore","lifeExpectancy":"One year","lifeExpectancySetFrom":"2021-11-12T00:00:00+00:00","dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":199481},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2016-03-27T09:00:06+00:00","modifiedTime":"2021-11-12T18:09:00+00:00","timestamp":"2022-02-24T17:07:10+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Academics & The Arts","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33662"},"slug":"academics-the-arts","categoryId":33662},{"name":"Art & Architecture","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33663"},"slug":"art-architecture","categoryId":33663},{"name":"Drawing","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33666"},"slug":"drawing","categoryId":33666},{"name":"General (Drawing)","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33668"},"slug":"general-drawing","categoryId":33668}],"title":"Five Mandalas to Color","strippedTitle":"five mandalas to color","slug":"5-mandalas-to-color","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"Here, you’ll find five downloadable mandalas to color. You can color the more basic images with less detail with crayons or markers, but the incredibly detailed mandalas might require a steady hand and a fine-tip marker or pencil. Color them however you’d like.","description":"Here, you’ll find five downloadable mandalas to color. You can color the more basic images with less detail with crayons or markers, but the incredibly detailed mandalas might require a steady hand and a fine-tip marker or pencil. Color them however you’d like.","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":8947,"name":"The Experts at Dummies","slug":"the-experts-at-dummies","description":"The Experts at Dummies are smart, friendly people who make learning easy by taking a not-so-serious approach to serious stuff.","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/8947"}}],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":33668,"title":"General (Drawing)","slug":"general-drawing","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33668"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":null,"inThisArticle":[],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":208791,"title":"Figure Drawing For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"figure-drawing-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","art-architecture","drawing","general-drawing"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/208791"}},{"articleId":208723,"title":"Drawing For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"drawing-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","art-architecture","drawing","general-drawing"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/208723"}},{"articleId":203238,"title":"Five Coloring Pages Suitable for Adults","slug":"5-coloring-pages-suitable-for-adults","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","art-architecture","drawing","general-drawing"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/203238"}},{"articleId":200447,"title":"Drawing Geometric Perspective","slug":"drawing-geometric-perspective","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","art-architecture","drawing","general-drawing"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/200447"}},{"articleId":200446,"title":"Drawing Light and Shadows","slug":"drawing-light-and-shadows","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","art-architecture","drawing","general-drawing"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/200446"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":0,"slug":null,"isbn":null,"categoryList":null,"amazon":null,"image":null,"title":null,"testBankPinActivationLink":null,"bookOutOfPrint":false,"authorsInfo":null,"authors":null,"_links":null},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;academics-the-arts&quot;,&quot;art-architecture&quot;,&quot;drawing&quot;,&quot;general-drawing&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[null]}]\" id=\"du-slot-6217bb3e6ef2e\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;academics-the-arts&quot;,&quot;art-architecture&quot;,&quot;drawing&quot;,&quot;general-drawing&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[null]}]\" id=\"du-slot-6217bb3e6f8c5\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Step by Step","articleList":null,"content":[{"title":"Check out this mandala, which combines detailed areas in the center with larger spaces on the outer part of the design.","thumb":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/496739.image0.jpg","width":535,"height":535},"content":"<p>Download this <a href=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/9781119220879-cs0101.pdf\">mixed mandala</a> and enjoy both detailed and more basic coloring areas in one!</p>\n"},{"title":"This mandala also mixes detailed areas on the outside with more open areas on the inside.","thumb":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/496740.image1.jpg","width":535,"height":535},"content":"<p>Download and print <a href=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/9781119220879-cs0102.pdf\">this mandala</a> and make it your own.</p>\n"},{"title":"This mandala might remind you of Russian church tops.","thumb":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/496741.image2.jpg","width":535,"height":535},"content":"<p>This <a href=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/9781119220879-cs0103.pdf\">mandala</a> has smooth-flowing lines and outer peaks that resemble Russian steeples.</p>\n"},{"title":"What do you see in this mandala — flowers and leaves, or smiling cats and bumblebees?","thumb":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/496742.image3.jpg","width":535,"height":535},"content":"<p>Download <a href=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/9781119220879-cs0104.pdf\">this mandala</a> and use whatever colors you want to bring out your vision.</p>\n"},{"title":"This incredibly detailed mandala will require a steady hand.","thumb":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/496743.image4.jpg","width":535,"height":535},"content":"<p>Download this <a href=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/9781119220879-cs0105.pdf\">detailed mandala</a> and get out the fine-tip markers.