FYI #1: there is no quick fix when it comes to any character design/visualization This is not a how-to.
FYI #2: you must want
to want to draw characters of colour. No obligation, no desultory "oh right, diversity quotient fill", no afterthought (unless that afterthought then takes time, of course! :D). This is not a reprimand that YOU MUST DRAW CHARACTERS OF COLOUR ALL THE TIME, I WILL BE MONITORING YOUR ART OUTPUT. You do what you want. If you want to draw characters of colour without feeling guilt-ridden or like this is a challenge or judgement on your art, then please read on.
FYI #3: The advice I give in this guideline (ie take the time to think about what you draw) really applies to everything. The reason I'm writing this out is because it's one thing to
know general knowledge; it's a whole other task to know how to
apply general knowledge to specific tasks.
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WHY IS THIS RELEVANT?In terms of most fanart, there is a dearth of visualized characters of colour. I think the main exception to that is perhaps manga/anime fandoms (I say 'perhaps', given how
many debates there are about the ethnicities of manga characters); but for me, it's still not enough.
Fanwriters have been batting this topic back and forth for a while now. When faced with a diverse cast of characters in a fandom, issues of character depth, character plot, character story and character interest are cited as reasons why it's sometimes difficult to write the character(s) of colour. And who can blame many fandomers for thinking this way? Many times the official writers of a movie/book/tv make the white characters more 'interesting' and therefore in fandom, more easy or compelling to write.
Official writers do this on purpose, because the entertainment industry is convinced that people only want to watch white heroes and the stories of white people. They will make more money if they use lead white actors; and yes: financially-motivated discrimination is still discrimination. Anything with lead characters of colour is generally considered 'special interest', 'niche' or 'fluke success'. Or, you know cancelled. (But I digress, ahaha I distrust the entertainment industry so very much. Ahhh yes.)So! When it comes to fanart, this reasoning can still apply. White characters are generally the main characters of large (or well-known) fandoms; therefore in fanart they get drawn more. They are considered more 'interesting', because the official writers of the canon tell and demonstrate to us that they are by giving them the complex character development, stories and plot. (RPF ties into this, but that's a social commentary I'd rather not get into here.) :D
So. Why is this important to drawing characters of colour? Read on!
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WORDS OF ADVICE- Do not try to tell your friends how awesome it is that you're drawing characters of colour and actually, they should really start doing it for the sake of Peace on Earth or something like that. They won't like you, and they won't like drawing characters of colour.
- On that note: I am not saying all white characters are all forever evil and horrible and wrong. I refuse to convince you that this statement is what I believe.
- A fest/gift exchange is not the time or place to bravely!defy! the prevalence of white characters in fandom. You signed up to do a piece of art to the specification of your recipient, and it's best for all if you joyfully commit to that.
- Not interested in just doing art for yourself? Looking for places that give you opportunities to work on characters of colour?
Dark Agenda has a myriad of fests you can participate in! If you know of other comms, let me know and I'll link back.
- Looking for a safe, artist's space to get more opinions, advice and general fanart beta services? Look no further than
artbeta.
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QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS- Have any stories or experiences of your own to share? Drop 'em off here (anonymous comments allowed).
- Have questions? Ask away!
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NEXT TUTORIAL: USING PHOTO REFERENCES - the hows, whys and whats
redheadsarehot, who wanted something of George and Ron living above their shop, with their partners Hermione and Angelina. I can't help but think that George couldn't resist trying out new experimental tricks on poor baby bro.