Anime has captured audiences worldwide with its distinct art style, rich storytelling, and vibrant characters. One of the most iconic aspects of anime is its unique character design, especially the heads, which often feature large, expressive eyes, distinct hairstyles, and varied facial expressions. Drawing an anime head can seem daunting, but with a structured approach, you can create your own anime characters. In this guide, we'll walk you through the process of drawing an anime head step by step
Materials Needed
Before we begin, gather the following materials:
Drawing paper or sketchbook
Pencil (preferably HB or 2B)
Eraser
Fine-tipped pen or marker
Colored pencils or markers (optional for coloring)
Step 1: Basic Head Shape
Start by drawing a circle. This circle will represent the upper part of the head, including the cranium. Next, draw a vertical line down the middle of the circle. This line helps in maintaining symmetry. Extend this line downwards to mark the length of the face.
From the bottom of the circle, draw two diagonal lines that converge on the vertical line. These lines should form a "V" shape, which will define the jawline and chin of your character. Adjust the angle and length of these lines to suit different character types – sharper angles for a more mature look and softer lines for younger characters.
Step 2: Guidelines for Facial Features
To accurately place the facial features, draw horizontal guidelines across the head. The first guideline should be about halfway down the circle. This will be the eye line. The second line, positioned about halfway between the eye line and the chin, will be the nose line. Finally, draw a third line about halfway between the nose line and the chin to mark the position of the mouth.
Step 3: Drawing the Eyes
Anime eyes are one of the most defining features of the style. Start by drawing two large oval shapes on the eye line, evenly spaced from the vertical guideline. The size and shape of the eyes can vary greatly depending on the character's age, gender, and personality.
Inside each oval, draw an iris, which is typically large and occupies most of the eye. Add the pupil to the center of the iris. To give the eyes a lively appearance, draw highlights – small circles or ovals that overlap the iris and pupil. These highlights are crucial for conveying emotion and depth.
Next, outline the upper and lower eyelids. The upper eyelid is often thicker and more pronounced, while the lower eyelid can be a simple curved line. Add eyelashes to the upper eyelid for female characters or more detailed styles.
Step 4: Drawing the Nose and Mouth
Anime noses are generally minimalistic. On the nose line, draw a small vertical line or a simple dot to represent the nose. The position and size can vary depending on the style, but simplicity is usually preferred.
For the mouth, draw a small horizontal line on the mouth guideline. You can adjust the curvature and length of this line to reflect different emotions. A slight upward curve indicates a smile, while a downward curve suggests sadness or displeasure. Add a small line below the mouth to represent the lower lip if desired.
Step 5: Adding the Ears
The ears should be positioned between the eye line and the nose line. Draw two small, curved shapes on either side of the head. The size and shape of the ears can be adjusted based on the character's design. For simplicity, anime ears are often less detailed than in realistic styles.
Step 6: Drawing the Hair
Anime hair comes in a vast array of styles, each contributing significantly to a character's personality. Start by drawing the hairline, which typically follows the shape of the upper part of the head but can be adjusted for different hairstyles.
Next, sketch the basic shape of the hairstyle. Whether the hair is short, long, straight, or curly, it should flow naturally from the scalp. Use quick, confident strokes to outline the major sections of the hair. For spiky hairstyles, draw pointed tufts of hair that radiate from the head. For longer hair, use smooth, flowing lines.
Once you have the basic shape, add details such as individual strands and highlights. Pay attention to the direction of the hair growth and the overall volume. Remember, anime hair often defies gravity and can be exaggerated for dramatic effect.
Step 7: Refining the Outline
At this stage, refine your sketch by darkening the final lines with a pen or marker. Carefully trace over the important lines, erasing any unnecessary guidelines. Ensure that the facial features, hair, and head shape are well-defined.
Step 8: Adding Details and Shadows
To add depth and dimension to your drawing, incorporate shadows and highlights. Shade areas such as the underside of the chin, the hair, and around the eyes to give a sense of volume. Use hatching or cross-hatching techniques to create subtle gradients.
Highlights can be added to the eyes, hair, and other areas to enhance the overall look. For the eyes, emphasize the highlights to make them appear more reflective and lively.
Step 9: Coloring (Optional)
If you want to add color to your drawing, use colored pencils or markers. Start with the base colors for the skin, hair, and eyes. Gradually build up the layers, adding darker shades for shadows and lighter tones for highlights. Be mindful of the light source to ensure consistent shading.
Final Thoughts
Drawing an anime head involves understanding the basic proportions and features that define the style. With practice and experimentation, you'll develop your own unique approach and style. Remember, the key to improving is consistent practice and studying different anime art styles. Don't be afraid to make mistakes, as each drawing is a step towards mastering the art of anime.
By following this step-by-step guide, you can create your own anime characters, bringing them to life with expressive faces and dynamic hairstyles. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced artist, the journey of drawing anime is both rewarding and enjoyable. So grab your pencil and paper, and start drawing your own anime head step by step today!