A manga drawing page, or simply 'manga paper', is specifically designed to accommodate the unique qualities of this distinct comic book format. It's essential for artists to understand the intricacies of this paper to channel the full potential of their work.
The term 'manga' originates from Japanese, meaning 'whimsical pictures'. It's a visual style of storytelling that encompasses diverse genres, readers, and themes. The paper used to create manga befits this versatile art form.
Types of Manga Drawing Pages
There are primarily two types of manga drawing pages: light and smooth.
Light paper is generally thinner and less dense, whereas smooth paper is thicker and has a more textured surface, which is useful for different types of drawings and shading effects.
Light Manga Paper
Typically, light paper is around 60gsm to 80gsm and is quite similar to standard printer paper. It's preferred for sketching, line art, and inking due to its low creasing factor and high tactile feedback.
While it's not ideal for shading and blending, artists often use it for initial sketches and outlines. The low opacity also conquers well when used with ink, allowing for clean, bold lines.
Smooth Manga Paper
Smooth paper typically ranges from 120gsm to 180gsm and features a more luxuriant texture. The exceptional surface enables smooth shading and blending, making it perfect for depicting gradients and intricate details.
Artists often prefer smooth paper for coloring and rendering, although it can be more challenging to work with when it comes to inking and initial sketches due to its higher opacity and susceptibility to smudging.
Choosing the Right Manga Drawing Page
Choosing the right manga paper depends on your specific needs, the stage of your art process, and your personal preference.
For instance, if you're initially sketching, light paper might be more suitable. Alternatively, if you're focusing on intricate details and shading, a smooth paper could be beneficial.
Sketching and Line Art
For initial sketching and line art, light paper is commonly preferred due to its low creasing factor and high tactile feedback. It also allows for cleaner lines when inked.
Some popular choices include Canson 'Texture' and 'Mix Media' papers, and Khan of Pen and Paper's sketchbook papers.
Shading and Coloring
When it comes to shading and coloring, artists often opt for smooth paper due to its superior surface for blending and gradient depiction.
Prominent examples include Papersaurus' 'Baserare' and 'Dekokoho', and Making Co.'s 'Grandee' manga paper. Each brand offers a variety of weights, and the best option depends on the specific needs of your project.
Ultimately, experimenting with different types of manga drawing pages is the key to discovering what works best for you. The process of trial and error can help you determine which type of paper caters to your art style the most.