Drawing Anime Eyes: the Basics
The idea of “drawing” and “anime” can be daunting for many new artists, but with a few basic steps, almost anyone can learn how to draw anime eyes with ease. The art of creating anime characters is complex and requires plenty of. practice — from constructing figures to depicting facial features and clothing — but getting the eyes just right can add to the overall look and feel of a character.
The most important basic for achieving the look of anime eyes is to pay close attention to the shape and proportion. Unlike realistic eyes, anime eyes are often drawn with a combination of basic geometric shapes like lines, circles, and amorphous shapes. Start by sketching two long, thin oval shapes at the center of the face — one slightly higher than the other — then working outward and adding details like pupils, lashes, and highlights.
Creating Anime Eye Proportions
One of the fundamentals of crafting unique anime eyes is learning to draw the right proportions. Generally speaking, anime eyes take up roughly one-quarter of the character’s face, making them the most dominant facial feature. This is why it’s especially important to establish the placement of the eyes relative to the other facial features. Keep in mind, drawing anime eyes with the right size and proportions can be challenging at first, but with practice and an understanding of basic proportions and symmetry, it’s easy to master the art.
Tools for Drawing Anime Eyes
Having the basic knowledge to draw anime eyes is one thing; having the tools to do so is another. Before jumping into the actual process of drawing, it’s important to review a few must-have tools for anime eyes:
Pencils: A basic HB pencil is fine for starting out; however, opting for a softer lead like 2B lends a smoother result.
Erasers: Erasers are a key tool for blending, correcting mistakes, and achieving the right proportions.
Markers: Colored markers add a unique touch to anime eyes, but it’s important to be familiar with marker techniques and use the proper marker type.
Drawing Different Types of Anime Eyes
When it comes to anime eyes, there is a vast array of types to choose from. During the initial sketching phase of crafting the perfect anime eyes, try to experiment with different shapes and sizes — after all, not all anime characters have the exact same eye shape. Some common eye types include the droopy ‘tears of sadness’ eyes, the pointed ‘angry eyes’, the ‘cat-like’ eyes and eyes of various shapes, such as slanted and curved eyes. When it comes to creating anime characters, the eyes are just the beginning.
Adding Details to Anime Eyes
Every detail matters when it comes to perfecting an anime character’s eyes. For example, always start by outlining the basic eye shape with the pencil. Darken the inner corner to create a natural, three-dimensional look and then blend in the edges. After erasing and adjusting the outline, try adding upper and lower lashes, horizontal creases on the top and bottom of the eye and a highlight towards the outside corner of each eye. Finally, add details such as pupils and thin streaks of white to convey emotion and create depth.
Final Touches on Anime Eyes
When the eyes are done, the sketch can be shaded in with markers or colored pencils — emulating anime eyes — then finished off with a few final touches like eyeliner, brow styling, and artificial eyelashes. Depending on the desired effect, drawing manga eyes may also require extra layers of ink and colored pencils to add a bit of realism to the eyes.
For those new to anime drawing, it’s important to remember that perfecting anime eyes — as well as the full anime look — takes a lot of practice and patience. With that said, the follow simple tips for drawing anime eyes are a great foundation for success: practice drawing the right proportions, pay attention to the details, and have fun.