</p>\n"}],"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Explore","lifeExpectancy":"Five years","lifeExpectancySetFrom":"2021-11-12T00:00:00+00:00","dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":203191},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2016-03-26T07:17:03+00:00","modifiedTime":"2021-11-12T18:07:33+00:00","timestamp":"2022-02-24T17:07:10+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Academics & The Arts","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33662"},"slug":"academics-the-arts","categoryId":33662},{"name":"Art & Architecture","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33663"},"slug":"art-architecture","categoryId":33663},{"name":"Drawing","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33666"},"slug":"drawing","categoryId":33666},{"name":"General (Drawing)","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33668"},"slug":"general-drawing","categoryId":33668}],"title":"What Are Mandalas?","strippedTitle":"what are mandalas?","slug":"what-are-mandalas","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"In the trend of coloring as a form of relaxation, one of the most popular types of patterns to color is the mandala. Mandalas are usually circular geometric patterns. Some people find the drawing and coloring of a mandala as a form of meditation. As they focus on coloring in the patterns of the form, they relax, their mind grows quiet, and they may enter into a spiritual space.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab1\" >What exactly is a mandala?</h2>\r\nA <i>mandala</i> is a spiritual symbol in Buddhism and Hinduism. It's a symbolic representation of the universe with an inner and outer world. The word <i>mandala</i> comes from Sanskrit, an ancient Indian language. Literally mandala means \"circle.\" The circle is seen as a magical form, without beginning and end, just as the universe is believed to have no end.\r\n\r\nThe Sanskrit word <i>mandala</i> indicates everything that is round or circular. In tantric traditions, it often refers to a sacred space, which can be round or square or any other form. Deities are invited to enter this space by uttering powerful words <i>(mantras).</i>\r\n\r\nThe prototype of the mandala is a square with four gates containing a circle with a central point. Often the mandala is also in an outer circle. This basic form can be found in many ancient mandalas, but there are many more variants. The mandala can also be filled with all kinds of patterns: geometric figures, Buddhist saints, flowers, you name it.\r\n\r\n<img src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/496736.image0.jpg\" alt=\"image0.jpg\" width=\"535\" height=\"535\" />\r\n\r\nThe mandala is used as an object to focus your attention on while meditating. Because of the symmetrical shape, your attention is directed to the center. People in the Western world often used a freer form of the mandala, which is more reflective of the inner self and the unconscious self. Regardless of what mandala you use, coloring it can be very meditative and relaxing.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab2\" >Why coloring mandalas is for everyone</h2>\r\nYou don't have to be Buddhist to color mandalas. It's an activity everyone can enjoy:\r\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Children:</b> Because the mandala isn't a literal representation of reality, children can fully enjoy their creativity. They don't have to worry about choosing the right color green for the trees or what color blue the sky should be. The mandala can have all the colors of the rainbow. Or just their favorite color. Coloring a mandala is an excellent way to end a busy class and help children unwind.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Adults:</b> Everyone has had those days when your head overflows and your thoughts just seem to keep running in circles. Coloring a mandala for an hour may help you calm down. By focusing only on the pattern and colors, your mind may become wonderfully empty. You come to rest for a little while.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Elderly:</b> For the elderly, coloring mandalas may help you keep your memory in shape. The repetitive nature of many mandalas allows you to create beautiful symmetrical patterns, but you must concentrate to ensure that your colors are symmetrical (if that is, indeed, your goal). Remaining focused on a creative endeavor of this sort may keep your mind sharp.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nFinally, you may not think at first glance that coloring mandalas is something that can be done in a group, but it's a great activity to do with friends or relatives. Make a photocopy of a mandala that everyone can work on at once and go to town. Or give everyone their own copy of the same mandala and see how people come up with different colors and patterns for the same design. You can also just pass out different mandalas and enjoy being creative together.","description":"In the trend of coloring as a form of relaxation, one of the most popular types of patterns to color is the mandala. Mandalas are usually circular geometric patterns. Some people find the drawing and coloring of a mandala as a form of meditation. As they focus on coloring in the patterns of the form, they relax, their mind grows quiet, and they may enter into a spiritual space.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab1\" >What exactly is a mandala?</h2>\r\nA <i>mandala</i> is a spiritual symbol in Buddhism and Hinduism. It's a symbolic representation of the universe with an inner and outer world. The word <i>mandala</i> comes from Sanskrit, an ancient Indian language. Literally mandala means \"circle.\" The circle is seen as a magical form, without beginning and end, just as the universe is believed to have no end.\r\n\r\nThe Sanskrit word <i>mandala</i> indicates everything that is round or circular. In tantric traditions, it often refers to a sacred space, which can be round or square or any other form. Deities are invited to enter this space by uttering powerful words <i>(mantras).</i>\r\n\r\nThe prototype of the mandala is a square with four gates containing a circle with a central point. Often the mandala is also in an outer circle. This basic form can be found in many ancient mandalas, but there are many more variants. The mandala can also be filled with all kinds of patterns: geometric figures, Buddhist saints, flowers, you name it.\r\n\r\n<img src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/496736.image0.jpg\" alt=\"image0.jpg\" width=\"535\" height=\"535\" />\r\n\r\nThe mandala is used as an object to focus your attention on while meditating. Because of the symmetrical shape, your attention is directed to the center. People in the Western world often used a freer form of the mandala, which is more reflective of the inner self and the unconscious self. Regardless of what mandala you use, coloring it can be very meditative and relaxing.