3 fears manga artists must face on their creative journey

Many manga artists experience fears that can stifle their creative journey. You’ve probably heard phrases like:
“You need to improve your skills before posting your content!”
“Your drawing isn’t good enough to publish yet!”

If these so-called “tips” have frustrated you, it’s time to ignore those voices. Their advice may help others, but it’s not for you!

Why listening to “experts” might keep you from growing as a manga artist

If you follow every piece of expert advice, there’s a strong chance you’ll never post your content at all. Here are two reasons why that could happen:

Comparison trap: You compare your work to artists who have been in the industry for decades. No matter how much you improve, you feel disappointed when you see your own art.

Perfectionism: Your art will never feel “perfect.” The more you improve, the more you’ll criticise your past work. If you wait for perfection before posting, you might never publish anything.

 

 

Take Picasso, for example. Critics in his time judged his work against artists like Leonardo Da Vinci, but Picasso created his own style and is celebrated for it today. So why worry about whether your art fits the “expert” mould? Those same critics won’t read a single chapter of your manga, so their opinions shouldn’t hold you back.

Constructive criticism vs harmful feedback: knowing the difference

While receiving constructive feedback is vital to growth, it’s essential to set boundaries. When feedback stops you from creating altogether, that’s a red flag. No one starts off with a 10/10; improvement comes from practice and putting your work out there.

The earlier you begin sharing your work, the faster you’ll see your growth. Look at artists like Eiichiro Oda, creator of One Piece. Comparing his early volumes to his latest ones, you’ll see tremendous improvement in both storytelling and art. The same is true for manga creators like CLAMP, whose work in RG Veda or Tokyo Babylon evolved significantly over time.

Get an idea of how the use of grayscale improves your manga aesthetic.

3 fears manga artists must overcome

As you work towards becoming a successful manga artist, you’ll face these three common challenges:
lack of new ideas, rushing character development, and following trends.

1. Running out of new ideas

Every manga artist, from beginners to veterans, has moments when they run out of ideas. It’s perfectly normal. When this happens, the best thing you can do is take a break. Stepping away from your work allows you to return with a fresh perspective.

During your break, stay inspired. Read books, watch anime, and study how other creators depict scenes or develop characters. Take a creative pause, but remain productive by analysing the work of others to help spark your next big idea.

2. Rushing your characters

Many creators mistakenly think that a complex story equals a good story. But simplicity can also be powerful. What truly makes a story memorable is often its universe and well-crafted characters.

Think about iconic characters from series like Batman, Dragon Ball Z, or Lord of the Rings. Can you name at least three characters from each? That’s because the characters leave a lasting impression—whether they’re heroes or villains, they captivate audiences.

When developing your own manga, remember that characters are the key to engaging your readers. Fans often become invested in well-written characters, eager to follow their development and interactions with others. But don’t forget the importance of a coherent plot. A well-structured story is just as crucial as well-rounded characters, especially for your first project.

3. Following trends instead of your own vision

It’s easy to get caught up in trends, especially when certain themes or genres seem to be bringing in the most success. You might wonder: Should I follow the trends to get noticed?

The answer is simple: Stick to your own ideas.

Follow the difficult life of parenting in Welcome Ciarán [parts 1-4]

While trends can be tempting, creating content purely to go viral isn’t the path to long-term success. Even if it works, it’s often fleeting. Instead, focus on creating stories that resonate with you. Analyse why popular stories work, but incorporate those elements into your own unique vision.

Remember, success doesn’t happen overnight. As a manga artist, your passion and love for your work will shine through. Others will see this, and their appreciation will come back to you tenfold ❤️. Don’t compare yourself to seasoned artists—just start sharing what you’re capable of with the world!

Conclusion

Every artist faces challenges during their creative journey. From running out of ideas to the pressure of following trends, overcoming these obstacles is part of the process. Don’t let fear or external opinions hold you back. Share your art, stay consistent, and watch yourself grow.

Let us know in the comments which of these challenges you’ve struggled with the most!