Anime eyes are a distinctive and expressive feature of the anime and manga art style. They can convey a wide range of emotions and help to bring characters to life. If you're interested in learning how to draw anime eyes, this beginner-friendly guide will provide you with the step-by-step instructions and tips you need to create beautiful and expressive anime eyes.
Drawing anime eyes may seem daunting at first, but with a little practice and patience, you'll be able to master this skill and create eyes that capture the essence of your anime characters. So grab your pencil, paper, and eraser, and let's get started!
Before we dive into the step-by-step drawing process, let's briefly discuss the basic shapes and proportions of anime eyes. Anime eyes are typically large and almond-shaped, with a curved upper eyelid and a slightly pointed lower eyelid. The iris, which is the colored part of the eye, is often large and round and can be drawn in a variety of colors to reflect the character's personality and emotions.
how to draw eyes anime
Follow these 10 key points to draw captivating anime eyes:
- Start with basic shapes.
- Keep proportions in mind.
- Add details like eyelashes.
- Experiment with iris colors.
- Capture emotions through eyes.
- Practice regularly to improve.
- Study different anime styles.
- Pay attention to lighting and shading.
- Don't be afraid to experiment.
- Have fun and enjoy the process!
Remember, drawing anime eyes is a skill that takes time and practice to master. Be patient with yourself and keep practicing regularly.
Start with basic shapes.
When drawing anime eyes, it's helpful to start with basic shapes to establish the overall structure and proportions. This will serve as a foundation for adding details and creating more refined and expressive eyes.
The most common basic shapes used for anime eyes are circles and ovals. Circles are often used for the iris, while ovals are used for the overall shape of the eye. Additionally, triangles can be used to create the inner corners of the eyes, and curved lines can be used to define the upper and lower eyelids.
To begin, lightly sketch a circle or oval for the iris. Then, draw a larger circle or oval around the iris to create the overall shape of the eye. Next, add a curved line above the iris for the upper eyelid and another curved line below the iris for the lower eyelid. Finally, you can add a small triangle at the inner corner of the eye to define the tear duct.
Once you have the basic shapes in place, you can start to add details and refine the shape of the eyes. For example, you can add eyelashes, highlights, and shading to create more depth and realism. You can also experiment with different eye shapes and sizes to create unique and expressive characters.
Remember, the key to drawing anime eyes is to keep practicing and experimenting until you find a style that you're comfortable with and that captures the essence of your characters.
Keep proportions in mind.
When drawing anime eyes, it's important to keep the proportions in mind to ensure that they look balanced and natural. The eyes should be roughly the same size and shape, and they should be positioned correctly on the face.
- Eye size:
Anime eyes are typically large and expressive, but they should still be in proportion to the rest of the face. The eyes should take up about one-third of the face's height.
- Eye spacing:
The eyes should be spaced about one eye's width apart. This spacing can vary slightly depending on the character's expression, but it's a good general rule to follow.
- Eye placement:
The eyes should be positioned slightly above the middle of the face. The top of the eyes should be roughly aligned with the hairline, and the bottom of the eyes should be roughly aligned with the nose.
- Inner corners:
The inner corners of the eyes should be slightly closer together than the outer corners. This creates a natural, almond-shaped appearance.
By following these general guidelines, you can ensure that your anime eyes are well-proportioned and balanced. Of course, you can also experiment with different proportions to create unique and stylized characters.
Add details like eyelashes.
Eyelashes are an important detail that can add depth and expression to anime eyes. They can also help to frame the eyes and make them stand out. When drawing eyelashes, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Length and thickness: Eyelashes can vary in length and thickness depending on the character's style and personality. Longer, thicker eyelashes can create a more dramatic look, while shorter, thinner eyelashes can create a more natural look.
- Shape: Eyelashes are typically curved, with a slight curl at the ends. You can also experiment with different eyelash shapes, such as straight or spiky eyelashes, to create unique and stylized characters.
