How To Draw A Manga Head?

Learning how to draw manga heads is an essential skill for aspiring manga artists. This guide will provide you with step-by-step instructions, techniques, and tips to master the art of drawing captivating manga heads. Whether you are a beginner or looking to refine your skills, this article will help you understand the key elements involved in creating expressive manga faces.

Understanding the Basics of Manga Heads

To effectively learn how to draw manga heads, it's important to grasp the fundamental structure and proportions of the head. Manga heads often have exaggerated features that differ from realistic human anatomy, yet they still follow certain guidelines.

The Basic Structure of the Head

To start, the basic structure of a manga head can be simplified into basic geometric shapes. Follow these steps:

• Start with a Circle: Draw a circle to represent the top of the head.
• Add a Guideline: Draw a vertical line down the middle to indicate symmetry.
• Define the Jawline: From the bottom of the circle, create a downward curve to form the jawline.

Proportions to Keep in Mind

When learning how to draw manga heads, keep the following proportions in mind:

• The head is typically 1.5 to 2 times the width of the jaw.
• The eyes are usually positioned halfway down the head.
• The bottom of the nose is located one-third of the way down from the eyes to the chin.
• The mouth sits approximately one-third of the way below the nose.

Facial Features in Manga Heads

Once you understand the basic structure, you can start adding facial features. Each feature contributes to the overall expression of the character.

Drawing the Eyes

The eyes are crucial in expressing emotion. Follow these guidelines when drawing manga eyes:

• Shape: Choose from various shapes, such as almond or round.
• Size: Generally, manga eyes are larger than normal, particularly in youth characters.
• Details: Include reflections and shading to add depth.

Eye Variations

Different styles of manga characters require different eye designs. For example:

• Shonen Characters: Often have sharp, intense eyes to convey action.
• Shoujo Characters: Typically possess softer, larger eyes for a more innocent look.

Creating the Nose

In manga, noses can be simple or detailed, depending on the style you choose. Here’s how to draw a basic manga nose:

• Simple Lines: A small line or dot can represent the nose for chibi styles.
• More Detail: For older characters, add slight shading and shapes to give it dimension.

Nose Placement

Ensure the nose is correctly positioned between the eyes and the mouth for balance. Remember the proportions mentioned earlier as you add detail.

Drawing the Mouth

The mouth can express a wide range of emotions. Here are steps to help you draw it effectively:

• Basic Shape: Start with a simple line – straight or curved, depending on the expression.
• Add Details: Use curves for lips, and consider adding shadows for depth.

Mouth Expressions

Different mouth shapes can convey different emotions:

• Smiling: Curved upward line with slightly fuller lips.
• Frowning: Curved downward line showing sadness or anger.

Adding Hair to Manga Heads

Hair is an important aspect of a character's identity. To learn how to draw manga heads effectively, mastering hair is essential.

Basic Hair Shapes

Start by outlining the general shape of the hair. Consider the following:

• Volume: Hair should extend beyond the head outline to show thickness.
• Flow: Pay attention to how hair naturally falls based on gravity.

Detailing the Hair

Once you have the basic shape, add strands and shading:

• Strands: Draw individual hair strands for realism.
• Shading: Add dark and light areas to create dimension.

Finalizing Your Manga Head

To complete your manga head, focus on refining the sketch. This includes cleaning up lines, enhancing features, and adding final details.

Line Art and Inking

Once satisfied with your sketch, trace over it with ink using fine liners. Ensure:

• You use varying line weights to emphasize certain areas.
• Your lines are clean and precise for a polished look.

Coloring Your Manga Head

If you wish to add color, consider using markers or digital tools. Choose colors that match the character's personality. Highlights and shadows can enhance the three-dimensional aspect of the drawing.

Conclusion

Mastering how to draw manga heads takes practice and patience. By understanding the fundamental structure, proportions, and unique features, you can create expressive characters that resonate with your audience. Remember to experiment with different styles and techniques to develop your own artistic voice in the world of manga. Happy drawing!