Gazing at the clouds for new anime and manga ideas

By Rick Feathers

Do you need a new idea to create your next anime? Are you looking for a unique character or animal to draw? Are you in seek of something interesting for your next manga panel? I have three good suggestions for you to consider.

First, a long car ride. Whenever you go on a trip with family somewhere make a point of bringing your sketch pad and pencil. During the drive, take the time to stare at the clouds in the distance from where you are seated. Looking at the shapes each cloud makes begin sketching out what you see. Don’t be concern about how they look on paper at the moment because what you are doing is brainstorming lots of ideas to draw later.

Second, a distance air plane trip. Flying can be very boring with nothing to do but stare out the window and sleep or it can be a creative time and exciting for new ideas. Again, make sure you bring a sketch pad and pencils on your trip. If you are not seated by a window, ask to trade places with someone and tell them why you want the window seat. It may spark an interest of conversation to see your anime drawings.

The good thing about flying is that you are above the clouds which give you another perspective of how clouds look. Instead of a light blue background, you see green trees, water and other interesting background terrain. Be observant to all that you see and quickly sketch out your idea that comes from the ground you see or a cloud formation.

Third is my favorite, a quite time in a local park or hiking trail. This is one of the best moments to be creative because it’s a time to relax and let your mind roam freely. Again, sketch pad and pencil is very important. Find a place that you can sit down comfortably or lay down in the grass. Start by closing your eyes and begin by just smelling the fresh air and feeling the wind on your face.

Now as you relax, Listen to all the sounds of nature and try not to think of anything and begin clearing your mind of any thoughts. When you reach a calm state, open you eyes and gaze at the clouds through the trees, if it’s a clear day focus on the trees. With your mind clear, think of what manga character is portrayed in the clouds. You will be surprised at how creative you can be when you relax and wait for the ideas to surface in the clouds.

The key is to let the clouds do the thinking for you. Let the clouds be a visual canvas for you to get new ideas and watch the creativity flow freely.