Anime Drawing Guide: Learn How to Draw Anime Step-by-Step
Anime is more than just entertainment—it's an art form. From iconic characters like Naruto and Goku to fan-made original creations, anime drawing has become a global passion. Whether you’re just starting out or want to level up your skills, learning how to draw anime is both fun and deeply rewarding.
In this ultimate beginner-to-intermediate guide, we’ll walk you through the essential tools, step-by-step techniques, styles, tips, and resources to help you draw anime like a pro.
What is Anime Drawing?
Anime vs Manga Art Style
Anime art is usually colored and animated for TV, film, or games. Manga art is mostly black-and-white, drawn for print in comics. Despite the medium difference, the styles overlap heavily—big expressive eyes, sharp lines, exaggerated emotions.
Why Anime Drawing is So Popular Worldwide
- It’s stylized yet accessible
- Characters are expressive and diverse
- The style allows for creative freedom
- Fan art culture encourages participation
Essential Tools for Drawing Anime
Traditional Drawing Tools (Pencil, Ink, Paper)
- Pencils: Start with HB or 2B for sketching
- Ink Pens / Fineliners: For clean lines and outlining
- Erasers: Kneaded erasers are gentle on paper
- Sketchbook: Use a smooth surface with moderate thickness
Digital Drawing Tools (Tablet, Software)
- Drawing Tablet: Wacom, Huion, or XP-Pen
- Software: Clip Studio Paint, Procreate, Krita, or Adobe Photoshop
- Stylus: Pressure sensitivity helps with dynamic lines
Beginner’s Step-by-Step Guide to Anime Drawing
1. Start with Basic Head Shapes
Draw a circle and a jawline to form the head. Lightly sketch guidelines for eye and nose placement. Proportion tip: Eyes are usually placed halfway down the head.
2. Draw Facial Features (Eyes, Nose, Mouth)
Eyes are the most expressive—try classic large “anime eyes.” Noses are often simplified (a line or dot). Mouths range from small curves to wide grins—use expression charts for practice.
3. Add Hair Styles and Expressions
Anime hair is stylized—think chunky, flowing shapes. Break it down into bangs, side hair, and back hair. Match expressions with eyebrows and mouth shapes.
4. Create the Body (Torso, Limbs, Poses)
Use stick figures or gesture lines for body pose. Add basic shapes: circles for joints, rectangles for limbs. Study proportions: adults = 7–8 heads tall, kids = 4–5 heads.
5. Clothing, Accessories, and Final Touches
Anime outfits showcase personality. Add layers, folds, accessories, and belts. Finish with clean line art and optional shading or coloring.
Common Anime Drawing Styles and Genres
Shonen vs Shojo Art Style
Shonen: Bold lines, action poses, sharper features. Shojo: Softer lines, detailed eyes, elegant designs.
Chibi Style
Super-deformed characters with huge heads and tiny bodies. Focus on cuteness and exaggerated emotions.
Realistic Anime Style
A fusion of anime aesthetics with real-world anatomy for more grounded, cinematic illustrations.
Top Tips to Improve Your Anime Art
Practice Gesture Drawing
Do quick 30–90 second sketches to loosen up. Focus on movement and flow.
Study from Real Anime Scenes
Screenshot favorite scenes and break down poses, angles, and expressions.
Follow Online Tutorials and Speedpaints
Watch anime artists on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok to learn techniques and workflows.
Best Resources for Learning Anime Drawing
YouTube Channels and Courses
- Mark Crilley – step-by-step anime tutorials
- Whyt Manga – character design and storytelling
- Love2DrawManga – chibi, expressions, and more
Art Books and PDF Guides
- Mastering Manga by Mark Crilley
- How to Draw Anime & Game Characters by Satoshi Shiki
- Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain by Betty Edwards
Apps and Websites for Drawing Practice
- SketchClub
- MediBang Paint
- Pixiv Sketch
- Line of Action (gesture drawing practice)
Joining the Anime Artist Community
DeviantArt, ArtStation, Instagram, and Reddit
Share your art, get feedback, join art challenges, and build your network using hashtags like #animeart or #mangadrawing.
Participating in Art Challenges and Contests
Try Inktober, OCtober, or Crunchyroll’s fan art contests to grow faster and stay motivated.
Anime Drawing Career Paths
Becoming a Mangaka or Anime Illustrator
Submit one-shots or serialized manga to publishers like Shonen Jump. Collaborate with writers if needed.
Freelance, Commissions, and Webtoons
Offer art commissions, sell prints, and publish original comics on Webtoon, Tapas, or Patreon.
Conclusion
Learning how to draw anime isn’t just about mastering the eyes or hair—it’s about telling a story through characters, emotion, and style. Whether you’re sketching traditionally or digitally, anime drawing is a journey of creativity, self-expression, and constant growth.
Pick up your pencil or stylus and start drawing—your next favorite character might just be the one you create!
FAQs About Anime Drawing
- Can I learn to draw anime even if I can’t draw well now? Yes! Start with basic shapes and practice daily.
- What tools do I need to start drawing anime? Pencil and paper, or a tablet with free apps like Krita.
- Is it better to draw traditionally or digitally? Both are great—try both and find what you love!
- How long does it take to get good at anime drawing? With consistent practice, major improvements can happen in 3–6 months.
- What’s the difference between anime and manga drawing? Anime is colored and animated; manga is black-and-white for print.
- How do I draw anime eyes? Start with a wide almond shape, add a big iris, highlights, and minimal shading.
- Can I make money drawing anime? Yes—through commissions, webtoons, selling prints, and working for studios.
- What’s the best anime style to learn first? Start with chibi or shonen styles—they’re simpler and fun.
- Where can I share my anime drawings? Instagram, DeviantArt, Reddit, Discord, and ArtStation.
- Are there schools for anime drawing? Yes! Plus many online courses on Skillshare, Domestika, and Udemy.
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