Top 10 Character Manga Courses Online - [Updated 2025]

Looking to bring your characters to life with personality, expression, and style? Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned illustrator, mastering character design is essential to telling compelling visual stories. In this updated 2025 list, we’ve curated the top 10 online character design courses available on Domestika that will elevate your craft and spark your creative imagination.

From dynamic manga styles to traditional techniques reinvented for the digital age, each course below is a masterclass in character development. Dive into these inspiring journeys led by top industry professionals, and explore the secrets behind powerful character illustration.

1. Digital Illustration: Create Manga Characters – Catalina Carlesi

This course by Catalina Carlesi offers a delightful dive into the vibrant world of manga character design. You’ll explore storytelling through pose, expression, and costume design, learning how to construct characters that are as emotionally engaging as they are visually appealing.

Catalina’s unique approach bridges classic manga aesthetics with modern illustration workflows, providing a seamless guide for digital artists. If you want to create characters that feel alive and tell a story on their own, this is an inspiring place to start.

🎯 Course Summary:

→ Title: Digital Illustration: Create Manga Characters
→ Instructor: Catalina Carlesi (aka Alpaca)
→ Format: 15 video lessons + 25 downloadable resources
→ Project: Create a manga character illustration with narrative depth
→ Tools Required: Photoshop and/or Procreate
→ Level: Beginners with basic digital illustration knowledge
→ Languages: Audio in Spanish & English | Subtitles in 8 languages
→ Students Enrolled: 26,279+
→ Rating: ⭐ 98% positive reviews (398 reviews)

🌟 Transform Your Imagination Into Manga ArtIf you've ever dreamt of designing characters as captivating as those in anime or JRPGs, Digital Illustration: Create Manga Characters is your gateway. With over 26,000 students and a 98% satisfaction rate, this course by Chilean illustrator Catalina Carlesi—known in the art world as Alpaca—has inspired a global community of manga lovers. Her deep passion for Japanese culture and narrative art shines through every lesson, helping you master dynamic poses, rich environments, and storytelling through expressive character design.

🎨 Learn the Art of Expressive Manga IllustrationFrom mastering human anatomy and facial expressions to digital inking, coloring, and building atmospheric worlds, this course gives you the full toolkit to create charismatic manga characters. Catalina’s hands-on approach in Procreate and Photoshop makes even complex concepts feel accessible. Whether you’re an aspiring illustrator or a hobbyist craving to bring your original characters to life, this course is a game-changer.

👉Access the course and trailer here

2. Creating Urban Manga Characters – Nemupan

Nemupan introduces a refreshing twist on manga by infusing urban culture into the heart of character design. Learn how to blend fashion, attitude, and real-life references to create authentic characters rooted in contemporary settings.

This course is perfect for illustrators who want their creations to feel edgy, stylish, and full of attitude. With Nemupan’s guidance, your characters won’t just walk through your panels—they’ll strut.

🎯 Course Summary:

→ Title: Creating Urban Manga Characters
→ Instructor: Nemupan (Florencia Namur)
→ Format: 16 video lessons + 26 downloadable resources
→ Project: Design an original urban manga character from scratch
→ Tools Required: Digital illustration software + drawing tablet
→ Level: Beginner to intermediate illustrators
→ Languages: Audio in Spanish & English | Subtitles in 8 languages
→ Students Enrolled: 8,010+
→ Rating: 🌟 100% positive reviews (88 reviews)

🧢 Bring Urban Culture into Your Manga WorldIn Creating Urban Manga Characters, illustrator Nemupan fuses Japanese pop culture with street fashion to create visually bold and emotionally rich characters. With a flawless 100% satisfaction rate and real-world experience collaborating with brands like Intel and XP-Pen, Florencia Namur shares her full creative process—from mood boards to final polish. Her classes are perfect for anyone wanting to elevate character design with storytelling and fashion as narrative tools.

🎨 Design Characters with Personality and StyleWhether you're a graphic designer, anime fan, or hobbyist looking to infuse your illustrations with authenticity and flair, this course gives you everything: conceptual thinking, silhouette design, digital coloring, and exporting for web or print. Nemupan’s instruction blends technical skill with creativity, ensuring your final character isn't just stylish—but tells a story.

👉Access the course and trailer here

3. Drawing Manga Characters from Scratch – EUDETENIS

EUDETENIS takes you through the entire journey of drawing manga characters from a blank canvas. This course is especially powerful for those new to character design, as it breaks down anatomy, proportions, and facial expressions in clear, manageable steps.

