Is it worth buying? Learn Industry-Standard Techniques from Catalina Carlesi

Sticky Menu with Modern Design

Review: Is it worth the hype? Digital Illustration: Create Manga Characters by Catalina Carlesi

Course Summary

Title: Digital Illustration: Create Manga Characters

Instructor: Catalina Carlesi (Alpaca)

Platform: Domestika

Total Lessons: 15

Downloads: 25 resources

Students: 25,304+

Language: Spanish (with English, Portuguese, German, French, Italian, Polish, Dutch subtitles)

Tools Required: Photoshop and/or Procreate

Skill Level: Beginners with basic digital drawing knowledge

Unlock Your Manga Dreams with the Click of a Pen (or Pencil!)

If you’re a fan of anime, manga, or JRPGs, chances are you’ve imagined crafting your own character—one full of emotion, style, and story. Now imagine doing that under the guidance of an expert illustrator who’s not only walked the same path but made it a career. With over 25,000 students and 98% positive reviews, Catalina Carlesi’s Domestika course isn’t just popular—it’s a proven creative catalyst.

What is this course really about?

“Digital Illustration: Create Manga Characters” is more than a drawing class. It’s a storytelling workshop wrapped in digital tools. Catalina, also known as Alpaca, teaches you how to design detailed manga characters using Procreate and Photoshop, focusing on expressive features, color theory, light and shadow, and narrative context. You’ll craft a complete digital illustration that feels alive and emotionally rich.

Year of The Rabbit 1

What you’ll learn (and why it matters)

Human figure drawing fundamentals – Essential for dynamic and anatomically correct manga characters.
Facial expressions & character emotions – Vital for evoking empathy and building story-driven illustrations.
Digital inking and color – Gain full control over your style and mood.
Environmental storytelling – Learn how backgrounds and accessories support narrative depth.
Rendering & lighting techniques – Make your illustrations pop with visual drama.

Who is this course for? This course is perfect for:

Digital art beginners with basic Photoshop/Procreate experience.
Manga and anime fans who want to create their own characters.
Artists who want to add expressive storytelling to their work.
Anyone interested in Japanese pop culture or fantasy world-building.

What makes it different from other illustration courses?

Narrative focus: Not just how to draw, but how to make your characters say something.
Dual-software approach: Master both Procreate (great for iPad users) and Photoshop.
Complete project flow: From sketch to finished illustration, you’ll walk through each stage.
Instructor background: Catalina blends her graphic design roots with deep passion for manga—a rare combo.

Japanese Tattoo Girls 3

Real Benefits You’ll Gain

A finished manga-style character in a fully rendered scene.
Mastery of light, shadow, and emotional tone.
Confidence in using digital tools for storytelling.
A clear workflow you can repeat for future characters.

Why I recommend it Catalina doesn’t just teach you how to draw. She teaches you how to build a world, and make characters that feel like they walked out of your favorite anime. Her method is intuitive, passionate, and grounded in solid design principles. Whether you’re new or seasoned, this course lights a fire under your creativity.

Ready to create your manga hero? Start now and bring your characters to life with Catalina Carlesi’s expert guidance.