Copyright MMIX
Stillwater Area High School
5701 Stillwater Blvd. N.
Stillwater, MN 55082
The Pony Express is not responisble for the content of external websites.
The Pony Express is not responsible for the content of external websites.
Copyright Stillwater Area High School MMX
Distribution Editor
Big round eyes, jagged hair, and exaggerated facial expressions are all key elements of manga. Originally developed in Japan during the years following World War II manga is a drawing style often used for comics or graphic novels and has become a staple of modern Japanese culture. Out of manga evolved anime, the common term for animated manga, which is the use of the manga art style in cartoons. With anime shows such as "Pokémon" and manga novels like Naruto, both manga and anime have become popular in the United States.
"I’m not incredibly obsessed with anime, I enjoy it and like to inform people of all the types of anime out there," said senior Chelsea Dicken head of the Stillwater Area High Schools anime and manga club.
Like many students, Dicken would watch cartoons when she got home from school during her elementary years. Finding herself enjoying the anime shows on television, Dicken began to make her own manga drawings. "Watching cartoons after school is what originally got me interested in the art style," Dicken said.
Dicken possess a strong talent for art as well as a passion for the manga art style. The combination of these two elements have lead Dicken to spend much of her time drawing and perfecting her own original manga art work. "The art style is better than most other stuff out there," said Dicken.
Currently planning on getting a bachelor of fine arts degree at Minneapolis College of Art and Design, Dicken hopes to have the opportunity to improve her manga drawing as well as experiment and expand her ability in a variety of types of art.
"Anime has been a good influence on my art, but I want to try many other things," said Dicken.
One of the goals Dicken has is to someday have her art published. "I want to illustrate children’s book or draw the pictures at the start of chapters in novels," said Dicken.
Being an artist, Dicken attempts to find beauty in all parts of life. When she is not doodling down a new idea on her paper pad she is actively creating things. "Other than drawing, I really like to tend to my garden, make felt animals, or participate in tai chi which is like meditation while moving," Dicken said.
With her natural skill, love of art, and a relaxed but focused attitude do not be surprised to see Dicken’s name popping up in art publications sometime in the near future.