You’ll learn to breathe life into your sketches, creating characters with a strong visual identity. With a focus on building from zero, EUDETENIS gives you the solid foundation you need to grow confidently as an illustrator.

🎯 Course Summary:

→ Title: Drawing Manga Characters from Scratch
→ Instructor: Eudetenis (Giovana & Paulo Serafim)
→ Format: 14 video lessons + 15 downloadable resources
→ Project: Create a full manga-style model sheet by hand
→ Tools Required: Traditional materials (graphite, colored pencils, etc.) + optional Photoshop for editing
→ Level: Beginner-friendly (no prior experience required)
→ Languages: Audio in Portuguese | Subtitles in 8 languages
→ Students Enrolled: 45,109+
→ Rating: 🌟 97% positive reviews (838 reviews)

✏️ Master the Foundations of Manga DrawingFor over 45,000 students, Drawing Manga Characters from Scratch has been the perfect entry point into the world of manga illustration. Taught by the award-winning Brazilian duo Eudetenis, this course offers a deep dive into proportions, volume, and movement—key elements to building believable, expressive characters. Known for their international publications and wins in the Silent Manga Audition, Giovana and Paulo provide expert-level guidance with an easy-to-follow approach.

📄 Create a Professional Model Sheet by HandYou’ll sketch an original manga character from multiple angles using just pencil and paper—no digital skills needed. From body mechanics to facial proportions, this course helps you bring static drawings to life with dynamic energy and structure. Whether you're a manga fan or a complete beginner, you'll finish with a portfolio-ready model sheet.

👉Access the course and trailer here

4. Creation of Manga Characters – Andrea Jen

Andrea Jen’s course is a timeless favorite that focuses on designing characters with a strong emotional and narrative core. With her deep understanding of manga storytelling, Andrea teaches how to reflect inner worlds through design choices.

This course is ideal for those who want to craft characters that don’t just look cool—but feel deeply human. Andrea’s structured method ensures that your design process is both creative and grounded.

🎯 Course Summary:

→ Title: Creation of Manga Characters
→ Instructor: Andrea Jen
→ Format: 18 video lessons + 20 downloadable resources
→ Project: Create a technical sheet for your original manga character
→ Tools Required: Pencil, paper, eraser, ruler, black stylographs
→ Level: Beginner-friendly (basic drawing skills recommended)
→ Languages: Audio in Spanish & English | Subtitles in 8 languages
→ Students Enrolled: 56,539+
→ Rating: 🌟 99% positive reviews (1,600+ reviews)

🌸 Discover the Art of Manga Character CreationIf you're passionate about anime and manga, Creation of Manga Characters by Andrea Jen is a must. With over 56,000 students and nearly perfect reviews, this course has helped a global audience bring their manga characters to life. Andrea—winner of the Silent Manga Audition and published author—guides you from character concept to complete model sheet, focusing on expressive faces, body types, and unique personality traits.

📘 Design Original Characters with Professional PolishFrom archetypes to emotion-filled expressions, Andrea teaches the visual storytelling techniques that define manga. Using simple traditional tools, you’ll complete a full character data sheet—ideal for manga stories, comics, or original content creation. If you’ve ever dreamed of creating characters like those you admire, this course is your gateway.

👉Access the course and trailer here

5. Manga Illustration with Procreate – Liya

Liya introduces you to the dynamic world of digital manga illustration using Procreate. Her course blends technical skills with artistic intuition, guiding you through character creation with vibrant color palettes and expressive linework.

If you're a Procreate user aiming to enhance your manga aesthetics, this course offers a toolbox of techniques to make your characters pop off the screen.

🎯 Course Summary:

→ Title: Manga Illustration with Procreate
→ Instructor: Liya Weng (aka Mochipanko)
→ Format: 19 video lessons + 28 downloadable resources
→ Project: Create a manga-inspired digital illustration with expressive atmosphere
→ Tools Required: Procreate (iPad) + optional Photoshop for final touches
→ Level: Intermediate (requires experience in digital illustration)
→ Languages: Audio in German | Subtitles in 8 languages
→ Students Enrolled: 9,154+
→ Rating: 🌟 99% positive reviews (129 reviews)

🎨 Build Immersive Manga Worlds DigitallyIf you’ve ever wanted to evoke emotion through your digital art like the pros, Manga Illustration with Procreate by Mochipanko is your ideal course. With acclaimed collaborations for Steam and Bandai Namco, Liya Weng teaches how to craft illustrations rich in mood, detail, and narrative power. Her serene and nostalgic style, influenced by Japanese manga and anime, helps artists translate emotion into visual storytelling.

