How many times on the internet you have seen some kawaii illustrations and you have thought: it seems so easy, I would like to try? And how many times, after trying, did you realize that no, it is not so easy? Angela Nguyen, illustrator, graphic designer and author of Kawaii. How to Draw Really Cute Stuff, published by Search Press, is here to help us.
The book is mainly for beginners and includes a lot of inspirations and step-by-step directions to start drawing in kawaii style. After a brief introduction on materials and basic techniques (for example how to create poses and expressions), we find a large collection of kawaii drawings divided into macro categories: people, animals, objects. Each drawing is preceded by its line art and sketch, which breaks down the subject into simple geometric shapes.
The transition from the sketch to the final design is perhaps a bit too sudden, at least for hopeless people like myself, who would need a few more steps. However, the purpose of the book is not to passively copy the illustrations, but to acquire the basic techniques and adapt them to your needs and style. In short, Angela shows us the main steps: it is up to us to learn to “connect the dots”.
To whom do we recommend Kawaii. How to Draw Really Cute Stuff? As already mentioned, it is great for beginners of all ages, including children. Even the most experienced, however, will find many ideas and inspirations. Finally, we would like to recommend it to those who use felt or polymer clay, which can take advantage of the composition with geometric shapes for their work.
You can buy Kawaii. How to Draw Really Cute Stuff, by Angela Nguyen, in bookstores or on Amazon.