Xi Chen the Illustrator

Style test for my #manga #YAGN project. I say it's a #shojomanga but some of my beta readers after reading the script said it's not. Who knows XDDD. I also designed and built a 3d scene for the story, not polished yet.

Some #CharacterDesign for my personal #YA #YAGN #GraphicNovel #shojomanga #manga project. Still need to polish some supporting characters and main characters' posing to better show off their personalities.

Huge update! Congrats!

I started an online #manga class. It's my first time creating manga XD. The instructor assisted Japanese manga artists for years. Among classmates, many either have work online or on going in Japan. The TA is awesome. Are people interested in seeing my homework and critique later? #graphicnovel

That sounds like a dream come true. Thx for the opportunity! xichenillust.com

Some character design draft dump.

How can you force yourself to finish one sketch within 15min without it looking broken? I seriously CAN NOT...

Oh my gosh congrats!!! I'm actually planning on making my very first YA GN/ shojo manga and pitch it to north America publisher and I AM so concerned that it would be super long. I seriously wonder how tolerant publishers are for long projects coming from debut artists...

May I know in current setting, if letter in Comic Paint Studio or Photoshop, what the desired front size usually is. And name for the common font? Thank you so much!

Character design for my #YoungAdult #RomanceFantasy #GraphicNovel. Still needs to work on other details. I wanna go for a #shojomanga appeal. I know the publication industry is not so welcoming to anime art style, but if I have to draw something for 350p, better go with the style I'm happy with

Artists working in mainstream USA comics: Marvel, DC, Dark Horse, Image, etc. all expect art to these dimensions. I'm seeing more and more disregard for the standard specs, and it affects everyone's deadlines to have production try and wrestle your art into proper proportions.

The sad thing is when my taste go against the majority, I start to question myself, if I want to create something that pleases the majority but can’t appreciate what they appreciate, then it’s likely that I’d utterly fail my job XD.

I got discouraged writing my manuscript so I shift to drawing, then I got discouraged drawing. What a creative process. I finished Howl’s Moving Castle and left so confused. Despite of the opening scene I didn’t get anything.I got furious watching Ponyo. Maybe I’m born to dislike Miyazaki. I’m wrong

I wonder what makes people wanna buy a young adult graphic novel. I used to plan to write a romance story. I shared it to some people. They told me it’s boring. So I took a screenplay writing class and redo my story. Although I only have a rough outline, it seems like an adventure action story now…

Slightly better? BTW, let me know if you don't wanna see anime on this account, since most people follow me from kidlit.

I’m stuck on the 3rd act climax, like I don’t know how to let my characters solve the problem in their own unique way cuz I some how come up with a villain that creates much bigger problem than the main character can handle XD. Or maybe it’s me coming up with a problem that I can not solve hahah

I seriously wanna start drawing my graphic novel but I get stuck on script. I took a screenplay writing class and trashed my first outline but can’t finish the second version. I also have another YAOI idea but not sure if I should do it XD. Should I just start drawing and forget about writing?

I’m just not sure how would kidlit people think off girls or guys with too much sexual appeal hahaha.

I'll be in the same boat soon. Good luck!

Hey #PortfolioDay! I'm a Chinese Illustrator in US, looking for #PictureBook #MiddleGrade #comic illustration and #CharacterDesign gig. Former game artist for 8 years. I love #Fantasy and whimsical things!
Seeking representation.
🎨 xichenillust.com
✉️ xichenillust@gmail.com
#KidLitArt #cover

I've been thinking if I should post my anime drawing here. I LOVE anime guys, but it has nothing to do with kidlit or graphic novel? I'd like to make this account a kidlit or graphic novel related work account. But I have no intention making a new account for anime drawings. What do you guys think?

One reason I decide to turn to traditional publishing over self-publishing was because there's too much business involved and sounded like it doesn't need too much social media presence. But to come to the bottom of it, I still have to do the work somehow XD.

I haven't drawn anything for months. I'm too caught up with coming up with my own story and learn how to. I've been watching tutorials, reading others' books. I even turn my dusty kindle on. I don't know if I can come up with anything at all...And the cost to push it forward is kind of scary.

This scares me. But maybe I'm too early to be scared of this since I'm still trying to figure out my story XD

But companies only have that one or two slot, a teacher can only take that many students at once. No one wants to wait. It's not art community's problem, is limited resource problem.

Thank you so so much. I’ll dive deep into it.

I’m sorry to intrude, could you give more info about Barry Goldblatt’s case? I tried to look for it but Google doesn’t help me much. I really mean to message you in private but Bluesky doesn’t let me. Plz dm me if Bluesky allows. Thank you so much.

I’m sorry to intrude, could you give more info about Barry Goldblatt’s case? I tried to look for it but Google doesn’t help me much. I really mean to message you in private but Bluesky doesn’t let me. Thank you so much.

I want to make a graphic novel about a girl mermaid and her adventure in human world, but the scene I want to draw the most is two guys fighting over their own family heritage XDDDD

www.crunchyroll.com/watch/GWDU7M...

Tobe Hero X!!! High stake, fast pace, perfect animation and cinematography. Soooo proud of this Chinese anime. If making a graphic novel, I wish I could make something like this XDDDD