🌈 Design Powerful Scenes Full of AtmosphereYou'll learn how to sketch compositions, develop expressive characters, and enhance scenes with symbolic elements—all using Procreate. From brush techniques to final Photoshop touches, this course is a goldmine for illustrators looking to go beyond character design into full storytelling through visual atmosphere.

👉Access the course and trailer here

6. Manga Comics for Beginners: From Concept to Creation – Natalia Batista

Natalia Batista’s course is the perfect entry point into the manga universe. It covers the entire creation process—from initial concept sketches to final comic layouts—making it ideal for storytellers eager to express themselves through characters.

You’ll not only learn to draw characters but also how to place them into scenes, panel compositions, and narratives. It's a well-rounded class that turns aspiring artists into well-equipped manga creators.

🎯 Course Summary:

→ Title: Manga Comics for Beginners: From Concept to Creation
→ Instructor: Natalia Batista
→ Format: 21 video lessons + 27 downloadable resources
→ Project: Create your own manga page or spread using traditional techniques
→ Tools Required: Steel nibs, dip ink, sketching pen, eraser, paper, and optional Clip Studio Paint for digital edits
→ Level: Beginner-friendly (some drawing experience helpful)
→ Languages: Audio in English | Subtitles in 8 languages
→ Students Enrolled: 9,870+
→ Rating: 🌟 99% positive reviews (163 reviews)

📖 Start Your Manga Journey from the First Sketch to Final PageManga Comics for Beginners is a complete roadmap for anyone dreaming of creating their own manga. With nearly 10,000 students and glowing reviews, this course by seasoned artist Natalia Batista covers everything—character development, storyboarding, inking, and digital finalization. Natalia, known for titles like Sword Princess Amaltea, shares her expertise in both European and Japanese manga traditions, empowering you to tell your own stories with clarity and style.

🖋️ Master Professional Techniques Used by Japanese Manga ArtistsFrom storytelling fundamentals to sound effects and screentones, you’ll create a full manga page using classic tools and methods used in the industry. Whether you're drawing for fun or working toward a published comic, Natalia's guidance ensures your manga has emotional depth, technical polish, and authentic flair.

👉Access the course and trailer here

7. Digital Illustration with Manga Influence – Akimaro

Akimaro’s course focuses on digital illustration infused with the elegance and dynamism of manga. You'll learn about stylization, character archetypes, and how to use digital tools to enhance your creative process.

It’s a fantastic course for those who want to merge their personal style with manga inspiration, balancing tradition with contemporary flair.

🎯 Course Summary:

→ Title: Digital Illustration with Manga Influence
→ Instructor: Akimaro (Adriana De la Torre)
→ Format: 14 video lessons + 24 downloadable resources
→ Project: Create an emotion-driven illustration as part of a 3-image narrative series
→ Tools Required: Pencil, paper, tablet with Photoshop or similar software
→ Level: Beginner to intermediate (Photoshop basics recommended)
→ Languages: Audio in Spanish & English | Subtitles in 8 languages
→ Students Enrolled: 15,326+
→ Rating: 🌟 99% positive reviews (494 reviews)

💭 Bring Emotions to Life Through Manga-Inspired Digital ArtIn Digital Illustration with Manga Influence, illustrator Akimaro teaches you how to fuse emotional depth with striking visual composition using Photoshop. With over 15,000 students and glowing feedback, this course dives deep into Japanese storytelling aesthetics, helping you craft narrative illustrations that speak volumes with subtle gestures, composition, and color.

🖌️ Tell Stories Visually with Style and SubstanceAkimaro guides you from concept to execution, helping you build a cohesive 3-part narrative that captures atmosphere, emotion, and clarity. This course is perfect for digital artists wanting to express complex feelings through simple, manga-influenced illustrations.

👉Access the course and trailer here

8. Digital Color for Manga Illustrations – Carolina Cardona

🎯 Course Summary:

→ Title: Digital Color for Manga Illustrations
→ Instructor: Carolina Cardona (Caroca)
→ Format: 14 video lessons + 30 downloadable resources
→ Project: Create a print-ready poster of a character from your favorite book or manga
→ Tools Required: Photoshop (or similar), graphics tablet, traditional sketching materials
→ Level: Intermediate (basic Photoshop knowledge recommended)
→ Languages: Audio in Spanish | Subtitles in 8 languages
→ Students Enrolled: 1,300+
→ Rating: 🌟 97% positive reviews (35 reviews)

🎨 Give Your Manga Art Life Through Color and TextureIn Digital Color for Manga Illustrations, Colombian illustrator Caroca teaches you how to use color not just to decorate, but to narrate and emote. With a professional background in games, editorial work, and ad agencies, Caroca brings her refined, manga-inspired style to this practical course, helping you create compositions with rich textures and emotional resonance.

