Learn to Draw in Studio Ghibli Style

Learn to Draw in Studio Ghibli Style

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. About Studio Ghibli
3. The Character "Kit" by Matt Furrow
4. Sketching Kit in the Ghibli Style 4.1 Front-facing pose 4.2 Bent over pose 4.3 Crossed legs pose 4.4 Floating pose
5. Inking Kit in the Ghibli Style
6. Choosing Colors for Kit
7. Cel-Shading Kit for the Ghibli Effect 7.1 Applying Blur and Opacity to Line Art 7.2 Adding Washed Out Look 7.3 Adding Texture with Noise and Multiply Blending Mode
8. Final Touches and Reflections
9. Conclusion

Redrawing a Character in the Style of Studio Ghibli

Do You love the magical and awe-inspiring animations created by Studio Ghibli? Have you ever wondered what a character would look like if they were drawn in the iconic Ghibli style? In this article, we will explore the process of redrawing a character named Kit in the distinctive style of Studio Ghibli.

About Studio Ghibli

Before we dive into the details of redrawing Kit, it's important to understand the beauty and uniqueness of the Studio Ghibli style. Studio Ghibli is a renowned Japanese animation studio known for its breathtaking visuals, imaginative storytelling, and Attention to Detail. Their films such as "Spirited Away," "My Neighbor Totoro," and "Princess Mononoke" have captivated audiences worldwide with their enchanting characters and stunning landscapes.

The Character "Kit" by Matt Furrow

Kit is a character created by the talented artist Matt Furrow, who shares his artwork on platforms like Twitter and ArtStation. Matt's art showcases his creativity and dedication to his craft, making him a perfect choice for redrawing Kit in the Studio Ghibli style. Kit's design features unique elements like her balloon pants, which present an interesting challenge when adapting her to the Ghibli style.

Sketching Kit in the Ghibli Style

To begin the process of redrawing Kit, we start with several sketches to explore different poses and capture the essence of her character. The first sketch is a front-facing pose, which serves as a foundation to get a feel for Kit's appearance. The following sketches experiment with more dynamic poses, such as a bent-over position or crossed legs. Each sketch presents its own challenges, especially when incorporating Kit's distinctive balloon pants.

Inking Kit in the Ghibli Style

Once the desired pose is selected, it's time to ink the final line art of Kit. Careful attention is given to using the right brushes, such as the triangle brush from the Kyle T Webster's ultimate brush pack, to emulate the animation cell look of Studio Ghibli. The lines are intentionally kept sketchy and wobbly to maintain the Charm and HAND-drawn feel. The boots, which are a significant aspect of Kit's design, are inked with precision to stay true to Matt Furrow's original concept.

Choosing Colors for Kit

Color selection plays a vital role in capturing the Ghibli style. Referring to Matt's turn around, colors are desaturated slightly to achieve a washed-out cel look. Instead of using pure white for white elements like the eyes and tank top, an eggshell color is chosen to add a touch of warmth and complement the 80s anime feel. Shading is carefully applied to enhance the depth and detail, focusing on specific areas to keep it minimalistic.

Cel-Shading Kit for the Ghibli Effect

To achieve the nostalgic cel-shaded effect of Ghibli films, additional techniques are applied to the line art. Blurring the topmost layer of the line art with a Gaussian blur adds a softness and low-definition look. Layering a yellow wash over the line art further enhances the aged appearance of an animation cell. Finally, adding noise and applying a multiply blending mode gives the illustration a textured and vintage feel.

Final Touches and Reflections

With the bulk of the illustration complete, it's time for final touches and reflections. A few adjustments are made to correct any minor issues, such as resizing the head and refining the shadow under Kit's boob. Taking breaks during the drawing process could have helped identify these issues earlier. Despite these minor hiccups, the joy and satisfaction of redrawing Kit in the Ghibli style shine through.

Conclusion

In conclusion, redrawing a character in the style of Studio Ghibli is a fun and rewarding experience for any artist or fan of Ghibli animations. The process involves sketching poses, inking with attention to detail, selecting appropriate colors, and applying cel-shading techniques to achieve the nostalgic Ghibli effect. By embracing the charm and uniqueness of Studio Ghibli's style, artists can breathe new life into familiar characters and Create captivating illustrations.

Highlights:

1. Learn the step-by-step process of redrawing a character in the iconic Studio Ghibli style.
2. Explore the challenges of adapting a character design, such as Kit's balloon pants, to the Ghibli aesthetic.
3. Discover the importance of color selection and cel-shading techniques in capturing the Ghibli look.
4. Gain insights into the thought process and decision-making behind each artistic choice.
5. Experience the joy and satisfaction of creating a Ghibli-inspired illustration that pays homage to the legendary animation studio.

FAQs:

Q: Can I redraw any character in the Studio Ghibli style, or is it limited to specific characters? A: You can redraw any character in the Studio Ghibli style, as long as you understand the key elements that define the style, such as the distinctive linework, color choices, and cel-shading techniques.

Q: Does redrawing a character in the Ghibli style require advanced artistic skills? A: While having intermediate to advanced artistic skills can certainly help, anyone with a passion for art and a willingness to learn can attempt to redraw a character in the Ghibli style. With practice and perseverance, you can develop the necessary techniques to capture the essence of the style.

Q: Are there any other animation studios with similar styles to Studio Ghibli? A: While Studio Ghibli has a unique and recognizable style, there are other animation studios that have their own distinct aesthetics. Some examples include Pixar, Disney Animation, and Laika Studios. Each studio brings its own visual language and storytelling approach to their animations.