Anime is one of the most beloved characters of all time, so it’s no surprise that so many people want to learn how to draw them. It’s a daunting task for beginners, but with a few tips you can be on your way to becoming an awesome anime artist. So buckle up and get ready to gain some invaluable skills!
1. Choose a pose and direction
When it comes to drawing an anime man, the most important thing to consider is the pose and direction the figure is facing. If your character is standing, is he leaning forward or backward? If he’s sitting, how is he positioned? This will help guide the rest of your anime drawing, so give it as much thought as possible. A good tip is to look up reference images, or even better, draw from life. This will give you a great base to start from.
2. Proportion and anatomy
Anime is often quite stylized, so exact proportions and anatomy aren’t completely necessary. That said, it’s important to understand the basics so that you can give your characters enough realism to create a realistic illusion. Pay close attention to the head, body and limbs and make sure they’re all proportional. Pay attention to facial features as well. Anatomy and proportion can be tricky, so don’t be afraid to look up reference images for comparison.
3. Refine the details
It’s time to give your anime man some personality! Bring in details like clothing, facial expressions, hair, etc. The level of detail you include is up to you, but keep in mind that too much detail can be overwhelming and take away from the overall design. Also, try to keep it simple, as anime design is often quite minimalistic. Use exaggerated proportions and simple shapes to represent details like clothes, hair and facial features.
4. Final touches
Now that you’ve got your anime man sketched out, it’s time to give him the finishing touches. This is where you can really bring him to life, by adding things like shading, highlights, and even little details like wrinkles or tattoos. Don’t forget to use lots of contrast, as this will really make your character pop. Lastly, take a few steps back and look at your artwork to make sure you’re happy with the overall design.
5. Practice, practice, practice
Like any other art form, the key to becoming a great anime artist is practice. Just keep drawing and refining your skills to become a better artist. Strike a balance between studying anatomy and learning the principles of design and also just having fun. Experiment with different poses and expressions, and never forget to have a little fun along the way!
6. Count with perspective
Drawing anime characters from different points of view and distances can be one of the most challenging aspects of anime art. To master this, you should brush up on the basics of perspective. Get a good understanding of the fundamentals like vanishing points, foreshortening and horizon line. Once you have a handle on this, your figures will look much more realistic.
7. Experiment with color
Adding color to your artwork is always a fun way to bring your characters to life. Start with more simple styles like flat coloring or cell shading and work your way up to more complex techniques like digital painting. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find your own unique style. Color can add a whole new dimension to your artwork, so don’t be scared to explore the possibilities.
8. Keep learning
One of the best ways to become a better artist is to constantly learn and challenge yourself. Whether it’s drawing from life, studying anatomy, taking classes or even just looking up tutorials on YouTube, there are so many ways you can expand your knowledge and refine your craft. So keep at it and keep learning, and with enough dedication and persistence you’ll be drawing awesome anime characters in no time.
