How To Draw Heads In Anime?

Learning how to draw heads in anime is a fundamental skill for any aspiring manga artist or illustrator. The anime style, characterized by its distinct facial features and proportions, requires practice and understanding of anatomy, perspective, and expression. This guide will provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to master this unique art form.

Understanding Anime Head Proportions

To effectively draw heads in anime, you must first grasp the basic proportions that define the anime style.

Standard Head Shape

The typical anime head shape can be represented as an oval or a circle with a slightly flat bottom. This forms the base for most characters. Begin by sketching a circle for the top of the head and a slight curve for the chin. Ensure that you maintain a balance between the top and bottom sections.

Facial Guidelines

After establishing the head shape, use light lines to create facial guidelines. These lines help in placing the eyes, nose, and mouth accurately.

• Vertical Line: Draw a vertical line down the center to help align the facial features symmetrically.
• Horizontal Lines: Draw horizontal lines to mark where the eyes, nose, and mouth will go. Typically, the eyes are situated halfway down the head, the base of the nose is about halfway between the eyes and chin, and the mouth is placed below the nose.

Drawing Facial Features

Once you have the head shape and guidelines, it's time to add facial features.

Eyes

The eyes in anime are often exaggerated, featuring large irises and pupils. To draw anime eyes:

1. Start by sketching the basic almond shape around the eye guideline.
2. Add the upper eyelid thicker than the lower eyelid for depth.
3. Draw the iris and pupil, ensuring they are large relative to the eye size.

Tip for Expressiveness

Varying the shape and size of the eyes can convey different emotions. For instance, small, narrow eyes can represent anger or determination, while larger, round eyes portray innocence and excitement.

Nose

The nose in anime is typically simplified. To draw a nose:

• Use a small line or subtle shapes like triangles to indicate the nostrils.
• Place it directly on the vertical guide and just above the mouth line.

Mouth

Mouths in anime can vary significantly based on the character's emotion. To draw a mouth:

• Create a simple line for a closed mouth.
• For an open mouth, draw an arc and show teeth if necessary.

Adding Hair Styles

Hair is a significant aspect of character design in anime. When learning how to draw heads, consider these steps for hair:

Basic Hair Structure

Start by sketching the overall shape of the hairstyle. Use loose, flowing lines that follow the contours of the head. Keep in mind the direction of hair growth and volume.

Detailed Hair Strands

Add detail by drawing individual strands. Remember to keep the top lighter and the bottom of the strands darker for a natural effect.

Different Hairstyles

Experiment with various hairstyles, such as:

• Long straight hair
• Curls and waves
• Short spiky styles

Facial Expressions

Facial expressions are crucial in anime to convey emotions. Here's how to effectively draw them.

Happy Expression

To depict happiness, widen the eyes, raise the eyebrows, and curve the mouth upwards. Adding blush marks can enhance the cheerful look.

Sad Expression

For sadness, droop the eyes, create a downturned mouth, and lower the eyebrows to reflect sorrow.

Angry Expression

To convey anger, narrow the eyes, furrow the eyebrows, and tighten the mouth into a thin line. Sharp angles can emphasize intensity.

Finalizing Your Drawing

Once you finish outlining the facial features and hair, refine your drawing with clean lines. Erase unnecessary guidelines and add color or shading for depth.

Coloring Tips

Choose color palettes that suit your character's personality. Use lighter colors for softer characters and darker tones for more intense personalities.

Practice and Resources

To improve your skills in how to draw heads in anime, consistent practice is essential. Here are some effective resources:

• Online Tutorials: Websites like YouTube offer numerous visual tutorials.
• Art Books: Invest in books dedicated to anime drawing techniques.
• Drawing Communities: Engage with online forums and communities for feedback and support.

Conclusion

Mastering how to draw heads in anime requires practice and understanding of proportions, features, and expressions. By following the steps outlined in this guide and utilizing available resources, you can develop your skills and create engaging character designs. Remember to keep practicing and experimenting with different styles and expressions. Happy drawing!