Mastering Anime Head Drawing: Step-by-Step Guide
Introduction to Anime Head Drawing
Anime, a style of animation originating from Japan, has captivated audiences worldwide with its distinct and expressive art style. One of the key features of anime is the exaggerated yet beautifully simplistic facial features. Mastering the drawing of an anime head is a fundamental skill for any aspiring manga artist or anime enthusiast. This anime head step by step guide will take you through a comprehensive, step-by-step process to draw an anime head, ensuring that you understand each phase and can practice effectively.
Step 1: Drawing the Basic Head Shape
To start, draw a circle. This will form the cranium of your character. Ensure the circle is smooth and as perfect as possible. Next, draw a vertical line down the center of the circle. This line will help you maintain symmetry as you add facial features. Then, add a horizontal line halfway down the circle. This horizontal line marks the position where the eyes will sit. Extend the vertical line below the circle to guide the placement of the chin and jawline.
Pro Tip:
Use light pencil strokes for these initial lines as they are guidelines and will be erased later.
Step 2: Establishing the Jawline and Chin
From the bottom of the circle, draw two lines angling inward to form the jaw. These lines should meet at a point below the circle, forming a triangular shape. The point where these lines meet will be the chin. The length of these lines and the angle will determine the face shape of your character—sharp and narrow for a more intense look, or wider for a softer appearance.
Pro Tip:
Experiment with different jawline angles to see how they affect the character’s overall look. Anime characters can have very diverse facial structures.
Step 3: Positioning the Eyes
With the horizontal line as a guide, draw two large ovals or circles for the eyes. In anime, eyes are often exaggerated to convey emotion, so don’t be afraid to make them larger than in realistic drawings. The space between the eyes should be roughly the width of one eye. Ensure the eyes are symmetrically placed on either side of the vertical guideline.
Pro Tip:
Eyes are the focal point of the anime face, so take your time to get the size and placement right. Adjust if necessary.
Step 4: Adding the Nose and Mouth
Anime noses are typically small and simple. From the bottom of the circle, draw a small line or dot to indicate the nose. It should sit just above the midpoint between the horizontal eye line and the bottom of the chin. For the mouth, draw a horizontal line between the nose and the chin. The length and curve of this line can vary depending on the character’s expression.
Pro Tip:
Less is more when it comes to anime noses. Keep it subtle to maintain the stylistic nature of the drawing.
Step 5: Sketching the Ears
The ears are positioned between the eye line and the nose line. Draw small, curved shapes on either side of the head, ensuring they are symmetrical. The top of the ears should align with the eye line, and the bottom should align with the nose.
Pro Tip:
Ears can often be obscured by hair in anime, so don’t worry too much about detailing them unless they are a focal point in your character design.
Step 6: Designing the Hair
Anime hair comes in countless styles, from sleek and straight to wild and spiky. Begin by drawing the hairline, which generally follows the curve of the forehead. From there, sketch the general shape of the hairstyle. Remember, hair in anime often defies gravity and can be an important part of a character’s identity.
Pro Tip:
Break down the hair into sections and draw it in layers to add depth and volume. Think of hair as a mass rather than individual strands.
Step 7: Refining the Features
Now that the basic structure is in place, refine your drawing. Darken the lines you want to keep and erase the guidelines. Add details to the eyes, such as pupils and highlights, to bring the character to life. You can also add more detail to the hair, adjusting strands and locks to make it look more natural and dynamic.
Pro Tip:
Use different pencil grades to vary the line thickness, adding dimension and interest to your drawing.
Step 8: Adding Shadows and Highlights
Shading is essential in anime to add depth and dimension. Lightly shade areas where shadows naturally fall, such as under the chin, around the eyes, and beneath the hair. Highlights, especially in the eyes and hair, can make your character look more vibrant and three-dimensional.
Pro Tip:
Use a blending tool or your finger to smooth out shadows for a softer, more natural look. Highlights can be added with an eraser or a white pencil for contrast.
Final Touches
Review your drawing for any final adjustments. Ensure all features are proportionate and symmetrical. Clean up any remaining guidelines and add final touches to make your anime head drawing polished and complete.
Pro Tip:
Step back from your drawing periodically to view it from a distance. This can help you see any imbalances or areas that need refinement.
Conclusion
Drawing an anime head step by step can seem daunting at first, but with practice and patience, you can master this art form. Each step builds on the last, creating a solid foundation for you to develop your unique anime style. Remember to experiment with different facial structures, expressions, and hairstyles to diversify your skills. Happy drawing!
