Is it true that one should learn to draw real humans before stylized, like manga?

Question

I've going to be a manga artist, but I'm not that good yet. My mom says to learn to get the proportions right, then start exagerating details. Any artists' opinions?

Answer 1

Learning to draw humans proportionally is an important tool for any artist, whether manga, anime, or realism. Manga is based on the rules of drawing anatomy. It's like making an omelette. Once you learn the original recipe you can then add on to it and create your own special recipe. Imagine making an omelette without eggs.
Anyway, that was a bit off the beaten track. If you don't learn proportions you will come to a roadblock when it comes to drawing characters. They will have arms that are too long, legs too short, the eyes will be on the forehead, and the mouth where the ears should be. And you will definitely have problems with foreshortening. On your good days you will draw well, and on your bad days you won't be able to draw at all. That is something that a manga artist cannot afford. You need to be able to draw characters at whatever angle necessary at whatever time necessary. You need to be able to deliver on demand. Learning proportions will take care of all these problems. Your Mum is right. A word of caution if you're very young. Please ask your Mum to buy the book or books that you need, and to look through them before giving it to you. Some books on anatomy are very graphic and contain alot of pictures of the human figure (naked male and female photos). Or if you're wanting to surf the net for lessons on proportions of the human figure ask her to check them out for you first. Other than that have fun.

Answer 2

She's absolutely right. Your first studies should be in life drawing. If you can find a class in your area it will improve your work about 900% it did for me. You'll learn there about gesture, proportions, and how the body is put together.
Once you start getting more comfortable with proportions you will want to start studying anatomy. You can't draw a nice arm leg, or anything really without understanding what your drawing. Life drawing and anatomy are essential in becoming a manga artist.

Answer 3

Yes, she's right. I don't know your age, but most community colleges have art departments that offer life drawing classes. The class sizes are generally small, which means you get more one-on-one with the instructor. And also the price is usually reasonable.

Answer 4

I wish My mom was that smart. :)

It sure helps. You can only adapt what you know. Else you would only copy. If you want to create original work you need to know what you are messing with.