So you think you can draw?

Believe you’ve got what it takes to become a Manga artist?

You’re not alone.

The first annual “Cartoon Performance Test” was held in Japan on June 17th, at 40 locations nationwide, and approximately 600 people showed up! The proficiency exam was designed for beginners as well as experienced cartoonists.

According to Comipress, the test consisted of four levels for general ability, three levels each for character, story, and drawing technique, and two levels for the potential job of Manga Assistant.

Would-be artists and artist assistants were given three hours to complete the exam, which included drawing a self-portrait.

At the Kyushu Designer Institute in Hakata Ku (a city in Fukuoka) alone, 63 contenders, including kids, signed up for critiques from professional artists. The full results will be announced mid-July, and the lucky ones chosen to become Manga Assistants can embark on their new lives in August.

Not quite ready for your work to be seen? Consider formal study at Yoyogi Animation Gakuin, a school for anime and manga. (Hey, it beats a degree in astrophysics. Uh, I think.)
Perhaps you’re more of a critic. If so, you can comment on other people’s manga drawings here.

Happy viewing!

Sarah S.

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