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab2\" >Why coloring mandalas is for everyone</h2>\r\nYou don't have to be Buddhist to color mandalas. It's an activity everyone can enjoy:\r\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Children:</b> Because the mandala isn't a literal representation of reality, children can fully enjoy their creativity. They don't have to worry about choosing the right color green for the trees or what color blue the sky should be. The mandala can have all the colors of the rainbow. Or just their favorite color. Coloring a mandala is an excellent way to end a busy class and help children unwind.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Adults:</b> Everyone has had those days when your head overflows and your thoughts just seem to keep running in circles. Coloring a mandala for an hour may help you calm down. By focusing only on the pattern and colors, your mind may become wonderfully empty. You come to rest for a little while.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Elderly:</b> For the elderly, coloring mandalas may help you keep your memory in shape. The repetitive nature of many mandalas allows you to create beautiful symmetrical patterns, but you must concentrate to ensure that your colors are symmetrical (if that is, indeed, your goal). Remaining focused on a creative endeavor of this sort may keep your mind sharp.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nFinally, you may not think at first glance that coloring mandalas is something that can be done in a group, but it's a great activity to do with friends or relatives. Make a photocopy of a mandala that everyone can work on at once and go to town. Or give everyone their own copy of the same mandala and see how people come up with different colors and patterns for the same design. You can also just pass out different mandalas and enjoy being creative together.","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":8947,"name":"The Experts at Dummies","slug":"the-experts-at-dummies","description":"The Experts at Dummies are smart, friendly people who make learning easy by taking a not-so-serious approach to serious stuff.","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/8947"}}],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":33668,"title":"General (Drawing)","slug":"general-drawing","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33668"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":null,"inThisArticle":[{"label":"What exactly is a mandala?","target":"#tab1"},{"label":"Why coloring mandalas is for everyone","target":"#tab2"}],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":208791,"title":"Figure Drawing For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"figure-drawing-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","art-architecture","drawing","general-drawing"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/208791"}},{"articleId":208723,"title":"Drawing For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"drawing-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","art-architecture","drawing","general-drawing"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/208723"}},{"articleId":203238,"title":"Five Coloring Pages Suitable for Adults","slug":"5-coloring-pages-suitable-for-adults","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","art-architecture","drawing","general-drawing"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/203238"}},{"articleId":203191,"title":"Five Mandalas to Color","slug":"5-mandalas-to-color","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","art-architecture","drawing","general-drawing"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/203191"}},{"articleId":200447,"title":"Drawing Geometric Perspective","slug":"drawing-geometric-perspective","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","art-architecture","drawing","general-drawing"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/200447"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":0,"slug":null,"isbn":null,"categoryList":null,"amazon":null,"image":null,"title":null,"testBankPinActivationLink":null,"bookOutOfPrint":false,"authorsInfo":null,"authors":null,"_links":null},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = 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id=\"du-slot-6217bb3e68af7\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Articles","articleList":null,"content":null,"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Explore","lifeExpectancy":"Five years","lifeExpectancySetFrom":"2021-11-12T00:00:00+00:00","dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":139717},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2016-03-27T09:06:11+00:00","modifiedTime":"2021-11-12T17:31:56+00:00","timestamp":"2022-02-24T17:07:10+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Academics & The 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After all, you have more important things to do than color in pictures of princesses and superheroes. But that’s exactly why you <i>should</i> color.\r\n\r\nHere are five pages that adults who enjoy coloring as a hobby can download and color to suit themselves. Color them however you’d like.","description":"When you think about coloring even though you’re all grown up, you might feel a little silly. After all, you have more important things to do than color in pictures of princesses and superheroes. But that’s exactly why you <i>should</i> color.