Drawing an anime head step by step is an essential skill for any budding manga artist. The distinct style of anime, with its expressive faces and unique proportions, offers a wide range of creative possibilities. This guide will walk you through the process of drawing an anime head, breaking it down into manageable steps that will help you develop your skills and bring your characters to life.
Step 1: Basic Head Shape
The first step in drawing an anime head is to sketch the basic shape. Start by drawing a circle for the top portion of the head. This circle will serve as a guide for the forehead and the top of the skull. Next, draw a vertical line down the center of the circle. This line will help you keep the features of the face symmetrical.
Below the circle, add a curved line to create the jawline. Anime heads often have a more pointed chin compared to realistic heads, so make sure to taper the jawline towards the center. The overall shape should resemble an egg or an inverted teardrop.
Step 2: Facial Guidelines
To ensure the features are correctly positioned, draw a horizontal line across the middle of the circle. This line will be the eye level. Anime eyes are typically placed lower on the face than realistic eyes, so this guideline is crucial for achieving the correct proportions.
Divide the lower half of the head into three equal parts with two more horizontal lines. These will serve as guides for the placement of the nose and mouth. The first line below the eye level is where the bottom of the nose will go, and the second line marks the placement of the mouth.
Step 3: Drawing the Eyes
Anime eyes are one of the most distinctive features of the style, often large and expressive. Begin by sketching the upper eyelid along the eye level guideline. The shape of the eyelid can vary greatly depending on the character’s expression and style, but a common shape is a slightly curved line.
Next, draw the lower eyelid, which is usually shorter and less curved than the upper eyelid. Inside the eye, add the iris and pupil. Anime irises are typically large and round, taking up a significant portion of the eye. Add highlights to the eyes to give them a shiny, reflective quality. These highlights can be simple circles or ovals.
Finally, add the eyelashes. Anime eyelashes are often exaggerated, especially in female characters. Draw them as thick, bold lines extending from the upper eyelid.
Step 4: Drawing the Nose and Mouth
The nose in anime is usually quite simple and understated. Along the first guideline below the eyes, draw a small dot, line, or a slight curve to represent the nose. The style of the nose can vary, but it’s generally minimalistic compared to realistic portraits.
For the mouth, draw a simple curved line along the second guideline below the nose. The curve and thickness of the line can change depending on the character’s expression. For a smiling character, the curve will be upward, while for a sad or neutral character, the curve will be downward or straight.
Step 5: Adding the Ears
The ears should be placed between the eye level line and the bottom of the nose line. Anime ears are usually smaller and less detailed than realistic ears. Draw a simple oval shape on either side of the head. You can add minimal inner ear details, such as a curved line to indicate the structure of the ear.
Step 6: Drawing the Hair
Hair is a defining feature in anime, often used to express personality and style. Start by sketching the general shape of the hairstyle. Anime hair is typically drawn in large, distinct clumps rather than individual strands.
Draw the hairline first, starting from the top of the forehead and extending towards the ears. Then, outline the major sections of the hair. Pay attention to the direction of the hair flow, which can add a sense of movement and dynamism to your character. Once the basic shape is established, add details such as individual clumps and strands to give the hair more texture and volume.
Step 7: Refining the Outline
Once you have the basic features and hair sketched out, it’s time to refine your drawing. Go over your lines, making them cleaner and more defined. Erase any unnecessary guidelines that are no longer needed.
Focus on the details, such as adding depth to the eyes, refining the shape of the mouth, and ensuring the proportions are correct. Take your time with this step, as the details will bring your character to life.
Step 8: Shading and Highlights
Shading and highlights can add depth and dimension to your drawing. Use light, short strokes to add shadows under the hair, around the eyes, and beneath the chin. The direction of your light source will determine where the shadows fall, so keep this in mind as you shade.
Add highlights to the hair by leaving certain areas lighter. This can be done by erasing small sections or by using a white pencil or gel pen to add shine. Highlights in the hair should follow the flow of the strands, enhancing the sense of movement and texture.
Step 9: Adding Final Touches
At this stage, your anime head should be looking quite polished. However, there are always final touches you can add to enhance the overall look. Consider adding accessories such as glasses, earrings, or headbands to give your character more personality.
Experiment with different facial expressions by altering the shape of the eyes, mouth, and eyebrows. A slight change in the curve of the mouth or the angle of the eyebrows can drastically change the character’s expression, adding more emotion and depth to your drawing.
Practice and Experimentation
Drawing an anime head takes practice, so don’t be discouraged if your first attempts don’t turn out exactly as you hoped. Keep practicing, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different styles and techniques. Every artist has their unique approach, and developing your style is part of the creative journey.
Use references from your favorite anime and manga to study how professional artists achieve certain looks and expressions. Over time, you’ll develop a better understanding of proportions, expressions, and styles that work best for you.
Conclusion
Drawing an anime head step by step is a rewarding process that allows you to create unique and expressive characters. By breaking down the steps and practicing regularly, you’ll improve your skills and gain confidence in your artistic abilities. Remember to have fun with it and let your creativity shine through. With time and dedication, you’ll be able to bring your anime characters to life on the page, capturing the essence of the anime style.
