Doodling Pays Off: Artist Andy Fish Teaches Manga Workshop

Manga is the term for Japanese comic books, andit's the basis for many popular Japanese anime. Both are growing in popularity in the United States.

Last year, when Andy Fish and his wife Veronica, both illustrators, visited Japan, they saw first hand how huge of an artform it is.

Participants of the class, which is geared toward teenagers, can expect to learn a bit about the history of Manga, and then a step by step demonstration on general drawing tips and, specifically, how to draw a comic book page. That includes all the proper elements, panels, word balloons, expression, body language and sound effects.

Fish said anyone who enjoys drawing or learning things should attend.

"Drawing is a technical skill, not a talent," said Fish. "We all start out in Kindergarten drawing at the same level, and some people stick with it and get better, others stop drawing so their ability stops, but anyone can pick it up again and learn—just look at Paul Gauguin."

Fish has been teaching at the Worcester Art Museum since 1999, when he was first invited to teach comic book art. He continues to teach youth and adult classes at WAM, and is now a professor of Graphic Novel Studies at Emerson College. Veronica followed nearly the same path, now joining Fish for workshops.

Fish released a series of hardcover "how to" art books for Quarto Publishing in the UK, and he also has a solo show of his paintings coming soon to a gallery in London. Veronica's art is featured in popular galleries in NY and LA. 

"I've been drawing pretty much my how life," said Fish. "As for doodling—you've been talking to Mrs. Hawthorne haven't you?  The irony is that my high school has asked me to come back and speak to graduating classes, and I've delivered the keynote address at the Scholastic Art Awards these past few years, so the doodling paid off after all didn't it?"