How to Draw Anime

Figuring out how to draw anime is a fun and creative activity for absolute beginners. In this simple guide, we will break down the steps so anyone can do it easily. Grab your pencil and let us start drawing your anime together!

Easy
20 Minutes
Ages 6+
anime
drawing

Start drawing

Step 1Step 2

Easy for beginners

About This Anime Drawing Guide

Discovering how to draw anime is simpler than you think when you use basic shapes. We will guide you through adding big eyes, fun hair, and a cute expression. By the end, you will have your very own anime to show off.

Paper — Blank printer paper or a sketchbook

Pencil — Keep it sharp for clean lines

Eraser — For easily fixing mistakes

Crayons or Markers — To color your finished anime

Jump to the steps

Drawing supplies: pencil, paper, eraser and crayons

How to Draw Anime Step by Step

1
Step 1 of 9
Draw a big circle
Start your anime by drawing a large circle right in the middle of your paper. This simple circle will become the top of the head. Keep your hand relaxed and try to make it as round as possible for a great start.
Tip: Press lightly with your pencil so you can erase extra lines easily later on.
2
Step 2 of 9
Add the jawline
Below the circle, draw a smooth V-shape that connects to the lower sides of your original circle. This line makes the bottom half of the head and the chin. It is a very important step when you figure out how to draw anime.
Tip: Make the bottom of the V slightly rounded for a softer, sweeter look.
3
Step 3 of 9
Draw the neck
Under the new chin, draw two short, straight lines going straight down. These tiny lines create the delicate neck for your anime. Finally, connect the bottom of these lines with a gentle curved line to show the top of the shirt.
Tip: Keep the neck narrow so it fits perfectly with the big eyes.
4
Step 4 of 9
Place the eyes
Inside the head shape, draw two large, wide arches directly across from each other. These bold curves will be the top edges of the big eyes. Drawing expressive eyes is a great trick for how to draw anime beautifully.
Tip: Leave a good amount of space between the two arches for the nose.
5
Step 5 of 9
Finish the eyes
Draw a large U-shape under each arch to finish the outer edge of both eyes. Inside each eye, draw a smaller oval for the dark pupil. Adding these big, bright eyes really brings your brand new anime drawing to life!
Tip: Draw a tiny circle inside the pupil for a shiny, bright light reflection.
6
Step 6 of 9
Add nose and mouth
Right below the middle of the eyes, draw a tiny dot or a very small curved line for the little nose. Then, draw a cheerful, small smiling line right below the nose to completely finish the sweet and happy expression.
Tip: Keep the nose and mouth very small compared to the giant eyes.
7
Step 7 of 9
Draw the hair outline
Now let us give your anime some wonderful hair! Draw big, sweeping lines starting from the very top of the head. Bring the curves down past where the ears would be, creating a simple, smooth hairstyle that beautifully frames the head.
Tip: The hair always sits slightly above the original circle you drew.
8
Step 8 of 9
Erase extra lines
Carefully use your eraser to remove the lines of the original circle that are now covered up by the new hair. Erase any other messy pencil marks left behind. Knowing how to draw anime means keeping your final outline nice and neat.
Tip: Hold your paper steady with your other hand while you erase so it stays flat.
9
Finished drawing
Add simple color
It is finally time to color your anime! Use bright markers or soft crayons to fill in the hair, eyes, and shirt with your favorite shades. Coloring is the absolute best part of drawing anime, so pick bright colors and have lots of fun.
Tip: Color in one single direction to keep your finished drawing looking smooth and neat.