Member Reviews

Thanks to Netgalley and Quarto publishing group for access to this Arc in exchange for my honest review.

Those are such cute drawings!!! I don't know if I have talent enough to get to that level but this book seems to give the steps to reach that level ! I specially love the kawaii mermaid 🥰🥰. Pff to the drawing table.

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**"Unlocking Kawaii Magic: A Guide to Adorable Artistry"**

I was instantly drawn into the world of Kawaii-style art as I delved into this fantastic guide. What truly stood out to me were the insightful tips provided on the materials required for this creative journey. Additionally, the inclusion of an introduction to digital drawing was a welcome surprise, especially for someone like me who primarily uses an iPad. The added insights into this digital realm added a valuable layer to the book's versatility.

One aspect I genuinely cherished was the brief history and context provided on Kawaii art. It allowed me to appreciate not only the techniques presented in the book but also the cultural significance behind them. Castaneda generously offers guidance on applying Kawaii techniques not only to the book's provided images but also to your own future creations. The section on proportions, in particular, proved to be a treasure trove of knowledge. It has already begun to shape my personal style, making my drawings more authentic and in line with my artistic vision.

While I initially found some of the book's content a bit challenging for my current skill level, Castaneda's ability to break down the instructions with clear, detailed sketch diagrams made all the difference. Surprisingly, my drawings turned out rather well! What set this book apart was the seamless integration of color into the how-to process. Unlike many other drawing books I've encountered recently, this book incorporated color from the very start. This not only simplified the transition from sketch to final project but also provided the flexibility to infuse my own style using personal color palettes.

In conclusion, "Unlocking Kawaii Magic" is a delightful guide that welcomes you into the enchanting world of Kawaii-style art. While some parts may seem intricate, Castaneda's meticulous breakdown and incorporation of color elevate the drawing experience. It's a valuable resource for both beginners and those seeking to enhance their artistic skills, offering a path to unlock the magic of Kawaii artistry. Happy drawing!

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I received a copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This is a cute book! It has instructions on drawing cute things like people, animals, plants, and foods. The people mostly look kids wearing animal-themed outfits. The instructions are helpful and there's lots of fun ideas in the book. A great find for anyone wanting to draw more cute things!

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The kids absolutely loved drawing the mini kawaii kitties and now they got to try other kawaii cartoons! They really loved it and found it much easier than trying to draw other cartoons or characters they know.

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Read and reviewed by my 16 year old artistic and creative son! Here’s what he loved:

Love that you get info on the materials best for use

Composition is nice the way the pics have been framed

Tips throughout - encouraging for to try different tools I have without having to save for more

Familiar with facial expressions so not just the same happy face

Love the explanation around lighting and with the illusion of third dimension

Great summaries at each stage of the drawing

Bit more colour explanation would be helpful

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This book is super cute! I loved the overall aesthetic and easy to follow tutorials. Even small children could follow along easily. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this in exchange for my honest opinion.

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"Kawaii Drawing" is an absolute delight! The adorable characters featured in this book are simply charming. While it may not be the best choice for absolute beginners due to the complexity of some characters, the instructions are thoughtfully explained, making improvement possible with a bit of practice. The inclusion of both iPad and physical sketchbook options in the materials list adds versatility, though I personally found the iPad to be the perfect companion for this creative journey, that's not going to stop me from attempting some drawings in my BuJo though! Happy drawing! 🎨✨

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This book is best suited for those who have never tried art but wanted to dabble in something simple and sweet, I think: the explanations are very basic, and easy to follow. It’s almost a tracing exercise without minimum explanations behind creative decisions — which could be your cup of tea if that’s what you want! But for people who have some art experience this book is too basic. I also questioned decisions like introducing all these art supplies, especially such high maintenance ones as alcohol markers, and then proceed to use Procreate exclusively as a coloring tool for drawings in process explanations.

Thanks to Netgalley for an early copy to a review.

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To preface this review: I am definitely not a great artist! But I’m looking to try and improve, hence why I read this book!

This book is cute and has adorable characters. I think it’s a bit advanced for my skill level and is definitely not for beginners or the artistically challenged (like me ). That said, the instructions are very well explained and the beginning section goes over basic techniques and tools which is very helpful.

This book is mostly characters that you can replicate but there are a few cute food items towards the end. It’s a great book for those who are already comfortable drawing but I wouldn’t recommend it for a beginner.

Thanks very much to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an eARC in exchange for my honest review.

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