... Read moreWow, seeing how much love my Dazai and Chuuya sketches got makes me so happy! It really motivates me to keep drawing. Speaking of Chuuya, I know many of you are super interested in 'Chuuya 15'—and honestly, who isn't? There's something incredibly captivating about seeing him in his younger days, isn't there? That period really shows a different side of him, perhaps a bit more raw and less jaded, before all the complexities with Dazai fully settled in. I always find myself drawn to sketching his earlier outfits and expressions, trying to capture that youthful intensity. It's a fun challenge to imagine what he was like back then, even though my current art might not have focused on that specific age.
When I started sketching Chuuya, one of the first things I focused on was his iconic hat and trench coat. It's such a defining part of his character! Getting the folds of the fabric right and making the hat sit just so can be tricky, but it adds so much personality. His spiky black hair is another fun detail to bring to life on paper. And speaking of details, capturing his powerful, yet sometimes vulnerable, gaze is always my goal. For Dazai, it’s all about that enigmatic smirk and his flowing, wavy hair – trying to get that perfect balance of charm and mystery is key. I even experimented with a soft, pinkish lighting in these drawings to give them a dreamy, almost ethereal feel, which I think really suited their dynamic.
For anyone else looking to get into drawing Bungo Stray Dogs fan art, my biggest tip is to start with what you love most about the characters. Is it Dazai's theatrical poses or Chuuya's fierce expressions? Find good reference images, whether it's official art or screenshots, to help you with accuracy. Don't be afraid to experiment with different mediums too; pencil sketches are my go-to for capturing initial ideas and character features. I find that focusing on the eyes and hair first can really bring a sketch to life. And remember, art is a journey! My first sketches of these characters were nowhere near what I can do now. Just keep practicing and enjoy the process.
What I love most about the Bungo Stray Dogs fandom is how creative and supportive everyone is. Sharing my art, like these Dazai and Chuuya pieces, and seeing your reactions makes it all worthwhile. If you're wondering "may I have more" – absolutely! I'm always working on new pieces and exploring different characters or scenarios from the series. Maybe next time I'll attempt a more direct "Chuuya 15" interpretation or even some other members of the Agency or Port Mafia. Who would you like to see me draw next? Let me know in the comments below! It's always inspiring to hear what the community wants. Drawing these characters really brings their stories to life for me, and I hope my art does the same for you.