Draw Anime Head: A Comprehensive Guide

Drawing anime heads can be both a challenging and rewarding experience for artists of all levels. The distinctive style of anime involves unique proportions, expressive features, and a variety of hairstyles that bring characters to life. This guide will walk you through the steps to draw an anime head structure , from understanding basic shapes to adding intricate details.

Understanding the Basics

Before diving into the drawing process, it’s essential to understand the fundamental structure of an anime head. Anime, derived from the term animation, is a style of art originating from Japan. It is characterized by exaggerated features, such as large eyes and small mouths, to convey a wide range of emotions.

1. Proportions

The proportions of an anime head differ significantly from those of a realistic human head. Typically, the head is divided into three main sections:

The top of the head to the brow line

The brow line to the bottom of the nose

The bottom of the nose to the chin

These sections help in placing the facial features accurately.

Drawing the Basic Head Shape

2. The Circle and Guidelines

Start with a simple circle. This circle represents the top part of the skull. From the bottom of the circle, draw a vertical line downwards, extending it to mark the chin. This line helps in maintaining symmetry.

Next, draw a horizontal line across the middle of the circle. This line will serve as the guideline for the placement of the eyes.

3. Jawline and Chin

From the edges of the circle, draw two lines that angle inwards to form the sides of the face. These lines should converge at the point where you marked the chin. The shape can vary depending on the character’s gender, age, and style. For a more feminine look, the lines should be softer and less angular. For a masculine look, the lines can be more pronounced and square.

Placing Facial Features

4. Eyes

The eyes are one of the most defining features of anime characters. Place the eyes along the horizontal guideline you drew earlier. Anime eyes are typically large and expressive. Start by drawing the upper and lower lash lines. The space between the eyes should be about the width of one eye.

For the pupils, draw large, circular shapes within the lash lines. Add highlights to give the eyes a sense of depth and liveliness. The size and shape of the eyes can vary widely, giving different characters their unique looks.

5. Nose and Mouth

The nose in anime is usually subtle and less detailed. Place it halfway between the horizontal eye line and the chin. A simple curved line or a small dot can suffice for the nose.

The mouth is placed about halfway between the nose and the chin. It can be a simple line or slightly curved to convey different expressions. For a smiling character, the line can curve upwards; for a neutral expression, it can be straight.

6. Ears

The top of the ears should align with the eye line, and the bottom should align with the bottom of the nose. Anime ears can be simplified with a few lines to indicate the inner structure.

Adding Hair

Hair in anime is often exaggerated and stylized. It can greatly impact the character's personality and appearance.

7. Basic Hair Shapes

Start by drawing the hairline, which can follow the shape of the head or be more stylized depending on the character. Next, draw the overall shape of the hair, keeping in mind the direction and flow.

8. Detailing the Hair

Add individual strands and sections to give the hair volume and texture. Pay attention to how the hair falls and the different layers it may have. Use sharp, angular lines for spiky hair and smooth, flowing lines for straight or wavy hair.

Refining the Drawing

9. Line Art

Once you have the basic shapes and features in place, go over your sketch with clean, definitive lines. This step is called inking. Use a fine-tip pen or a dark pencil to outline the character, erasing any unnecessary guidelines as you go.

10. Adding Details

Add any additional details that make your character unique, such as accessories, facial markings, or distinct features. This is also a good time to refine the facial expressions and ensure that all the proportions look correct.

Shading and Coloring

11. Shading

Shading adds depth and dimension to your drawing. Identify the light source and add shadows accordingly. Common areas for shading include under the chin, the sides of the face, and around the hairline. Use hatching or cross-hatching techniques to create shadows with pencils or markers.

12. Coloring

If you choose to color your drawing, use colors that complement each other and suit the character’s design. Anime characters often have vibrant hair and eye colors. Use colored pencils, markers, or digital tools to add color, and don’t forget to add highlights to the hair and eyes for a more dynamic look.

Tips for Improvement

Practice Regularly: Like any skill, drawing improves with regular practice. Draw different characters, experiment with various styles, and challenge yourself with new techniques.

Study Real People and Anime Characters: Observe how real facial features work and how anime simplifies and exaggerates them. Analyzing different anime styles can also provide inspiration and understanding of different artistic choices.

Use References: Don’t hesitate to use references from anime shows, manga, or even real-life photos. References can provide guidance on proportions, expressions, and details you might not think of on your own.

Experiment with Styles: Anime encompasses a wide range of styles. Try drawing in different styles to find what you enjoy most and to broaden your skill set.

Get Feedback: Share your drawings with others and be open to constructive criticism. Feedback can offer new perspectives and highlight areas for improvement.

Conclusion

Drawing anime head structure is a fun and creative way to express yourself through art. By understanding the basic structure, practicing consistently, and experimenting with different styles and techniques, you can develop your skills and create captivating characters. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced artist, there’s always room to grow and explore in the world of anime art. So, grab your drawing tools and start bringing your anime characters to life!