Attack on Titan has become one of the most influential and widely acclaimed manga series of the past decade, with its gripping storyline and unique visual style. At the helm of this groundbreaking work is Hajime Isayama, a creator whose unconventional approach to manga-making has redefined the industry’s landscape.
Isamaya shed light on his creative process and the philosophy that guided him throughout the development of Attack on Titan. His insights reveal a refreshing departure from traditional manga-creation methods, emphasizing originality and artistic intuition over market trends and data-driven decision-making. The approach not only shaped the distinctive world of Attack on Titan but also challenged long-term notions about what makes a successful manga series.
Rejecting Market Research for Attack on Titans Originality
In 2014’s interview with Men’s Culture magazine Brutus, Hajime Isayama took a bold stance against the common practice of basing manga on market research, viewing it as a hindrance to true innovation. He believed that relying on data about popular characters or plot elements would ultimately lead to stagnation in the industry.
He stated:
I was repelled by the sort of manga that’s based on marketing research about what sort of characters or plot elements will be popular with readers. Relying on that stuff, you’ll never make anything new.
The rejection of market-driven creation was not merely a personal preference but a guiding principle that shaped his entire creative process. His conviction that true originality could only emerge from breaking free of these constraints led him to take a risky yet ultimately rewarding journey with Attack on Titan.
The mangaka recognized that adhering to established norms and relying on market research would inevitably result in derivative works, devoid of the spark of innovation he sought to ignite.
Hajime Isayama Embraced Imperfection and Uniqueness
Interestingly, Isayama’s journey as a manga artist was marked by an acceptance of his perceived artistic limitation. Rather than striving for conventional beauty in his work, he embraced what he saw as the ‘ugliness’ of his style.
He remarked:
Doodling as a kid I started drawing ugly stuff, and by the time I was in junior high it got so that I was drawing ugly things exclusively. Just as everyone’s handwriting is unique to them, I think my art is idiosyncratic to me in its ugliness.
This mindset led him to develop a unique artistic voice that set Attack on Titan apart from other manga series. Embracing of the unconventional extended to his character designs, particularly the unsettling appearances of the Titans.
His taste for drawing “ugly things” became a defining feature of his work, contributing significantly to the eerie atmosphere of Attack on Titan. The artist’s unique approach to design has become one of the series’ most recognizable and praised aspects.
Isayama’s revelation offered valuable insights into the mind of a creator who dared to challenge industry norms. By rejecting market research and embracing his distinctive style, he has not only created a beloved manga series but also inspired a new generation of artists to trust their instincts and push their creativity in the manga world.
Attack on Titan is available to watch on Crunchyroll.