\r\n\r\nHere are five pages that adults who enjoy coloring as a hobby can download and color to suit themselves. Color them however you’d like.","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":8947,"name":"The Experts at Dummies","slug":"the-experts-at-dummies","description":"The Experts at Dummies are smart, friendly people who make learning easy by taking a not-so-serious approach to serious stuff.","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/8947"}}],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":33668,"title":"General (Drawing)","slug":"general-drawing","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33668"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":null,"inThisArticle":[],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":208791,"title":"Figure Drawing For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"figure-drawing-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","art-architecture","drawing","general-drawing"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/208791"}},{"articleId":208723,"title":"Drawing For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"drawing-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","art-architecture","drawing","general-drawing"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/208723"}},{"articleId":203191,"title":"Five Mandalas to Color","slug":"5-mandalas-to-color","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","art-architecture","drawing","general-drawing"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/203191"}},{"articleId":200447,"title":"Drawing Geometric Perspective","slug":"drawing-geometric-perspective","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","art-architecture","drawing","general-drawing"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/200447"}},{"articleId":200446,"title":"Drawing Light and Shadows","slug":"drawing-light-and-shadows","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","art-architecture","drawing","general-drawing"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/200446"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":0,"slug":null,"isbn":null,"categoryList":null,"amazon":null,"image":null,"title":null,"testBankPinActivationLink":null,"bookOutOfPrint":false,"authorsInfo":null,"authors":null,"_links":null},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;academics-the-arts&quot;,&quot;art-architecture&quot;,&quot;drawing&quot;,&quot;general-drawing&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[null]}]\" id=\"du-slot-6217bb3e5e6e6\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;academics-the-arts&quot;,&quot;art-architecture&quot;,&quot;drawing&quot;,&quot;general-drawing&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[null]}]\" id=\"du-slot-6217bb3e5f086\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Step by Step","articleList":null,"content":[{"title":"Check out this coloring page. Do you see flowers? Raindrops? A psychedelic pattern that takes you back to the 1960s?","thumb":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/485093.image0.jpg","width":320,"height":400},"content":"<p>Download this <a href=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/9781119176916-cs0101.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">coloring page</a> and make it your own.</p>\n"},{"title":"Does this page resemble blood cells under a microscope or a fashion-forward textile print? Choose your colors and make it yours!","thumb":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/485094.image1.jpg","width":320,"height":400},"content":"<p>Download this <a href=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/9781119176916-cs0102.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">coloring page</a> and interpret it your way.</p>\n"},{"title":"This coloring page looks like clouds in a cartoon strip.","thumb":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/485095.image2.jpg","width":320,"height":400},"content":"<p>Download this <a href=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/9781119176916-cs0103.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">cloud-like coloring page</a>.</p>\n<p>In the world of comic books (and these days an increasing number of web comics), being a colorist is a serious profession. Although many cartoonists color their own artwork, there are also plenty of comic strips that are drawn by one person and then colored by someone else. Especially in American comics, the colorist is of major importance. The color palette used can be a determining factor for the tone of a comic strip, and a good colorist is therefore very important.</p>\n"},{"title":"Geometric patterns can offer a great opportunity to be creative in your coloring.","thumb":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/485096.image3.jpg","width":320,"height":400},"content":"<p>Download this <a href=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/9781119176916-cs0104.pdf\">coloring page</a> and get creative.</p>\n"},{"title":"Extremely detailed designs are often part of coloring books aimed at adults who color as a hobby.","thumb":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/485097.image4.jpg","width":320,"height":400},"content":"<p>Download this <a href=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/9781119176916-cs0105.pdf\">detailed coloring page</a>.</p>\n"}],"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Explore","lifeExpectancy":"Five years","lifeExpectancySetFrom":"2021-11-12T00:00:00+00:00","dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":203238}],"_links":{"self":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33666/categoryArticles?sortField=time&sortOrder=1&size=10&offset=0"},"next":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33666/categoryArticles?sortField=time&sortOrder=1&size=10&offset=10"},"last":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33666/categoryArticles?sortField=time&sortOrder=1&size=10&offset=109"}}},"objectTitle":"","status":"success","pageType":"article-category","objectId":"33666","page":1,"sortField":"time","sortOrder":1,"categoriesIds":[],"articleTypes":[],"filterData":{"categoriesFilter":[{"itemId":0,"itemName":"All Categories","count":119},{"itemId":33667,"itemName":"Fashion Drawing","count":94},{"itemId":33668,"itemName":"General (Drawing)","count":20},{"itemId":34350,"itemName":"Manga","count":5}],"articleTypeFilter":[{"articleType":"All Types","count":119},{"articleType":"Articles","count":72},{"articleType":"Cheat Sheet","count":4},{"articleType":"Step by Step","count":43}]},"filterDataLoadedStatus":"success","pageSize":10},"adsState":{"pageScripts":{"headers":{"timestamp":"2022-05-16T12:59:10+00:00"},"adsId":0,"data":{"scripts":[{"pages":["all"],"location":"header","script":"<!--Optimizely Script-->\r\n<script src=\"https://cdn.optimizely.com/js/10563184655.js\"></script>","enabled":false},{"pages":["all"],"location":"header","script":"<!-- comScore Tag -->\r\n<script>var _comscore = _comscore || [];_comscore.push({ c1: \"2\", c2: \"15097263\" });(function() {var s = document.createElement(\"script\"), el = document.getElementsByTagName(\"script\")[0]; s.async = true;s.src = (document.location.protocol == \"https:\" ? 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General (Drawing) Figure Drawing For Dummies Cheat Sheet