- Placement: Eyelashes should be placed along the upper and lower lash lines. The upper eyelashes should be slightly longer and thicker than the lower eyelashes. You can also add a few shorter eyelashes in the inner and outer corners of the eyes to create a more natural look.
To draw eyelashes, start by drawing a few short, curved lines along the upper and lower lash lines. Then, add a few longer, thicker eyelashes in the center of the eye. You can also add a few shorter eyelashes in the inner and outer corners of the eyes. Finally, use a light touch to blend the eyelashes together and create a natural look.
Eyelashes can be a bit tricky to draw at first, but with a little practice, you'll be able to create beautiful and expressive eyelashes that will bring your anime characters to life.
Once you've mastered the basics of drawing eyelashes, you can start to experiment with different styles and techniques. For example, you can try drawing eyelashes with different lengths, thicknesses, and shapes. You can also try adding highlights and shading to create more depth and realism.
Experiment with iris colors.
The iris is the colored part of the eye, and it can be a great way to add personality and expression to your anime characters. Anime eyes can be any color you can imagine, so feel free to experiment and have fun with it.
- Natural colors: Natural eye colors, such as brown, blue, and green, are always a good choice. These colors can create a realistic and natural look for your characters.
- Unnatural colors: Unnatural eye colors, such as pink, purple, and yellow, can create a more stylized and unique look for your characters. These colors can be used to convey a character's personality or mood.
- Multiple colors: You can also experiment with using multiple colors for the iris. For example, you could create a character with one blue eye and one green eye. This can be a great way to add visual interest and depth to your characters.
When choosing an iris color, consider the following factors:
- Character's personality: The iris color can be used to reflect the character's personality. For example, a character with blue eyes might be seen as calm and collected, while a character with red eyes might be seen as passionate and fiery.
- Character's mood: The iris color can also be used to convey the character's mood. For example, a character with dark eyes might be feeling sad or angry, while a character with bright eyes might be feeling happy or excited.
- Overall design: The iris color should also complement the overall design of the character. For example, a character with a bright and colorful outfit might have irises that are a contrasting color, such as black or dark blue.
Experimenting with different iris colors is a great way to add personality and expression to your anime characters. So don't be afraid to try different colors and see what works best for your characters.
Once you've chosen an iris color, you can start to add highlights and shading to create more depth and realism. You can also use different colors for the pupil and the sclera (the white part of the eye) to create even more unique and stylized eyes.
Capture emotions through eyes.
The eyes are often said to be the windows to the soul, and this is especially true in anime. Anime eyes are incredibly expressive, and they can be used to convey a wide range of emotions, from happiness and joy to sadness and anger.
- Eye shape: The shape of the eyes can be used to convey different emotions. For example, wide, round eyes can convey innocence and surprise, while narrow, sharp eyes can convey anger or determination.
- Iris color: The iris color can also be used to convey emotions. For example, bright, light-colored eyes can convey happiness and optimism, while dark, muted eyes can convey sadness or anger.
- Eyelashes and eyebrows: Eyelashes and eyebrows can also be used to convey emotions. For example, long, thick eyelashes can convey femininity and beauty, while short, thin eyelashes can convey masculinity or toughness. Arched eyebrows can convey surprise or anger, while furrowed eyebrows can convey sadness or concentration.
- Eye movement: Eye movement can also be used to convey emotions. For example, eyes that dart around can convey nervousness or anxiety, while eyes that stare directly at the viewer can convey confidence or intensity.
By combining these different elements, you can create anime eyes that are incredibly expressive and that can convey a wide range of emotions. This is an essential skill for any anime artist who wants to create characters that are believable and relatable.
Here are a few tips for capturing emotions through anime eyes:
- Study real-life eyes. Pay attention to how the eyes change shape, color, and movement when people are expressing different emotions.
- Practice drawing eyes in different emotional states. Experiment with different eye shapes, colors, and movements to see how they can convey different emotions.
- Don't be afraid to exaggerate. Anime eyes are often exaggerated to make them more expressive. This can be a great way to convey strong emotions.
With a little practice, you'll be able to create anime eyes that are full of life and expression.
