[Course]illustrator,nekojira Details
Intro
Class Intro
Illustrator, Nekojira
"No matter how complex a character is, it all begins with simple shapes."
Turning Shapes into the Most Enchanting Characters
With over 600K followers on social media, Nekojira is widely recognized for his distinctive style. Known for seamlessly blending the softness of his characters with intricate anatomical details and the graceful flow of their silhouettes, his work continues to captivate and inspire audiences worldwide.
If you ask Nekojira, “How do you do what you do?” he will simply answer, “Shapes”. While his illustrations might appear far from simple, Nekojira emphasizes that all of his creations start from the simplest of shapes. In this class, he invites you into his creative process, showing you how to study, manipulate, and transform shapes into the most enchanting characters.
From foundational shapes to mastering values, colors, and rendering, this comprehensive course combines insightful theories, detailed demonstrations, and practical exercises. Guided by Nekojira, you’ll leave this class with your own completed character illustration, and a transformative experience that will take your character creation process to a whole new level.
From foundational shapes to mastering values, colors, and rendering, this comprehensive course combines insightful theories, detailed demonstrations, and practical exercises. Guided by Nekojira, you’ll leave this class with your own completed character illustration, and a transformative experience that will take your character creation process to a whole new level.
Class Preview
Still Not Sure?
Check Out Nekojira's Class Preview!
Chapter 01.
Orientation
1. Introducing your instructor
2. What you will learn
3. Helpful websites and software programs
Class Perks
Special Gift from Nekojira
-
Detailed layers breakdownExclusive Illustration Working Files -
Hands-on practice, editable templatesClass Exercises PSD Files -
Artist’s tools, optimized preset20+ Custom Brushes -
Process highlights, fully layeredFinal Illustration Timelapse & Working File
Class Material Details
-
Exclusive Illustration Working Files- 2 Exclusive PSD files featuring two fully rendered illustrations.
- These illustrations are separate from the final project created during the class.
- Offers a behind-the-scenes look into advanced techniques and approaches. -
8+ Exercises & Final Illustration PSD Files- Over 8 PSD Files designed to reinforce key lessons, from shape studies to detailed character rendering.
- Gain insight into practical applications of the class exercises that Nekojira has designed.
- PSD working file of the final illustration to study layer structures, techniques, and workflow in-depth.
- Provides a comprehensive view of the artist's process for mastering character illustration. -
Artist Pick: 20+ Custom Brushes- A collection of 20+ custom brushes handpicked by the artist.
- Includes versatile brushes optimized for efficiency and tailored to support students throughout this class and beyond.
Expert Illustrator Nekojira's Portfolio
*This portfolio includes fanart.
Why Take This Class?
The Ultimate Behind-the-Scenes of Nekojira’s Creation Process.
For the first time ever, Nekojira reveals his entire character creation workflow, at Coloso. But this isn’t just a regular tutorial; it is a testament to his years of dedication, experimentation, and growth as an artist. Nekojira imparts everything he’s discovered, honed, and perfected, inviting you to experience the thrill and satisfaction of bringing your dream characters to life.
In this class, you’ll uncover the secrets of rhythm in shape design, the art of atmosphere, and how light and shadow become tools to create mood and depth. Through hands-on exercises you’ll learn the delicate balance of tonal values and color saturation, crafting illustrations that are as technically precise as they are emotionally compelling. If Nekojira’s works resonate with you and you dream of creating your own characters with the same profound impact, don’t wait any further, because this is the perfect chance.
18 Class Exercises
-
Abstracting Arm and Legs by Using CSI Technique -
Capturing the Body (Part 1) -
Capturing the Body (Part 2)
-
Capturing the Body (Part 3) -
Creating Boxes Based on Your Favorite Proportion -
Faces and Expression Practice
-
Designing the Flow of the Hair -
Head Drawing Practice -
Fold Drawing Practice
-
Final Drawing Sketch -
Simple Portrait Painting -
Line Art Demo
-
Cloth & Hair Painting Demo -
Color Sketch Demo -
Skin Painting Demo
-
Final Drawing Color Experiment -
Final Drawing Finishing -
Final Touch Up Tips
* Above are sample images for a better understanding.
