Thread:Mandiga/@comment-90.203.247.178-20160919172511/@comment-26890640-20160919185114

Hi there! I hope you don't mind if I answer but I've been in that position artistically.

First of all, I wouldn't say that anime style is nessecarily bad, and it isn't nessecary to rid yourself of every single miniscule hallmark of the style. It can actually be counterproductive at times, because you can get caught up in eliminating everything instead of developing a style.

To change your art style, it helps to have an idea of what you want it to look like. Find artists whose styles you enjoy and pick out what you like about it. For instance, I loved the art of Faith Erin Hicks, particularly the dark eyes and the overall quirkiness. I also wanted to become more diverse with body and face shapes.Once you have an idea of what you'd like to work towards, experiment. Imitate their styles, incorporate stuff into your own style, try mashing art styles together and choose what you like.

I also can't emphasise the importance of drawing from life/photos. If you really want to drop all anime elements, drawing realistically contains none of them. It helps you learn about human form, diversity, and details you might not have noticed (for instance the range of ear shapes, eyebrows or how people's faces wrinkle and distort depending on facial expression, shape and age) Even if you're leaning towards a more simplistic cartoony style, it helps to know this stuff.

Anyway, hope this helps, sorry for interrupting and good luck!