Cheat Sheet / Updated 04-19-2022

Learning how to draw people is a process that starts with purchasing the right art supplies. Try a simple method for drawing a human head and if you make a figure drawing mistake, use some quick techniques to fix the problem. Drawing people in public settings is fun and relaxing, so consider this list of inspiration spots — just be sure to take the supplies you need with you.

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Manga Manga For Dummies Cheat Sheet

Cheat Sheet / Updated 03-25-2022

The Japanese comics and cartoons known as manga bring a unique style to age-old art forms. Like the art forms that precede it, manga works within specific archetypes and genres. However, the manga conventions are a new twist, and if you’re exhibiting at one you need to know what to bring.

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Fashion Drawing Fashion Drawing For Dummies Cheat Sheet

Cheat Sheet / Updated 02-28-2022

Fashion drawing is all about attitude, exaggeration, and style. As you develop your fashion illustration skills, infuse your work with personal flair — your signature — to create a look unlike any other. Start by observing the golden rules of fashion drawing, mastering the S curve and other figure drawing techniques, and putting a creative spin on the fashion drawings you create.

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General (Drawing) Drawing For Dummies Cheat Sheet

Cheat Sheet / Updated 02-18-2022

Discover everything you need to know to get started with drawing, including what supplies and styles to use to create different types of drawings. You'll also find ways to come up with ideas about what to draw.

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General (Drawing) Drawing Geometric Perspective

