Sweatdrop Studios turns a whole EIGHT years old this February!

We have a special celebration event in the shop!

What started as a small group of friends sharing the cost of a con table has grown into an independent registered publisher. Floppy single issues became plate-printed volumes. Members who started out as amateur hobby-creators have gone on to become professionals in design, publishing, comics, games and journalism. We've seen some amazing and talented members come and go, and some have chosen to stick around so that they're equally as old in Sweatdrop years as poor ol' Sueto herself.

Through all of this, Sweatdrop has kept two goals at the forefront of everything: Make comics and encourage others to do so!

No one can deny the changes in the UK comicking scene over the last few years; especially in the manga orientated section: More creators, more enthusiasm, and more opportunities.

To revel in and celebrate eight years of comicking, sweaty-style, Sweatdrop is happy to announce a birthday extravaganza: the SD Tombola! To stand a chance of winning some SD goodies for the mere cost of a tombola ticket, follow the Tombola banner at the top of the forum to purchase a ticket in the shop. Then sit back and wait for the lucky numbers to be drawn.

As always, Sweatdrop wouldn't be Sweatdrop without the support we receive from you guys. And the forums have grown into their own animal - something far beyond what we set out to create. Thank you one and all for helping us reach our 8th birthday and good luck with the tombola! ^_^

Tokyotoys Manga Portrait Day

Date: 18th October 2009 (Sunday!)
Time: 12pm - 7pm
Venue: Tokyotoys Store, Trocadero Shopping Centre London.

We're happy to announce that Laura Watton, Nana Li & Faye Yong will be at the Tokyotoys store on the 18th of Oct drawing your manga portraits. It'll be a happy happy fun time of insane drawing, cosplaying and general otaku fun.

So get your kit on, tell your friends, and turn up (in cosplay if you wish) to get your lovely mugs drawn by them!

Manga Day on 10th October 2009

The V&A in conjunction with Sweatdrop, Manga Studios are running a free Manga Day. So come along to find out about their work, and bring your manga drawing for informal advice.

All events are in the Hochhauser Auditorium, Sackler Centre unless stated.

Places are on first come first served basis and are free.

Introduction to the History of Manga
11.00–11.30
Learn how it all began and see how styles have developed and changed.

Storytelling
12.00–13.00
Find out about how to create a story and use images effectively in this interactive session. Prepare for madness!

Careers in Comics
13.20–13.40
Ever wondered what the day-to-day life of a comic artist is like? This is your chance to grill a professional about the glamorous (or not) truth behind the industry.

A Rough Guide to...
14.00–15.00
All you need to know about the art form, crammed into an hour's session! This session looks at terms and techniques of the 'manga style' approach to comicking, taking you through the basics of making your own character by offering essential guidelines that can be built upon.

Taking it Further
15.30–16.30
This session will offer ideas and input on how to take your idea from being a personal project to
a comic you can share with others. Learn about how to print and distribute your comic and hopefully leave with a burning passion to do so!

Portfolio Feedback
Art Studio, Sackler Centre
11.30–16.30
Informal portfolio feedback on your work by members of Sweatdrop Manga Studios, plus a chance to look and buy some of their latest books and other works.

Comic Showreel
Seminar Room 1, Sackler Centre
11.30–17.00
Come and see some of the latest manga shorts.

Mass Manga!
Seminar Room 2 & Landing, Sackler Centre
11.30–16.30
Take part in the Mass Manga Drawing and make sure your manga character is part of a collective manga story.