Introduction
Anime and manga have gained a significant following worldwide, with their distinct features and styles. The characters’ large eyes, exaggerated expressions, and colorful hair have captured the hearts of many fans. However, for beginners, drawing an anime head can be a challenging task, often resulting in frustration and disappointment.
In this article, we aim to provide a comprehensive guide for beginners on how to draw an anime head. We will break down the process into simple, easy-to-follow steps, with clear illustrations to guide you along the way. Our target audience is beginners who are interested in learning how to draw anime and manga characters.
Step-by-Step Tutorial
Before we begin, let’s discuss the tools and materials you will need to draw an anime head. Firstly, you will need a pencil, preferably a mechanical pencil, to ensure accuracy and precision. You will also need an eraser, a ruler, and different types of pens, such as fine liners and markers, for inking and coloring.
Now that you have the necessary tools let’s begin by breaking down the process into simple steps:
Step 1: Draw a Circle
We will start by drawing a circle for the head. You can use a circle template or free-hand it, making sure the circle is proportional and takes up most of the page.
Step 2: Draw the Facial Guidelines
Using a ruler, draw two lines crossing the circle, one horizontal and one vertical. The two lines will help guide you in placing the facial features, making sure they are proportionate and symmetrical.
Step 3: Draw the Eyes
Draw two circles along the horizontal line, making sure they align with the intersection points of the face’s guidelines. These circles will serve as the eyes’ position. Draw a small oval shape inside each circle for the iris, a small circle inside the iris for the pupil, and a highlight for the light reflection.
Step 4: Draw the Eyebrows and Nose
Draw the eyebrows above the eyes, with a slight angle downwards towards the center. For the nose, draw a simple curved line along the vertical guideline, slightly below the horizontal line.
Step 5: Draw the Mouth and Chin
Draw the mouth below the nose, using a curved line for the top lip and a straight line for the bottom lip. For the chin, draw a U-shape along the bottom of the circle.
Step 6: Add Hair and Ears
Draw the hair, starting from the top center of the circle and working your way down the sides. Be creative with the hair style and shape. For the ears, draw two almond-shaped ovals along the sides of the head, slightly below the horizontal line.
Video Demonstration
If you find the step-by-step tutorial difficult to follow, watching a video tutorial may help. Video tutorials allow you to watch the drawing process in real-time and pause or rewind when necessary. Check out the video below on how to draw an anime head:
Feel free to follow along at your own pace and pause or rewind when necessary.
Using Reference Images
Using reference images is an excellent way to improve your drawing skills. Reference images provide inspiration, ideas, and guidance on how to draw an anime head accurately. There are various types of reference images to explore, such as poses, angles, and expressions.
Here are some examples of reference images:
You can find different types of reference images on different websites and resources, such as Pinterest, DeviantArt, and Instagram. Make sure to credit the original artist for the reference image used.
Exploring Different Styles
One of the unique features of anime and manga is the different styles available. Each style has its unique features, and experimenting with these styles can be fun and exciting. Here are some of the different styles you can explore:
Chibi: A style that features small, cute, and exaggerated characters, often with large heads and eyes.
Shoujo: A style that targets a female audience and features romantic relationships, delicate and cute details, and soft lines.
Shounen: A style that targets a male audience and features action-packed scenes, muscular characters, and dynamic lines.
Experimenting with different styles can help you find your unique style and improve your drawing skills.
Anatomy Basics
Having a basic understanding of head anatomy is crucial when drawing an anime head. It ensures that the proportions and features are accurate and proportionate. Here is a breakdown of head anatomy:
Forehead: Start at the top of the circle and shape the forehead to create the desired hairstyle.
Eyeline: Divide the face into two equal parts and place the eyes on the horizontal line. The space between the eyes is roughly the size of one-eye width.
Nose: Place the nose at the end of the vertical line, slightly above the halfway point between the eyes and the chin.
Mouth: The mouth is placed in the center of the face, exactly halfway between the chin and the horizontal line.
Chin: The chin is located at the bottom of the face, below the mouth.
Avoiding Common Mistakes
When drawing an anime head, beginners often make common mistakes, resulting in disproportionate and unrealistic features. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them:
Mistake: Drawing eyes too large.
Solution: Follow the guidelines and proportionately size the eyes and the other facial features.
Mistake: Creating an unrealistic hairstyle.
Solution: Refer to real-life hairstyles or use reference images to create a realistic hairstyle.
Mistake: Neglecting the neck.
Solution: Draw the neck proportionately to create a realistic look.
Mistake: Inconsistent face symmetry.
Solution: Use a ruler or measuring technique to ensure accurate symmetry.
Adding Personality
Adding personality and emotions to an anime head drawing makes it unique and personal. Experimenting with different facial expressions and moods can be fun and creative. Here are some examples:
Be creative and try different expressions to give your anime head character and life.
Conclusion
Learning how to draw an anime head may seem daunting at first, but with practice and patience, it can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience. In this article, we provided a step-by-step guide on how to draw an anime head, tips on exploring different styles and adding personality to your drawings, and solutions on avoiding common mistakes. Remember to use reference images, understand head anatomy basics, and most importantly, have fun with it!
Remember, drawing anime heads takes practice, patience, and perseverance. With these tips, you’ll be able to draw anime heads in no time.
