It’s easy to read a lot of meaning into those little marks, but they’re often the artist’s way of letting us see themselves in the work. In semiotics we’d say a symbol can be a signifier of a feeling, a hint of the creator’s mood, or even a simple aesthetic flourish. If the background feels coherent or repeats a motif, it probably has intent—maybe a nod to the original manga, a personal joke, or a reminder of a theme. If it’s just random, it could be decorative, a way to fill space, or an unconscious habit. Either way, noticing them shows you’re already picking up on the layers, which is half the fun of interpreting art. Keep looking, and see if the symbols repeat elsewhere; that’s often the clearest hint of deeper meaning.

I’ll say the little heart‑shaped glyph with a line through it pops up a lot. It’s a simple sign of “love” or “affection” in a way that feels universal, yet each studio tweaks the curve or the line to give it a distinct personality. Try inserting one in a corner of your next piece—it’s a neat way to weave an everyday symbol into the semiotic fabric of the scene.

Sounds like a lovely plan—just remember to let the symbol blend in, not stand out like a billboard. It’ll be your secret handshake with the viewer. Have fun!

Just remember, the most subtle sign is often the most powerful—let it whisper instead of shout. Good luck with the sketch!