FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS



What is manga?

Manga is basically Japanese comics. These days, it can refer to the particular drawing style that is popular in most Japanese comics.


What is the difference between manga and anime?

Manga is comics, while anime is animated. People use the words interchangeably, and since most anime originates from comics, they can be the same thing. Many manga series are also anime series.


Why is manga published backwards?

That's how they are originally published in Japan. When manga was less popular, Western publishers would "flip" the books, but all the art would be printed backwards. These days, more people are willing to read the original right-to-left format, keeping the original artwork relatively untouched and saving the publishers' time, so more books can be imported more easily.


Will the class be writing comics in right-to-left format?

No. Until further notice, we aren't publishing any comics in Japan.


How do I sign up for a class?

Just contact me or my class venues and tell us you want to sign up. We will give you any other information you need. For Village Art classes, please let me know at least 24 hours in advance.


I like comics, but I don't draw manga style. Can I still take the class?

Of course. This class isn't limited to manga drawing. Many of the current students do not draw manga style, but are influenced by it.


How strict are the age ranges for the classes?

I can usually manage slightly younger students for the classes, depending on their skill, motivation, and maturity. The current age range for the S.A.G. Studio class is 10-20 years. The Village Art classes have regular students ranging from 11 to 16 years, but I've had students who are middle aged.


What kind of materials are available for students?

I can provide basic materials, such as inking pens, graph paper, copic markers, and heavyweight professional grade paper, such as bristol or blue-line comic board. Check the Online Tutorials for more about these materials and how to use them.


How do I pay for classes?

At Village Art, classes are paid directly to me, Emily C. Martin. I accept cash and checks. At S.A.G. Studios, payment is made through the class coordinator, Lisa Russell. You can pay Lisa monthly or you can purchase a card which has a set number of classes on it. For any other workshops, please contact them directly--their information will be posted in the Class Info section when they are scheduled.


What if I miss a class?

If you've missed a class you already paid for, you can make it up the next payment cycle. For Village Art, I keep a monthly record, and you get a "free" day the next month. For S.A.G. Studio, you can either attend an extra hour or use a extra seminar day to make up your lost time. Other workshops and seminars have their own structure. Contact me with questions.


Have you taught any other classes?

Yes. I've taught classes at the Charles M. Schulz Museum, the Healdsburg Center for the Arts, the Cloverdale Art Gallery, Maria Carillo High School, and Slater Middle School. If you would like me to come and teach a seminar, feel free to contact me!

© Emily C. Martin 2008-2010.