Review by Rio
Shojo Fashion Manga Art School is a how-to-draw book from Mark of the Succubus co-creator and illustrator Irene Flores. It’s a 144 colored-page book with tons of illustrations all done in Flores’ unique drawing style, a cross between the typical anime style and a much fuller-figured and lipped Western art.
As the title suggests, this book does focus on shojo and females but there are the occasional male represented within. The book starts off with a quick intro to tools before moving to anatomy. What’s neat about the anatomy sections is that you see three types of lines: blue, black and sometimes red. This, thus, helps you see the sketch in blue, the final inked work and any additional pointer in red. Anatomy is covered in two whole chapters covering everything you may want to learn about the subject.
The next major section are clothes which are fashion forward and covers all types you would find females wearing from jackets, dresses, shorts, swimwear, tops, pants and shoes along with accessories. Sorry, no clothes for men. The book rounds up with a character profile of ten people; six girls and four guys along with how to drawn them in a group situation; and a quick chapter on how to draw backgrounds using perspective.
Shojo Fashion is aimed towards the female reader with it’s subject, coloring, and flower-filled pages. With that said, guys should be able to pick this up regardless if they can get past the feminine touches. It’s also good for any age group as it’s not text heavy, well written, and nothing salacious for the young to inadvertently see. The price may be a little pricey for the cash strapped but I’m sure you can find a store where it’s discounted. I must say that this book is one of the nicer drawn and laid out Western How to Draw Manga books out there. Pick it up if you’re into this subject and need a decent drawing book. It’s one book I doubt will ever become out of print.
Shojo Fashion Manga Art School
by Irene Flores
#160061180X
color
144 pp
$MSRP
Introduction
1 Tools and Techniques
Basic Equipment
Line Weight
Add Color
2 Drawing Bodies
The Difference Between Guys and Girls
The Arm
Bone’s Connection to the Shoulder Bone
The Leg
Bone’s Connection to the Knee Bone
Hands
Feet
Drawing from the Inside Out
Body Types
Putting People in Poses
Action Poses
Putting Your Poses in Perspective
3 Drawing Heads and Faces
Basic Structure
Eye Shape and Structure
Mouths
Nose
Ears
Facial Expressions
Hair
4 Drawing Clothes
Fabric 101
Shirts
Sweaters
Sweatshirts
Blazers and Long Coats
Warm Coats
Pants
Shorts
Swimwear
Skirts
Dresses
Hats
Gloves and Mittens
Scarves
Socks and Slippers
Sensible Shoes
Heels
Boots
Purses and Bags
Jewelry, Glasses and Other Fun Accessories
5 Cool Looks, Step by Step
Queen of Drama
The Sportswoman
Happy-Go-Lucky
The Socialite
Girl Next Door
The Independent
Well-Balanced
The Famed
Pseudo Punk
The Solitary
Two Friends
Group of Girls
Group of Guys
A Couple
6 Setting the Scene, Step by Step
Understand Perspective
The Skyline
The Classrooom
The Coffee Shop
Bedroom Chic
Index
