At this year's Anime Expo, Manga Academy had its first "real life" gathering at the Tadashi Ozawa lecture hosted by Digital Manga. People from all over the country attended the panel on the last day of the convention to learn from Mr. Ozawa, author of the wildly popular "How to Draw Anime and Game Characters" series from Graphic sha. Originally an animator with Studio Ghibli and Madhouse, he now spends most of his time traveling the world to educate interested artists on the techniques of drawing their favorite anime characters. His advice spanned from basic tips for the casual artist, to critical tips for those looking to work in the animation field professionally.

Mr. Ozawa was no stiff suit like some imposing star from another country. With his baseball shirt, shorts, sunglasses and open aptitudes, he seemed like the cool art teacher you wish you'd had in high school. He joked with everyone at the start of the panel, making some general small talk to the audience, giving almost the air of a hipster who has charmingly hijacked a group of people. However, as he asked the students present to draw an eye in order to gage the level of learning in the room, the animation director began to slowly reveal itself. Once he had an idea of what people could do, he seemed very impressed with the amount of talent in the room and began to launch into some intermediate techniques to improve drawings. It was time to buckle down and pay attention.

At the end, he showed the group images from some of his work, such as sketches from the "How to Draw Anime and Game Characters" series and some recent images from his current projects. As he wrapped up his talk, it seemed like the two hours in which he had lectured and answered questions had been much shorter, to which Ozawa simply invited them to the "home of manga supplies", the Akadot booth, in which he would personally take a look at the MAer's portfolio and offer comments. We can only hope that Mr. Ozawa will return to the US again soon in order to impart to us more wisdom in drawing manga and anime characters. His engaging teaching style, no nonsense approach and gentle humor is something that no book, no matter how well written can emulate.

For detailed information on the workshop, check out the Announcements at Manga Academy.

For more pictures, check out our Workshop slideshow at Manga Academy!

Get the exclusive Manga Academy AX 2004 Manga Kit Memorabilia here.