Currently living in Tokyo with permanent residency. I work as a software designer and recently have been thinking about switching to professional illustration. I speak Japanese and English.
I’ve worked freelance and managed clients before, but I’m rusty on the technical details. I learned illustration back before the switch to digital, so I’m more experienced in traditional medium.
I’d like to find some art programs in Tokyo to learn some new digital art techniques. Any recommendations?
3 comments
Hmm artist here
Why?
In case you dont know supply and demand makes it very hard to be an artist and if you become pro its still low paid unless you are in the skillsets like environment designer (more demand).
I know several programmers with more skill then i do at art who never do art for a living simply because the pay is less then 50% on what they do as programmers.
Just not worth it unless you establish a fan base and sell courses, kickstatters, prints etc.
If you still want to go for it. Programs dont matter that much.
In japan clip studio paint is popular but PS or any other works as well.
Why not start with a pencil?
Edit: oh wait you meant courses right?
Loads of online courses. No need to learn in Japanese, unless you want to be a manga artist or something.
Online: New Masters Academy, Gnomon School
Top online programs at the moment.
Art Renewal Center is an american institution that vets schools for realistic and traditional drawing and paint techniques, I havent checked if they have any schools vetted by them in Japan, but if you see one its usually a solid option
If you wanna go for something local, check for classes with Charles Bargue casts or courses, its the main teaching method favored in ARC