🖌️ From Sketch to Stunning Poster with PhotoshopYou’ll go step-by-step from mood board to sketch to a fully colored digital poster. Learn how to build expressive palettes, apply texture with intent, and prepare your final art for both print and digital sharing. This course is perfect for artists looking to level up their coloring technique in a manga aesthetic.

👉Access the course and trailer here

9. Vintage Japanese Digital Illustration – Pierre-Marie Postel

Step into the poetic world of vintage Japanese aesthetics with Pierre-Marie Postel. This course brings a unique sensibility to character design, focusing on texture, tradition, and visual storytelling.

It’s a visual feast for artists looking to explore Japanese heritage through a modern digital lens. If your heart beats for nostalgic beauty, this course will deeply inspire you.

🎯 Course Summary:

→ Title: Vintage Japanese Digital Illustration
→ Instructor: Pierre-Marie Postel (aka Paiheme)
→ Format: 25 video lessons + 19 downloadable resources
→ Project: Create a vintage-style illustrated poster inspired by Japanese culture
→ Tools Required: Paper, pencils, graphics tablet, and Photoshop
→ Level: Beginner-friendly (no language or technical prerequisites)
→ Languages: Audio in French | Subtitles in 8 languages
→ Students Enrolled: 5,302+
→ Rating: 🌟 100% positive reviews (145 reviews)

🗾 Create a Retro Poster with Japanese Vibes and Modern FlairWith a perfect score from students, Vintage Japanese Digital Illustration by Paiheme is a colorful journey into Japan’s graphic legacy. Inspired by manga, anime, and 1960s screen-print posters, this course blends traditional drawing with digital magic. Pierre-Marie Postel, a designer with collaborations for brands like Pepsi and Segafredo, teaches how to merge iconographic research, cultural influence, and visual storytelling into one punchy artwork.

🖥️ Combine Hand Drawing and Photoshop for Bold, Retro ArtYou’ll sketch, ink, color, and age your illustration to emulate vintage Japanese prints using Photoshop and simple tools. This course is perfect for graphic designers, pop culture lovers, and anyone seeking a fresh take on Japanese illustration.

👉Access the course and trailer here

10. Manga-style Portraits in Watercolor – Andrea Jen

Andrea Jen returns with a delicate and expressive course that blends watercolor techniques with manga sensibilities. This is perfect for artists who want to explore traditional media while staying rooted in character-driven design.

You’ll discover how to create soft, emotive portraits that radiate personality. The fusion of watercolor with manga style results in artwork that is both ethereal and engaging.

🎯 Course Summary:

→ Title: Manga-style Portraits in Watercolor
→ Instructor: Andrea Jen
→ Format: 19 video lessons + 34 downloadable resources
→ Project: Create a manga-style watercolor portrait of yourself or someone you choose
→ Tools Required: Pencil, eraser, watercolor set, round brushes, light board, acrylic white, and watercolor paper
→ Level: Intermediate (basic drawing knowledge recommended)
→ Languages: Audio in Spanish | Subtitles in 8 languages
→ Students Enrolled: 1,395+
→ Rating: 🌟 100% positive reviews (24 reviews)

🖌️ Combine Traditional Manga Charm with Watercolor MagicIn Manga-style Portraits in Watercolor, acclaimed Argentinian manga artist Andrea Jen blends Japanese comic aesthetics with delicate watercolor techniques. Known for her works like El Delirio de Ani and Smiling Blossom, Andrea offers hands-on guidance from anatomy to expressive color application, helping you capture both likeness and emotion in every portrait.

🎨 Create a Personalized Portrait in Manga StyleYou’ll learn how to structure faces and bodies, apply color palettes, and refine details using traditional watercolor methods. Perfect for manga enthusiasts looking to explore analog illustration or build a stunning portfolio piece, this course invites you to tell visual stories through hand-crafted portraits.

👉Access the course and trailer here

『 Blog Content Creator | Rod Lovell 』

Choose the course that speaks to your creative style and start drawing your world today. Which one will you dive into first?

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