Alright, darling, let’s dive into the world of anime art! Drawing anime can be a fun and creative way to express your love for this unique style. So, grab your sketchbook, your favorite set of pencils, and let’s get started!
Step 1: Start with Basic Shapes
First things first, we need to start with the basics. When I first started drawing anime, I found it helpful to break down the characters into simple shapes. For instance, you can start by drawing a circle for the head, and lines to indicate the center of the face and the position of the eyes. This will serve as your guide in placing the facial features correctly.
Step 2: Sketch the Facial Features
Now, let’s move on to the facial features. Anime characters are known for their big, expressive eyes. To draw them, create two oval shapes with space in between for a third eye (this is a common rule in drawing, not just for anime). The eyes should be wide and expressive, with large pupils. Don’t forget to add a small circle in each eye for the light reflection to make them look more lively.
Step 3: Draw the Hair
Anime hair is often one of the most distinctive features of anime characters. It’s usually exaggerated and defies the laws of gravity. When drawing anime hair, I like to imagine it as being split into different sections, like the front, sides, and back. This makes it easier to manage. Start by drawing the hairline, then add the larger clumps of hair, followed by the smaller clumps. Remember, the hair doesn’t have to be perfect, it’s all about expressing movement and character.
Step 4: Add the Body
Once you’re happy with your character’s face and hair, it’s time to move on to the body. Anime characters often have slender, elongated bodies. Start by drawing a simple stick figure, then add shapes to represent the character’s body. Remember, it’s okay if it doesn’t look perfect at first, practice makes perfect!
Step 5: Refine Your Drawing
Now that we have our basic sketch, it’s time to refine it. Go over your sketch and add more details, like the clothing, accessories, and any unique features your character might have. Don’t be afraid to erase and redo any parts that you’re not happy with.
Step 6: Ink and Color
Once you’re happy with your sketch, it’s time to ink it. Use a fine-tip pen or marker to go over your lines, then erase any pencil marks. After that, you can add color to your drawing. You can use colored pencils, markers, or even watercolor paints. Remember to think about where the light is coming from and add shadows to make your drawing look more three-dimensional.
Step 7: Practice, Practice, Practice
The key to getting better at drawing anime is practice. Don’t be discouraged if your first few drawings don’t turn out the way you want them to. Keep practicing, and you’ll get better over time. I remember when I first started drawing anime, I wasn’t very good. But I kept practicing, and now I’m proud of my art.
Remember, darling, art is a form of self-expression. There’s no right or wrong way to do it. So, don’t be afraid to experiment and make your anime characters your own. Happy drawing!
In manga, nothing actually moves, and you just have to draw the poses in each panel, but in anime, you have to draw the movements between those poses.
Akira Toriyama
Best (Easiest) Anime To Draw
Drawing anime can be a fun and creative way to express yourself, especially if you’re a fan of the genre. While some styles are more complex than others, there are a few that are particularly beginner-friendly. Here are some of the easiest anime styles to draw:
- Naruto Style: The characters in Naruto have simpler designs compared to some other anime, making it a good starting point for beginners. The characters have distinctive, exaggerated features like large, expressive eyes and spiky hair which can be fun to draw.
- Chibi Style: Chibi is a style of anime where characters are drawn in an exaggerated way, typically being 2 to 3 heads tall. The features are simplified and the proportions are distorted (big heads, small bodies), which can make it easier for beginners to draw.
- Pokémon Style: The art style of Pokémon is quite simple and clean, making it another good choice for beginners. The characters and Pokémon themselves have distinctive, easy-to-draw shapes.
- Dragon Ball Z Style: While some of the characters can be complex, the basic style of Dragon Ball Z is quite straightforward. The characters have distinctive, exaggerated features which can be easier to replicate.
- Sailor Moon Style: The art style of Sailor Moon is characterized by its simple, clean lines and its use of primary colors. The characters have distinctive, exaggerated features like large, expressive eyes and long, flowing hair which can be fun to draw.
- One Piece Style: One Piece has a very distinctive style with characters having exaggerated body proportions and features. This can be a fun and easy style to start with as it allows for a lot of creativity.
Remember, the key to getting better at drawing anime is practice. Don’t be discouraged if your drawings don’t look perfect right away. Keep practicing and you’ll improve over time.
Extra Tips:
- Study Real Anatomy: Even though anime characters are stylized, they’re still based on real human anatomy. Understanding how the human body works can help you create more believable characters.
- Use References: Don’t be afraid to use references when you’re drawing. This can be especially helpful when you’re trying to get a pose or an expression just right.
- Practice Different Styles: There are many different styles of anime, from the exaggerated features of chibi characters to the more realistic proportions of seinen anime. Try drawing in different styles to see which one you like best.
- Start with Basic Shapes: When you’re drawing an anime character, it can be helpful to start with basic shapes. This can help you get the proportions right before you start adding details.
- Don’t Forget About the Background: While it’s important to focus on your characters, don’t forget about the background. A well-drawn background can help set the scene and add depth to your drawings.
Drawing Anime FAQ:
Q: How do I draw anime eyes? A: Anime eyes are often larger and more expressive than realistic eyes. Start with a basic almond shape, then add the iris and pupil. Don’t forget to add highlights to make the eyes look shiny.
Q: What tools do I need to draw anime? A: You can start with just a pencil and paper. As you get more advanced, you might want to invest in a drawing tablet so you can create digital art.
Q: How can I make my anime drawings look more professional? A: Practice is key. The more you draw, the better you’ll get. You can also study professional anime art to learn more about how the pros do it.
Q: How do I draw anime hair? A: Anime hair is often spiky and exaggerated. Start by drawing the hairline, then add the strands of hair. Remember to think about the direction the hair is flowing in.
Q: How do I color my anime drawings? A: You can color your drawings with colored pencils, markers, or digitally using a program like Photoshop or Procreate. Remember to think about where the light is coming from when you’re adding shadows and highlights.
We’re working on a BUNCH of “how to draw anime” posts with detailed steps and examples; we’ve already hired some of the best anime artists to help with this project so stay tuned!
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