The "Manga Creature" Art Doll Challenge

500 Manga Creatures by Yishan Studi

Theme: Manga Creature
 

Subject: Comic artistry in doll (figure) design

 

Historical Connections: The History of manga is said to originate from scrolls dating back to the 12th century, however whether these scrolls are actually manga is still disputed, though its believed they represent the basis for the right-to-left reading style. Other authors report origins closer to the 18th century. Manga is a Japanese term that generally means "comics" or "cartoon", literally "whimsical sketches." Historians and writers on manga history have described two broad and complementary processes shaping modern manga. Their views differ in the relative importance they attribute to the role of cultural and historical events following World War II versus the role of pre-War, Meiji, and pre-Meiji Japanese culture and art.
      The first view emphasizes events occurring during and after the U.S. Occupation of Japan (1945-1952), and stresses that manga was strongly shaped by United States cultural influences, including U.S. comics brought to Japan by the GIs and by images and themes from U.S. television, film, and cartoons (especially Disney). According to Sharon Kinsella, the booming post-war Japanese publishing industry helped create a consumer-oriented society in which publishing giants like Kodansha could shape popular taste. 

 

Materials: 

• Newsprint
• Paper clay
• Acrylic paint
• Masking tape
• White glue
• Tin foil
• A heavy rock approximately half the size of your own fist
• Gesso or paint primer (If you are an doll artist, use the Gesso.)
• Varnish
• Paint brush and a variety of tools for shaping the creature

Methods of Construction: process

1. After selecting a prototype Manga Creature from the resource listed below, students may make alterations to their chosen creature.
2. Students will then crush and mask the basic shape of their creature from a combination of newsprint and foil.
3. Include the rock in this wrapping process. The rock will serve to weigh down your creature so that it will not tip over after the doll/figure has been sculpted.
4. Mask the entire form thoroughly.
5. Rub down the figure with glue and layer of newsprint strips on top of it as your work.
6. Apply the paper clay evenly over your creature and shape features with tools.
7. Layer with a paintbrush, a coat of Gesso or paint primer and let the figure dry.
8. Paint your creature and then finish the surface with varnish.

Pattern Location: link, instructor or a pattern book

• Pattern ideas will be developed from “500 Manga Creatures by Yishan Studio.”

Expectations/Objectives/Goals: listing

• Students will interpret a two-dimensional drawing into a three-dimensional object.
• Students will use simple shapes to interpret a three dimensional concept.
• Students will discuss both the differences and similarities between ancient Japanese cartoons and Manga cartoons within the classroom environment, during a Power Point presentation.

Exhibit: Finished figures will be exhibited inside a showcase located on the school property or be photographed by the instructor and uploaded to an internet forum/blog.

 

Feedback/Assessment: Students will either participate in an online discussion, classroom critiques or be expected to fill out a self-assessment form.

 

Include the following on a label with your finished project:

• A Title
• Your Name
• The date the project was completed
• The materials used
• An approximate size

Visit a Maga Artist:

• Yishan Li – Manga/Comic Artist, Graphic Designs