How My Favorite Manga Inspire My Art
Manga has always been a huge source of inspiration for me, inspiring my creativity and shaping my style as a digital artist. The rich storytelling, distinctive characters, and beautiful artwork in series like The Apothecary Diaries, Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End, Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun, and Cheeky Vampire have led me to create fan art pieces I’m really proud of.
Why Manga Matters to My Art
Manga has been more than just a source of entertainment for me—it has been a wellspring of inspiration that has deeply influenced my artistic journey. Each series I read opens up new possibilities and challenges me to grow as an artist.
Creating fan art for these series allows me to connect with the stories on a deeper level and share my love for them with others. It’s a way for me to express my admiration for the characters and worlds that have left a lasting impression on me.
The Apothecary Diaries: Maomao Fan Art
The Apothecary Diaries is a captivating series that combines historical drama with mystery, all set within the walls of an imperial palace. The protagonist, Maomao, is a sharp-witted and curious apothecary who finds herself embroiled in palace intrigue. She’s got such a cat personality, and I love her.
When creating fan art of Maomao, I wanted to capture not just her intelligence and resourcefulness but also her sass. I really focused on her distinct features—her sharp, knowing expression, traditional outfit, and how to represent her extensive knowledge of plants, flowers, and poisons.
I had a lot of fun trying a brighter color palette than usual, using the first cover of the series as inspiration for the green background and framing. I matched the flowers to her purple eyes, playing with that contrast to make her stand out even more.
Beyond Journey’s End – Frieren Fan Art
Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End is a manga that follows an introspective exploration of time and relationships. The story follows Frieren, an elven mage who outlives her companions and embarks on a journey of reflection and self-discovery.
The themes of memory, loss, and the passage of time are beautifully woven into the narrative, making it a poignant and thought-provoking read.
When creating fan art of Frieren, I wanted to capture her serene yet melancholic essence. Her calm demeanor and quiet strength inspired me to use soft colors and flowing brushstrokes. I drew her hair blowing in the wind to symbolize the passage of time, highlighting how she remains a constant yet continues to evolve.
The gentle flowers in the background represent her growing capacity to care, with her emotions and attachments slowly blossoming. My goal was to reflect the emotional depth of the story while portraying Frieren’s enduring spirit.
Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun: Nene Fan Art
Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun is a delightful blend of supernatural elements, humor, and heartwarming moments. The series revolves around Nene Yashiro, a high school girl who encounters Hanako-kun, a spirit haunting the school’s bathrooms. The striking art style, color language, and charming character designs are what first drew me to this manga.
In my fan art of Nene, I aimed to capture her bubbly personality and the playful yet mystical atmosphere of Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun. I wanted to highlight that while Nene is just a human girl, much of her magic comes from her unwavering drive to protect and support those she cares about.
I used dark, yet vibrant colors and a dynamic pose to reflect the energy she brings to the story. Even though the series has a fun ghost story vibe, it also explores high-stakes situations involving life and death, with plenty of dramatic moments. I wanted to balance that duality in my piece.
Cheeky Vampire: Anju Maaka Fan Art
Cheeky Vampire, also known as Karin, is a unique take on vampire lore with a charming mix of humor, romance, and supernatural drama. Anju Maaka, the younger sister of the protagonist Karin, is a character who has always intrigued me and been my favorite even when I first read it as a young teen.
When creating fan art of Anju, I aimed to capture the gothic elegance and underlying sadness that define her character. I used a darker color palette and paid special attention to the shadows and lighting to emphasize her mysterious aura.
If you want to follow along with my creative journey, check out my social media profile @shadowbloom_art for updates, tips, and my latest projects.