Article / Updated 11-12-2021

Geometric perspective (sometimes called linear perspective) makes subjects in a drawing look like they recede into distant space, appearing smaller the farther they are away from you. Geometric perspective can also create the illusion that you are either above or below the subject of a drawing. Using geometric perspective makes your drawings appear three-dimensional (rather than flat), and more realistic. To get started with geometric perspective, you first need to acquaint yourself with the following: Horizon line: An imaginary horizontal line, sometimes referred to as eye level, which divides your line of vision when you look straight ahead.Objects below this line are below your eye level, and objects above this line are above your eye level. Artists draw horizon lines to accurately establish perspective in their drawings. Perspective lines: Straight lines, drawn at an angle from the edges of objects, back into perceived distant space, until they finally converge at a point on the horizon line. These lines establish guidelines for drawing objects in proper perspective. Angular lines: Straight lines that are neither parallel nor perpendicular to the horizon line. Vanishing point: The point on the horizon line where the angular perspective lines of an object visually continue past its edges and eventually converge. Objects become smaller and smaller the closer they are to the vanishing point and, at this point, seem to completely disappear (or vanish). Some objects can even have more than one vanishing point. Lines of objects that are parallel or perpendicular (at a right angle) to the horizon line don't appear to go back in space (such as the top, bottom, and side edges of a building from a frontal view) and therefore don't meet the vanishing point. Creating a drawing's horizon line Always draw your horizon line parallel to the top and bottom of a square or rectangular drawing space. You determine the viewer's eye level by choosing the position of the horizon line. You control whether you want viewers to feel like they're above, below, or at eye level with the objects in your drawing. In the first drawing in Figure 1, the horizon line is close to the top of the drawing space, higher than the cubes. Imagine that you are standing on the top of a high cliff, or floating in a hot air balloon. The perspective lines of objects below you angle upward toward the horizon line and converge at the vanishing point. Figure 1: Observing cubes from two different perspectives, below and above the horizon line. If you want viewers of your drawings to feel like they are looking downward, draw the subjects below the horizon line. Looking upward The horizon line is below the cubes in the second drawing in Figure 1. You sense that you are below the cubes — maybe looking up into the sky or standing in a valley looking upward. The perspective lines of the objects all lead downward to the same vanishing point. The cubes almost look like helium-filled balloons, and the perspective lines seem to hold them anchored at the vanishing point. To create the illusion that the viewer is looking upward, draw your subjects above the horizon line. You are at eye level as you look into Figure 2. The horizon line is the first horizontal line, almost halfway down from the top of the drawing space. Look at the angular lines (neither horizontal nor vertical) that define the edges of the objects, and visually follow them to the vanishing point on the horizon line. You should notice the following: Angular lines of objects at your eye level (touching the horizon line) converge both downward and upward. The lines of objects above your eye level (above the horizon line) converge downward. Angular lines of objects below your eye level (below the horizon line) converge upward. Figure 2: An eye-level perspective — all angular lines converge at the same vanishing point. Finding vanishing points When an object's perspective lines recede into a properly placed vanishing point, your drawings appear more three-dimensional and visually correct. Finding and properly placing a vanishing point allows you to draw your subjects more realistically and in proper perspective. Many artists work from photos, without realizing that a camera lens can sometimes visually distort a scene. This may not be a problem when drawing landscapes. However, if you have human-made objects in your scene, such as buildings, stairs, or other objects with horizontal lines, you need to find the vanishing point and use geometric perspective to make them look visually correct. The following steps explain how you can find a vanishing point in a photograph or sketch. These basic principles also apply to rendering a final drawing from one of your rough sketches. Find an image that includes a level, man-made object with horizontal lines, such as a railing, deck, or wharf; or the roof, horizontal siding, or steps of a building. Then, follow these steps: Find an object in the image that you know is level and has more than one horizontal line. In Figure 3, the horizontal lines on the edge of the railing and the wooden planks in the deck are level. Tape a piece of tracing paper over the entire image. With a pencil and a ruler, outline the upper and lower horizontal edges of this object, as well as any other lines that you know to be parallel, such as railings, decks, or the upper and lower edges of doors and windows. Look at the outlines of the upper and lower edges of the railing and some of the spaces between the boards in the second drawing in Figure 3. Figure 3: Tracing the outlines to find the vanishing point. Tape your traced drawing to a larger sheet of drawing paper, leaving room to extend the horizontal lines of the object. Refer to the lines on your tracing and take note of the direction in which they point. You can visually identify which lines are going to eventually converge. Tape only the outer edges so that the tape doesn't tear the center area of your drawing paper when you remove it. Use your ruler and a pencil to extend all of the horizontal lines until they meet. Keep your lines light, so you can erase them later. Note the point where most lines converge. This is your vanishing point, which is located on the horizon line. When an object has only one vanishing point, its perspective is referred to as one-point perspective. Draw a straight line (the horizon line) through the vanishing point, horizontal to the top and bottom of your drawing paper. Figure 4 shows the location of the vanishing point and the horizon line (Line AB). Remove your tracing, redraw the lines of the object using the vanishing point as a guide, and complete your drawing. Figure 4: Extending the horizontal lines until they converge at the vanishing point. Sometimes you can see more than one side of an object, such as a building. If the angle (or corner end) of the building is closer to you than one of its sides, you need to use this same method to locate the second vanishing point (this is called two-point perspective). Horizontal lines on other visible sides of this object also converge at vanishing points somewhere on the same horizon line. Finding a horizon line and vanishing point in real life To identify the horizon line in an actual scene, mark it with your eye level. Remember — your eye level and the horizon line are one and the same. Look straight ahead, and the horizon line is in front of you. Some clues for finding a vanishing point in a real setting include the following: A building or object with horizontal lines provides a perfect clue. Follow the same procedure as in "Finding the vanishing point in a photograph or sketch" earlier in this article. However, instead of drawing the lines, you simply eyeball them to find the approximate position of your vanishing point. Then you mark it in your drawing. Two parallel lines of the edges of straight roads, railway tracks, and fences can lead you to the vanishing point.

