How to Develop an Anime Drawing Style

A top anime artist has a unique drawing style. This is a result of years of practice and exploration. The best way to develop your own unique style is to start by learning the basics of art.

For example, most artists begin with the human anatomy. This helps them learn to draw things like eyes and hands.

Eyes

The eyes in anime are a key element in showing the personality and emotion of your character. It’s important to keep the eyes symmetrical and consider all the little details, like the curve of the eyelashes or the color of the pupil.

To draw an anime eye, start by drawing a circle for the eyeball. Then draw a curved line for the upper eyelid and another for the lower eyelid. Make sure the lines are a little bit narrower and less curved than the upper eyelid.

Next, add the iris. Draw a smaller circle inside the larger one to create the pupil. Then add a few eyelashes on the upper and lower eyelids. Eyelashes are a great way to add a cute aesthetic to your anime drawing. But remember, for male anime characters, they should be thin and not too abundant. Also, female anime eyes tend to be more rounded and have a more feminine shape than male eyes.

Nose

There are a few different types of anime noses some of which are very simple such as just a single curved line others are more stylized while still others are more realistic. Generally a basic or realistic looking anime/manga nose is going to have more curves and pay more attention to detail than a very stylized one.

In a front view draw the shape of the nose and then add the curves that are making up the bridge of the nose and the nostril. You may also want to give a small hint of the nostril as well with a short line.

For the side view position the nose as you did in the previous two examples based on the horizontal halfway point of the forehead and the bottom of the chin. Now sketch the upper and lower lines of the nose and add a short line for the nostril. This is pretty much all that it takes for a basic nose in a side view.

Mouth

Drawing a mouth in an anime style requires a certain level of skill. It is important to know that the mouth is an area of the face that can convey a lot of emotions. It is also important to understand how the shape of the mouth changes based on the expression that is being displayed.

For example, a mouth that is upturned at the corners can indicate anger or tension while a closed mouth shows fear or sadness. A mouth that is widened can show excitement or happiness. A mouth that is slightly opened can show attraction or interest.

When drawing a mouth in an anime style, it is a good idea to start with a curved line for the upper lip and another curved line for the lower lip. Then add the teeth, making sure they are a good size for the character you are drawing. Also remember to account for foreshortening when illustrating faces in three-quarters view.

Hair

Hair is an area where many artists struggle. Some love illustrating the bouncy wefts of cute curls, but others find it a huge pain in the neck to get right. But there are a few tips you can follow to help make the process a lot more manageable.

First, draw major shapes. This will make it easier to later add individual strands of hair. It’s also a good way to check that the proportions are right.

Next, sketch the face. Use curved lines to trace the head and facial features. This is important for establishing the look of your character.