Being an Anime Character Conceptual Artist. In America

Though I don't really get any official fanmail or kudos, technically, yes, I'm an American conceptual artist who designs conceptual art that gets used in Japanese anime. That was a dream I had ever since I was 13 and learned someone actually draws such detailed things.

But my background isn't Japanese, it's American. I know American culture. I've never lived in Japan.

But I love anime with all my heart and soul. I love Japan with all my heart and soul, regardless of what I say on the surface.

I'm one of the first non-Japanese American conceptual artists, designers and cartoonists to have his costume and character designs used in Japanese anime & manga at a frequent level. It's been an honor and a privilege to see such a personal miracle happen. That the Japanese approved of my art enough to draw and write it into their shows.

That's what I wanted, wished, for and dreamed of all along. Technically that's what I've achieved. My name isn't in the credits unless it's unofficially, but technically everyone already knows I'm the guy that designed That. The "black overcoat, w/traffic lines and/or swords x guns rugged" look. Doesn't take a rocket scientist to spot a contribution like that.

I get the ULTIMATE HONOR at the end of my life and career. I get to point to the screen and say to myself and anyone around me, "HEY! I DESIGNED THAT! FUG YEAH MAN!"

Want to be an anime designer for a "living" like I've managed to do?

Here's some things you need:

• A Japanese work ethic. Always strive to work as hard and as fast as the Japanese. It doesn't matter if you "succeed officially". All that matters is that you try. People respect an honest effort.

• Strive for design originality and detail. Always work on improving your designs, even when your light years beyond the competition.

• Build a strong web presence. Draw and Publish as many webcomics and illustrations as you can. But comics especially. Don't be shy about displaying your work.

• Accept criticism as part of the job. People are going to criticize you. You think it's any different for Masashi Kishimoto or Eiichiro Oda or Akira Toriyama? No Japanese artists get just as much flack from fans as Americans do. As we all know, I'm no exception to that rule. And you shouldn't be either, if you're any good.

And THAT's all she wrote.