Sure, everyone can draw a stick figure head, but a true artist knows how to draw a head anime. Drawing anime isn’t just about creating a caricature of reality. It’s about crafting something that captures both the real and the surreal with equal ease. It can be a challenge, but with a few simple tips and tricks, you’ll be drawing attention-catching anime heads in no time!
1. Proportions
When it comes to anime, proportions are everything. Oftentimes, you’ll want the head of your character to be over-sized compared to their body to give them the exaggerated anime look. You may even want to extend the size of the head even farther than what is ordinarily considered proportional to give your character an extra-cartoonish vibe. Whatever size you choose, focus on keeping it consistent throughout the drawing.
Another important way to make sure you’re keeping your proportions on track is by using guidelines. These can be in the form of a series of concentric circles, or a more complex grid. Using these reference points will help you keep your character in proportion as you work.
2. Eyes
Eyes are an important part of an anime head. Try to make the eyes a little wider than they would be in real life, to give them a bit of a cartoonish feel. You can also experiment with different shapes, like ovals, rectangles, and even hearts, to give your characters a unique identity.
To make the eyes look more expressive, remember to make the lashes extra long, or draw them in different directions. Even something as simple as the type of eyeliner you choose can make the eyes look bigger and more alive. You can also draw a single eyelash instead of several, this can add an extra depth to your drawing.
3. Mouths and Noses
When it comes to mouths and noses, anime characters can be quite expressive. Use a curved line for the mouth, rather than a straight one, and experiment with different shapes, from a simple line to a large smile. For the nose, keep it simple like a dot or a small line.
For characters with a more whimsical look, you can draw the nose in fun shapes like hearts, stars, or even animals, to give your character more personality. Just remember to keep it simple, as too many details can make your character look too busy and cluttered.
4. Hair
Anime hair is notoriously wacky – it can be anything from long and flowing to short and spiky. The important thing to remember is that the hair should suit the character you’ve created and fit the overall style of the drawing. Experiment with different hairstyles and colors, then add in some fun details like streaks of color or unique patterns to give it the anime look.
For the sides of the head, you can use a crosshatching technique to create a rougher, more cartoony look. When you add the finishing touches of the hair, don’t forget to add some strands that are slightly out of place, as this helps add a more lifelike feel to the drawing.
5. Clothing
Once you’ve drawn the base of your anime head, it’s time to add the clothing. Now is the time to get creative – try adding accessories like necklaces, earrings, and hats to give your character some extra pizazz. The clothing can be as detailed or as simple as you’d like, depending on your style.
Don’t forget to add some folds and wrinkles to give the clothing a more realistic look. For example, if your character is wearing a skirt, draw a few lines near the waist and hips to make it look like the fabric is flowing. Just remember to keep it simple for the best results.
6. shading
Shading is the final step to creating an amazing anime head. The shading should bring out the features of the face, like the eyes, nose, and lips, and make them stand out. You can use a variety of shading techniques, like hatching, cross-hatching or stippling to give your drawing depth.
You should also add in some shadows to give the face more dimension. You can use a layer of soft shading or add in some darker lines to give your character more depth. Remember to keep the shadows subtle, though, as too much shading can overpower your drawing.
7. Finishing Touches
Once you’ve finished shading, it’s time to add in the finishing touches. This includes adding highlights to the hair and facial features, as well as any other details you may have missed. A sparkle in the eyes or a mole on the cheek can make your character stand out from the crowd.
Finally, use a few well-placed lines to give your character a sense of movement. For example, some lines next to the eyes or a few curls of hair can make them look more dynamic and alive. Remember, a little effort goes a long way when it comes to drawing anime heads.
