How To Draw A Manga Face In Side View?

Learning to draw manga faces from a side view can significantly enhance your artistic skills and enable you to create dynamic characters. This guide will provide step-by-step instructions on how to draw a manga face side view, complete with tips and examples to improve your technique.

Understanding Manga Face Side View

When drawing a manga face in profile, the key is to understand the structure and proportions of the head. The side view emphasizes different features, creating a unique aesthetic compared to the front view. This perspective highlights the nose, lips, and the curve of the jawline.

The Basic Shapes of the Face

To begin, it is essential to break down the face into basic shapes. To draw a manga face side view, follow these steps:

• Start with an Oval: Draw a light oval shape for the head, slightly flattened at the sides.
• Add the Jawline: Create a gentle angle from the bottom of the oval to form the jawline.
• Establish Guidelines: Draw a vertical line through the center of the face to help position the facial features accurately.

Using Reference Images

Reference images can aid in understanding the proportions of a side-view face. Study existing manga characters and analyze how their features appear from the side. Look for elements such as the placement of the ear, the thickness of the neck, and the overall angle of the features.

Placing the Facial Features

Once you have the basic head shape, it's time to place the facial features accurately. To draw a manga face side view effectively, follow these guidelines:

Nose Placement

The nose is one of the most distinguishing features in a side profile. To correctly position it:

• Find the Nose Width: Start from the top of the head and measure down to where the nose will sit.
• Draw the Nose Shape: Outline a simple triangular shape that corresponds to the incline of the head.

Lips and Chin

The placement of the lips and chin requires attention to detail:

• Sketch the Lips: Draw a soft line for the mouth, ensuring it aligns with the nose's base.
• Define the Chin: Extend the jawline downward to create the chin, adjusting its shape for stylistic preferences.

Adding Hair and Neck Details

Hair and neck details will contribute to the character's overall look. Here's how to approach them:

Drawing Hair

When adding hair, consider the hairstyle that suits the character's personality. For example:

• Soft Flowing Hair: Use smooth curves to depict long hair.
• Spiky Hair: For a dramatic look, create sharp, angular shapes pointing outward.

Constructing the Neck

The neck should connect seamlessly to the head. To achieve a natural appearance:

• Draw Guiding Lines: Sketch two straight lines from the jaw to indicate the neck's width.
• Refine the Neck Shape: Adjust the lines to match your character’s build—thick for muscular characters and slender for others.

Incorporating Details and Expressions

Adding details can bring your manga face to life. Consider the following:

Eyes and Expression

The eyes are crucial for conveying emotion. To add expressive eyes in your manga face side view:

• Position the Eye: Place the eye halfway between the top of the head and the chin.
• Design the Eyelid: Draw an eyelid shape that fits your character’s mood—open for excitement or half-closed for relaxation.

Finishing Touches

Finally, refine your drawing with finishing touches:

• Outline Your Drawing: Use a darker pencil or pen to trace over the final lines.
• Add Shading: Use hatching or blending techniques to add depth to your character’s face.

Practice Makes Perfect

Improving your ability to draw a manga face from a side view takes practice. Regularly sketch different characters and experiment with various expressions and hairstyles. Keep a sketchbook dedicated to practicing profiles to track your progress.

As you become more comfortable with these techniques, you'll notice an improvement in your overall drawing skills. Remember, the more you practice how to draw manga face side view, the better you will become at capturing the essence and personality of your characters.