Blog by This Self-Taught Artist

Homage to Akira Toriyama: The Legendary Manga and Anime Creator Who Influenced So Many

When I first laid eyes on Akira Toriyama’s Dragon Ball series, it felt like a jolt of electricity. The vibrant colors, dynamic characters, and explosive action sequences were unlike anything I had ever seen. Like many fans around the world, I was immediately hooked, and little did I know, this series would become a cornerstone of my artistic journey. Today, let’s take a moment to pay homage to the legendary Akira Toriyama, whose work has not only shaped the world of anime but has also deeply influenced countless artists, including myself. The Genius Behind Dragon Ball. Akira Toriyama, born on April 5, 1955, in Nagoya, Japan, is a name synonymous with anime and manga excellence. Before creating Dragon Ball, Toriyama gained popularity with Dr. Slump, a quirky and humorous manga series. However, it was Dragon Ball that catapulted him into international stardom, establishing him as one of the most influential figures in the anime and manga industry.

Original Fanart Dragon Ball Goku in Turtle School Uniform Gi by This Self-Taught Artist

Posted by: ThisSelfTaughtArtist

Category: personal | Tag: homage, traditional, digital, anime

Get started as a Self-Taught Artist

Ever since I can remember, I've had this urge to pick up a pencil or brush and just create. There's something about expressing myself through art that feels so right, you know? It's like I'm tapping into this whole other dimension of myself. So, I decided to dive headfirst into learning and improving my skills. With little formal training, I took a few classes here and there, I had to rely on whatever resources I could find – online tutorials, books, workshops, and a lot of trial and error. Comic books and cartoons were definitely a major influence growing up and even still to this day. It's been a wild ride of practicing, experimenting, and learning from my mistakes.

Posted by: ThisSelfTaughtArtist

Category: guide, personal | Tag: traditional, drawing

Exercise Blind Contour Art Drawing for hand eye coordination practice

Hey there, fellow doodlers and aspiring artists! Are you ready to embark on a wild and wacky adventure into the world of blind contour drawing? Buckle up, because we're about to dive headfirst into one of the quirkiest, most challenging, and downright hilarious art exercises out there. What the Heck is Blind Contour Drawing? So, you may be wondering, what exactly is blind contour drawing? Well, strap in, because it's about to get weird. Blind contour drawing is a drawing exercise where you sketch a subject without looking at your paper. Yep, you heard that right – no peeking allowed! Instead, you focus all your attention on the subject, tracing its contours and details with your eyes while your hand follows along on the paper.

Posted by: ThisSelfTaughtArtist

Category: practice | Tag: drawing, traditional, digital

Navigating Art Theory versus Practice as a Self-Taught Artist

As a self-taught artist, the relationship between art theory and practice can be both complex and intriguing. While understanding the principles of art theory is essential for developing a strong foundation in artistic knowledge, practical application and hands-on experience play a crucial role in honing your skills and finding your unique artistic voice. In this in-depth blog article, we'll explore the dynamic interplay between art theory and practice, and how self-taught artists can navigate this journey to achieve their creative goals.

Posted by: ThisSelfTaughtArtist

Category: theory, practice, guide | Tag: drawing, color, traditional, digital