Final Product
Final Character Illustration
Instructor
Illustrator
Nekojira
Hello! I’m Nekojira, and it’s a pleasure to meet you! I’ve been working as a freelance illustrator for about five years. Before that, I served as a teaching assistant at Krenz’s Art Academy.
As an artist, I understand how frustrating it can be when a lack of understanding holds us back from expressing our ideas. In this class, I’ll be sharing the trials and errors I’ve encountered along the way and sharing with you how to solve the puzzles. I hope my experiences can help you piece together the missing parts of your future art journey.
Illustrator, Nekojira
[Current]
Freelance Illustrator
[Previous]
[2019-2022] Krenz’s Artwork Academy Teaching Assistant
[Character Design] Revived Witch, Azur Lane, Hololive English
[Illustration] Arknights, Azur Lane, Hololive
Highlights
Class Highlights
Simplify Complex Objects by Reconstructing and Redesigning
Train yourself to avoid falling into the trap of details by understanding the core of the object and breaking it down into simple steps. Master techniques to abstract visual information into essential forms, allowing you to confidently build complexity while maintaining clarity and balance in your designs.
Create Dynamic Lighting: Experimenting with Shadow and Shapes
Strategize lighting compositions by analyzing the relationship between shadow shapes and their impact on volume, mood, and storytelling. Learn how to manipulate light direction, occlusion shadows, and edge control to create a sense of depth and dynamic energy in your illustrations.
Key Considerations for Creating Eye-Catching Character Illustrations
Face the challenges in illustration together, by using a variety of special tips and tricks to solve complicated puzzles. Explore advanced tips on harmonizing facial expressions, costumes, and poses, ensuring your characters stand out with strong visual appeal and emotional resonance.
Class Details
You'll Learn
-
Rhythm of Shapes and SilhouetteExplore various ways to create contrast in shapes: simple vs. complex, curves vs. straight lines, narrow vs. wide, etc. Learn how to use contrast and design effectively when working with shape language -
Principles About Light and ShadowLearn to use light and shadow to sculpt forms, create atmosphere, and highlight focal points in your illustration, ensuring that your work has both clarity and emotional depth. -
Color TheoryDiscover how to effectively use color by understanding color relationships, saturation, and tonal value. Learn how to create visually cohesive and emotionally impactful color schemes through various exercises.
-
Rendering by Controlling DetailsLearn how to control the details without overdoing or oversimplifying them by considering tonal value, saturation, and edges, and applying these elements during detail rendering. -
Planning and StrategiesStudy how to plan color thumb sketches, which play an essential role in creating illustrations. This process will guide you in organizing your design elements to build stronger, more cohesive character concepts from the beginning. -
Creating Character IllustrationApply everything you've gained by creating your final character illustration. You'll explore how to utilize shape design, lighting, shadow, color, and detail control to bring a character to life.
Interview with
Illustrator Nekojira
Question.01
Is there a specific reason why you chose this specific topic/themes?
I’ve always loved white — it’s been my favorite color for as long as I can remember. I’m constantly exploring new ways to use white as a theme. After years of practice and experimentation, I’ve gathered a lot of experience to share on this topic. Not only have my techniques matured, but the mistakes I’ve made along the way might be an interesting topic to share with.
Question.02
What makes your class different from other classes?
Other than fundamental sharing, I will focus more on the idea of "how to present a soft, gentle atmosphere." You will get a clearer understanding of how I plan and consider this specific topic. I will deconstruct and analyze my works deeply, sharing the idea behind "why and how did I do it in this way?" If you, too, love soft and gentle atmospheres like me, I hope my sharing can help.
Question.03
What are some "to-go" or "must-have" tools in your industry, and why?
As a character-focused illustrator, making characters attractive is essential for me. Capturing both appearance and personality to attract the audience is a core skill. In this class, I’ll share my approach to creating characters — considering facial expressions, body shapes, and hairstyles. Balancing these elements to ensure the character resonates with the audience is a challenging task, but a very welcoming one that is fun to play with. I hope my sharing will help you overcome this challenge.
Required Programs
This course will use Clip Studio Paint.
Please purchase and install these program(s) for an optimized chapter experience.
*These programs and/or materials will not be provided with the chapter.