Practice regularly to improve.
As with any skill, practice is essential for improving your ability to draw anime eyes. The more you practice, the better your eyes will become. Here are a few tips for practicing regularly:
- Set aside time for practice. Even if it's just for a few minutes each day, make sure to set aside some time to practice drawing anime eyes.
- Find a variety of references. There are many resources available online and in books that can provide you with references for anime eyes. Use these references to help you learn different eye shapes, colors, and expressions.
- Experiment with different techniques. There are many different ways to draw anime eyes. Experiment with different techniques to see what works best for you.
- Get feedback from others. Once you've practiced for a while, ask friends, family, or other artists to give you feedback on your work. This can help you identify areas where you can improve.
Practicing regularly is the best way to improve your skills and create anime eyes that are expressive and full of life. So don't give up! Keep practicing and you'll eventually see improvement.
Here are a few additional tips for practicing regularly:
- Join an online community. There are many online communities dedicated to anime and manga art. These communities can be a great place to share your work, get feedback, and learn from other artists.
- Take an online course or workshop. There are many online courses and workshops that can teach you how to draw anime eyes. These courses can be a great way to learn new techniques and improve your skills.
- Attend local art classes or workshops. If you're able, attending local art classes or workshops can be a great way to learn new techniques and get feedback on your work.
With a little dedication and practice, you'll be able to create beautiful and expressive anime eyes that will bring your characters to life.
Study different anime styles.
There are many different styles of anime, each with its own unique characteristics. Studying different anime styles can help you develop your own unique style and create eyes that are truly unique and memorable.
- Shoujo and shonen: Shoujo and shonen are two of the most popular anime styles. Shoujo anime is typically aimed at young girls and features large, sparkly eyes with long, flowing eyelashes. Shonen anime is typically aimed at young boys and features more action-packed stories with characters that have smaller, more angular eyes.
- Josei and seinen: Josei and seinen are two anime styles that are aimed at older audiences. Josei anime typically features more realistic and mature stories, while seinen anime typically features more action and violence. The eyes in josei and seinen anime are often more detailed and expressive than the eyes in shoujo and shonen anime.
- Mecha and cyberpunk: Mecha and cyberpunk are two anime styles that feature futuristic settings and technology. The eyes in mecha and cyberpunk anime are often very stylized and may include mechanical or electronic elements.
- Experimental and avant-garde: Experimental and avant-garde anime styles are often more abstract and unconventional. The eyes in experimental and avant-garde anime may be very different from the eyes in other anime styles.
These are just a few of the many different anime styles that exist. By studying different anime styles, you can learn about different ways to draw eyes and develop your own unique style.
Here are a few tips for studying different anime styles:
- Watch a variety of anime. The best way to learn about different anime styles is to watch a variety of anime. Pay attention to the eyes of the characters and see how they differ from each other.
- Collect images of anime eyes. As you watch anime, collect images of anime eyes that you find interesting or inspiring. You can use these images as references when you're practicing drawing eyes.
- Experiment with different styles. Once you've learned about different anime styles, experiment with drawing eyes in different styles. See what works best for you and what styles you enjoy the most.
Studying different anime styles is a great way to learn and grow as an artist. So don't be afraid to explore different styles and see what you can learn.
Pay attention to lighting and shading.
Lighting and shading are essential for creating depth and realism in your anime eyes. By carefully placing highlights and shadows, you can create the illusion of a three-dimensional eye that is lit by a light source.
When drawing anime eyes, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Light source: The first thing to consider is the light source. Where is the light coming from? Is it coming from above, below, or to the side? Once you know where the light source is, you can start to place your highlights and shadows accordingly.
- Highlights: Highlights are the areas of the eye that are brightest. They are typically placed on the top of the iris and on the lower lid. Highlights can also be used to create a sparkle in the eye.
- Shadows: Shadows are the areas of the eye that are darkest. They are typically placed on the underside of the iris and on the upper lid. Shadows can also be used to create depth and definition in the eye.
