Making an anime is not an easy job. It is about creating and illustrating a world from scratch, finding the motivations of the characters and creating the plot: it's no small feat! However, it is also an excellent exercise in creativity. If you are an anime fan, you will probably find great satisfaction in making your own.
Steps
Method 1 of 6: Designing the World
Step 1. Decide where you want to set the story
On an alien planet or in a place with Earth-like characteristics? You don't necessarily have to imagine every detail of the new world, but it is essential that you get an idea of where your story will take place.
Maybe you want the main action to take place in a world where most people live in caves because outside of these there are thousands of chasms full of slime into which you risk falling
Step 2. Find something interesting about your world
Slime chasms are one example. Often the world in which an anime is set has magical or strange areas: sometimes the pianos speak and give advice to people or there are flying beasts that are used as means of transport. It doesn't have to be something incredibly fantastic or science fiction-inspired - just pick a few elements that work with your world and the story you have in mind.
For example, the magical element could be represented by a legend (true or not) according to which those who survived the fall into a chasm full of slime would obtain magical powers, even if no one is able to confirm it
Step 3. Determine the level of technological advancement in your world
Do the inhabitants live in residential complexes or in wooden huts? Are they forced to hunt for food or can they go to restaurants? Of course, there are many other possibilities between these extremes. The technological advancement of your world will be useful in establishing how the characters will deal with the problems they will face.
For example, if someone fell into a slime pit in a technologically advanced world, it probably wouldn't be such a big deal, as people would be equipped with anti-slime suits
Method 2 of 6: Create the Characters
Step 1. Determine what their physical appearance and personality are
You should take care of both aspects at the same time. Try to draw the characters and write down their personality traits next to them. Maybe one of them is very intelligent and perceptive, but he loses control easily; or yet another is very loyal, but rude to strangers. Make some sketches of the characters.
The physical appearance of the characters is important because it can inspire their personality. For example, the muscular character could be the hero or, on the contrary, a great coward. In any case, his physical appearance will give interesting information about his personality
Step 2. Decide who will be the protagonist
It is not essential to have only one main character, but it is a good idea to give the reader someone to side with. Most anime has a protagonist.
Step 3. Consider giving him some special abilities
Anime often feature characters who possess special abilities and perform extraordinary gestures. It might be a good idea to give the main character a power that can help him deal with the problems that will arise throughout the story. They don't need to be able to fly or have immense strength - find something simple but interesting to help them overcome their challenges.
For example, your character could be extremely brave: while not magical, it is still a special ability
Step 4. Establish relationships between characters
The protagonist's family, loved one and friends should play a central role. These are the strongest bonds a person has: they can be of motivation and inspiration for the characters or generate conflict. In any case, they are important aspects of a funny story.
Step 5. Decide what each character's motivation is
Each character can affect the motivation of others, however try to find something particular that animates each one. Whether it's about improving your education or winning the love of a girl, it must be something that the protagonist is truly passionate about.
Method 3 of 6: Start Creating the Animation
Step 1. Start by drawing your world with an animation program
Online you can find free ones that will allow you to easily create the environment and characters. You have already decided how you want your world to be: now you just have to give it life. Take your time and don't worry if it looks different from your original design.
Step 2. Draw the characters
Make them with the same program, referring to the drawings and sketches you prepared during the initial stages of the project.
Step 3. Draw the characters' interactions with their world
Now all you have to do is combine the two - that way you'll have some ideas for potential stories and plots to follow. Maybe your characters want to explore distant cliffs they've never been to, or the sunlight is getting dimmer and they need to figure out what's going on. The environment can provide many insights into a story and the same goes for an anime.
For example, if your world has slime chasms everywhere, you might imagine that the protagonist's little brother falls into one of these holes and the other characters have to try to save him. This could be the beginning of your story
Method 4 of 6: Adding the Storyline and Dialogues
Step 1. Add dialogue that reflects the motivation and personality of the characters
Once you have created the world and the characters, you can start making them interact thus creating your story. This involves making the dialogues: make sure they fit the situation and the character and try to make them as realistic as possible. Think about the type of interactions you have yourself with others and create similar conversations. A conversation is usually not completely linear but tortuous and changes the subject all the time. Think of a way to bring authenticity and humor to the dialogues.
Step 2. Make sure you have a beginning, middle and ending for the story
These parts don't have to be sharply distinct, but keeping this organization in mind will help you design the story. Browse some classics and get an idea of how these three parts are organized in some stories.
For example, if at the beginning of your anime the protagonist's little brother falls into a chasm full of slime, in the central part the protagonist could choose to go inside alone wearing an anti-slime suit to find it. The final part could concern the slime demons who live inside the chasm, who are willing to allow only one of the two brothers to go out: the protagonist then decides to sacrifice himself so that his little brother can go home
Step 3. Include the character transformation arc
It doesn't have to be a simplified and mundane transformation: not every story has to start with a sad character who eventually becomes happy. Rather, the arc of transformation should allow the main character to go through a change - even minimal - or to reach a realization. Even if the realization consists in understanding that nothing has changed since the beginning of the story, it is still an element capable of giving dimension to the story. What you have to avoid is that the character simply wanders around doing the most varied activities without a logical connection.
For example, at the beginning of the story the protagonist may be selfish, but after saving his brother he may understand that he cares about other people, but that he has isolated himself from the world. In this way, in the following episode you will be able to talk about why this isolation was occurring
Method 5 of 6: Finish the Anime
Step 1. Think of a good title
The title is what attracts people's attention. Make sure it's inherent in the story.
Step 2. Decide if you want it to be a single story or a series
This can determine the ending of the story or decree that there is no end. If you want to do a series, you have to find a way to keep the readers interested: if they are happy with the way the first story ended, they will have no reason to be interested in the second episode. Go for a pending ending.
Step 3. Add an exciting climax and conclusion
It is a fundamental part of a pending ending: if you intend to make several episodes you have to find a balance between the conclusion of the first and the start of the next. People shouldn't feel like watching the first episode was a waste of time, but they should also be excited about what's going to happen next. Find this balance.
Step 4. Pull the strings of history
If at the beginning of the story there was a reference to a love interest, you should mention it at the end. Not everything has to end perfectly, but the ideal is that the anime is professional and well designed: several independent interweaving between them will give an impression of confusion.
Method 6 of 6: Disclosing the Anime
Step 1. Share it with friends and family
It's the easiest way to get fans. Your family and friends will undoubtedly be supportive and will likely share your work with other people they know - this will help build a small base of supporters.
Step 2. Create a blog or website
Posting your work on the internet is a great way to start building an audience. You cannot expect to immediately earn money from the work you have created, but if it becomes famous you could do it later. Try to market your blog through social media by creating a Twitter or Facebook page for your anime.
Step 3. Contact a publisher
Try to find someone who is enthusiastic about your story to the point of considering publishing it. You can find publishers in your area by searching online. Look for someone who specializes in anime and who has already helped young artists emerge - they may be interested in your work.
Step 4. Submit your anime to some competitions
If you don't want to send the entire story, you can only send a few selected chapters to targeted competitions. There are several film or literary competitions that accept anime, as well as animation competitions available online.