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Manga Creating Common Manga Characters

Article / Updated 11-12-2021

When you know how to draw a manga figure, you're ready to turn your attention to creating your own characters. A number of common archetypes appear often in manga. In this case, archetypes are basically sets of personalities and attributes assigned to a character. An archetype may include, for example, the color of the individual's hair and eyes and the type of body build the character has. The decision of what your character looks like is ultimately yours, but first explore these established archetypes and see if they will work for you: The main protagonist: Every manga story must have a main leading character, either male or female. Readers lose interest in manga very quickly without a lead character to identify with. Even if everything else about your script is terrific, captivating the audience with memorable lead characters is crucial. Common main protagonists are the androgynous student, the varsity team captain, the Army Special Forces rookie, the innocent daydreamer, and the martial arts warrior. The lovable sidekick: For every lead character, you have at least one supporting cast member — otherwise known as the sidekick. These archetypes can be male, female, or neither (animal or alien). Conquering battles and winning over hearts of loved ones gets pretty lonely without supporting sidekicks. Humans learn from interacting with each other, and that's true of manga lead characters in every story. Lead characters look alike in so many manga stories, so the sidekicks make the difference — by either helping the lead character's mission go smoothly or by turning it into a living nightmare (usually unintentionally). Regardless of their impact, a sidekick's existence is just as crucial as the lead character's. Some common sidekick archetypes are the dimwitted muscle-man, the loyal little brother or sister, and the spoiled brat. The Dreaded Villain: No action manga saga is complete without an opposing bad force — for every protagonist, there must be an antagonist; otherwise, you don't have a strong plot. Contrary to most American comics, where villains are portrayed as teeth-gnashing and grotesque, modern manga stories rely on good-looking, intelligent, and cunning lead villains to make the plot more interesting. These archetypes expand and change, just like every form of popular entertainment does, but you want to at least recognize the common trend that has flooded the popular manga market for the past several decades. Current popular villain archetypes are the handsome, yet icy-cold villain, the military vixen, the well-trained warrior, and the evil sorceress. Damsels in Distress: Ever watch one of those silent movies featuring attractive women tied down to the railroad tracks? How about the girl who gets abducted and taken up the tall building by a giant gorilla? Well, guess what — the manga world is flooded with these characters. Damsels in distress give your main protagonist an obvious mission — save the girl! These characters shouldn't steal the spotlight from your main characters; they should play secondary roles in advancing the focus of your story. Common types of characters that need saving are the "little sister" princess, the innocent schoolgirl, and the loyal and selfless damsel.

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Manga Constructing Your Manga Plot