Here are a few tips for paying attention to lighting and shading when drawing anime eyes:
- Use a light touch. When shading anime eyes, it's important to use a light touch. Don't press too hard on your pencil or marker, or you'll end up with dark, muddy colors.
- Use multiple layers. It's often helpful to use multiple layers when shading anime eyes. This will allow you to build up the shading gradually and create a more natural look.
- Experiment with different colors. Don't be afraid to experiment with different colors when shading anime eyes. You can use cool colors, such as blue and green, to create a cool, icy look. Or you can use warm colors, such as red and orange, to create a warm, inviting look.
By paying attention to lighting and shading, you can create anime eyes that are full of depth and realism. So take your time and experiment with different techniques until you find a style that you're happy with.
Once you've mastered the basics of lighting and shading, you can start to experiment with more advanced techniques. For example, you can use colored pencils or markers to create more vibrant colors. Or you can use a white gel pen to create highlights that really pop.
Don't be afraid to experiment.
One of the best things about drawing anime eyes is that there are no rules. You can experiment with different shapes, colors, and styles to create eyes that are unique and expressive. Don't be afraid to try new things and see what works for you.
Here are a few ideas for experimenting with anime eyes:
- Try different eye shapes. Anime eyes can be any shape you can imagine. Experiment with different shapes, such as round, almond-shaped, or cat-shaped eyes. You can also try drawing eyes with different pupil shapes, such as round, slitted, or star-shaped pupils.
- Use different colors. Anime eyes can be any color you can imagine. Don't be afraid to experiment with different colors, such as blue, green, red, or purple. You can also try using multiple colors in the same eye to create a unique and eye-catching look.
- Add special effects. You can also add special effects to your anime eyes to make them even more unique. For example, you could add sparkles, tears, or a glow effect. You could also try drawing eyes with different textures, such as scales or feathers.
The possibilities are endless when it comes to drawing anime eyes. So don't be afraid to experiment and see what you can create. The more you experiment, the better your eyes will become.
Here are a few additional tips for experimenting with anime eyes:
- Use references. When you're experimenting with anime eyes, it can be helpful to use references. You can find references for anime eyes online, in books, and in magazines. References can help you get ideas for different eye shapes, colors, and styles.
- Practice regularly. The best way to improve your skills at drawing anime eyes is to practice regularly. The more you practice, the better your eyes will become. Try to set aside some time each day to practice drawing eyes.
- Get feedback from others. Once you've practiced for a while, ask friends, family, or other artists to give you feedback on your work. This can help you identify areas where you can improve.
Don't be afraid to experiment and have fun with anime eyes. The more you experiment, the better your eyes will become.
With a little practice, you'll be able to create beautiful and expressive anime eyes that will bring your characters to life.
Have fun and enjoy the process!
Drawing anime eyes should be a fun and enjoyable experience. Don't put too much pressure on yourself to create perfect eyes right away. Just relax and let your creativity flow. The more you enjoy the process, the better your eyes will turn out.
Here are a few tips for having fun and enjoying the process of drawing anime eyes:
- Don't be afraid to make mistakes. Everyone makes mistakes when they're learning how to draw. Don't let this discourage you. Just keep practicing and you'll eventually get better.
- Take breaks. If you're feeling frustrated, take a break. Go for a walk, listen to some music, or do something else that you enjoy. When you come back to your drawing, you'll be refreshed and ready to start again.
- Experiment and have fun. The best way to learn how to draw anime eyes is to experiment and have fun. Try different shapes, colors, and styles. See what works for you and what you enjoy drawing the most.
Drawing anime eyes is a skill that takes time and practice to master. But if you're patient and persistent, you'll eventually be able to create beautiful and expressive eyes that will bring your characters to life.
So relax, have fun, and enjoy the process of drawing anime eyes. With a little practice, you'll be able to create amazing eyes that will make your characters shine.
Remember, drawing anime eyes is a journey, not a destination. Enjoy the process and don't be afraid to experiment. The more you practice, the better your eyes will become. So keep practicing, keep experimenting, and most importantly, have fun!