And yet, I’m really bad with shōjo manga.
Maybe it’s because it assumes the heroine needs to be protected?
I’ve never been comfortable with the men in shōjo manga. To me, they often feel domineering—either overbearing and unquestionable, or cold and distant.
As I’ve been thinking about this, I realized that my own art style has gradually drifted away from anything resembling “shōjo.”
My characters don’t sparkle and plead, “Look at me.”
I genuinely love independent, strong women.
When I draw something cute, I hesitate a little.
What if it becomes too cute?
I don’t want it to look weak—like she has to be protected by a man.
Still, on a simple level, I want to get better at drawing cute girls.