Article / Updated 11-12-2021

Following are the basic stages that a manga-ka (a manga artist) uses to create an original plot. The basic stages are widely embraced by the manga-ka community today, and they originate from classical Chinese poetry. Stage 1: Ki — Introduction of an idea Stage 1 basically sets up the context and scene so that the story can begin and the characters can begin to interact. To start this Ki (introduction) stage, a manga-ka draws the opening frame, called an establishing shot, to give the readers a sense of the location where the story takes place. These shots are usually larger than the average-sized frame the manga-ka draws because he wants to include more detail in the setting. By the time this stage is complete, readers should have a good sense of who the important characters are, as well as the time and location of the story. Stage 2: Sho — Developing the idea In the second stage, you focus on building up the suspense of the story based upon the characters and concepts you introduced in the Ki stage. You introduced your readers to your characters and briefed them on the context of your story, and now you build up their curiosity. In this Sho (development) stage, the tempo of the story should steadily increase. What kinds of conflicts are your characters taking on to achieve their goals? Do you leave clues to the readers about possible dangers that the main characters themselves don't know about? What are the perils or challenges ahead? In most manga, this section is crucial because if the readers don't care about your characters, they don't care about what happens to them. Stage 3: Ten — The dramatic, unexpected turn of events In the third stage, you want a surprise development in which your characters face a situation that throws the readers off guard. Note that it's the readers and not necessarily the characters that you want to engage. In the Ten (turn) stage, the result of all the building up since Stage 2 leads to the ultimate climax where readers are sitting on the edge of their seats holding their collective breath. If you want to reveal to the readers the largest showdown of your story sequence, this is the right time and place to do so! Stage 4: Ketsu — Conclusion Stage 4 (or Ketsu) finishes the story. While some episodes may end by fully resolving an issue, others end by opening another can of worms, leaving the readers hanging from a cliff, wanting to know what happens in the next issue.

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General (Drawing) Five Mandalas to Color

Step by Step / Updated 11-12-2021

Here, you’ll find five downloadable mandalas to color. You can color the more basic images with less detail with crayons or markers, but the incredibly detailed mandalas might require a steady hand and a fine-tip marker or pencil. Color them however you’d like.

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General (Drawing) What Are Mandalas?

Article / Updated 11-12-2021

In the trend of coloring as a form of relaxation, one of the most popular types of patterns to color is the mandala. Mandalas are usually circular geometric patterns. Some people find the drawing and coloring of a mandala as a form of meditation. As they focus on coloring in the patterns of the form, they relax, their mind grows quiet, and they may enter into a spiritual space. What exactly is a mandala? A mandala is a spiritual symbol in Buddhism and Hinduism. It's a symbolic representation of the universe with an inner and outer world. The word mandala comes from Sanskrit, an ancient Indian language. Literally mandala means "circle." The circle is seen as a magical form, without beginning and end, just as the universe is believed to have no end. The Sanskrit word mandala indicates everything that is round or circular. In tantric traditions, it often refers to a sacred space, which can be round or square or any other form. Deities are invited to enter this space by uttering powerful words (mantras). The prototype of the mandala is a square with four gates containing a circle with a central point. Often the mandala is also in an outer circle. This basic form can be found in many ancient mandalas, but there are many more variants. The mandala can also be filled with all kinds of patterns: geometric figures, Buddhist saints, flowers, you name it. The mandala is used as an object to focus your attention on while meditating. Because of the symmetrical shape, your attention is directed to the center. People in the Western world often used a freer form of the mandala, which is more reflective of the inner self and the unconscious self. Regardless of what mandala you use, coloring it can be very meditative and relaxing. Why coloring mandalas is for everyone You don't have to be Buddhist to color mandalas. It's an activity everyone can enjoy: Children: Because the mandala isn't a literal representation of reality, children can fully enjoy their creativity. They don't have to worry about choosing the right color green for the trees or what color blue the sky should be. The mandala can have all the colors of the rainbow. Or just their favorite color. Coloring a mandala is an excellent way to end a busy class and help children unwind. Adults: Everyone has had those days when your head overflows and your thoughts just seem to keep running in circles. Coloring a mandala for an hour may help you calm down. By focusing only on the pattern and colors, your mind may become wonderfully empty. You come to rest for a little while. Elderly: For the elderly, coloring mandalas may help you keep your memory in shape. The repetitive nature of many mandalas allows you to create beautiful symmetrical patterns, but you must concentrate to ensure that your colors are symmetrical (if that is, indeed, your goal). Remaining focused on a creative endeavor of this sort may keep your mind sharp. Finally, you may not think at first glance that coloring mandalas is something that can be done in a group, but it's a great activity to do with friends or relatives. Make a photocopy of a mandala that everyone can work on at once and go to town. Or give everyone their own copy of the same mandala and see how people come up with different colors and patterns for the same design. You can also just pass out different mandalas and enjoy being creative together.

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General (Drawing) Five Coloring Pages Suitable for Adults

Step by Step / Updated 11-12-2021

When you think about coloring even though you’re all grown up, you might feel a little silly. After all, you have more important things to do than color in pictures of princesses and superheroes. But that’s exactly why you should color. Here are five pages that adults who enjoy coloring as a hobby can download and color to suit themselves. Color them however you’d like.

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