[Beginner Guide] How to draw anime tutorial part 1

Introduction

This tutorial is designed for beginners interested in learning how to draw anime. In this first part, we will cover essential warm-up exercises and the fundamental techniques for sketching anime faces. Following these steps will help you develop your skills and confidence in drawing.

Step 1: Conditioning Exercises

To start your drawing practice, it's important to warm up your hand and pencil. This will help you build the muscle memory needed for freehand drawing.

Exercises:

• Draw Basic Shapes:

  • Begin by drawing random circles on your paper.
  • Aim for uniform sizes and practice with a single stroke.
  • Avoid using measuring tools like compasses or protractors.
  • Repeat this for 2-3 pages, focusing on confidence over perfection.

• Practice Straight Lines:

  • Start with vertical lines, filling the entire page.
  • Use single strokes and refrain from speeding up your drawing.
  • Next, practice horizontal lines in the same manner.
  • Remember, this practice improves your freehand skills, enabling faster sketches and backgrounds.

Step 2: Drawing the Face

Now that you are warmed up, it's time to sketch the anime face. Always start with a sketch, especially as a beginner.

Sketching Process:

• Basic Shape:

  • Begin with a circle to outline the head.
  • Draw a vertical line down the center and a horizontal line across the middle to position the facial features.

• Drawing the Jaw:

  • Create a jaw shape that reflects the circle, focusing on symmetry.
  • Ensure the inward curve is pronounced; otherwise, the face may appear wider than intended.

• Angles and Features:

  • Practice various angles of the face:
    • Front View: Commonly used, but not the only angle.
    • ¾ View: Move the centerline to one side; the visible side will have a wider jawline while the other side appears shorter.
    • Side View: The centerline should be straight and aligned with the edge of the circle, using the horizontal line as a guide for the eye placement.

Repetition:

• Draw each angle multiple times to master the shapes.
• Fill your pages with sketches, focusing on curves for facial features like the forehead, nose, lips, and chin.

Step 3: Recap and Practice

To solidify your learning, remember these key points:

• Always warm up by drawing lines and circles to enhance your freehand skills.
• Start every face sketch with a basic outline and guides.
• Practice repetition: draw one shape or feature repeatedly until you feel confident.

Practical Tips:

• Carry a sketchbook to practice anywhere, anytime.
• Experiment with different facial angles and expressions as you progress.

Conclusion

You've taken your first steps toward drawing anime by completing essential warm-up exercises and learning to sketch a face. Continue practicing these techniques, and you'll develop the skills needed for more complex drawings in future tutorials. Stay tuned for the next part, where we will dive deeper into drawing eyes and adding detail to your characters. Happy drawing!