How to Draw Anime Eyes: Structure, Steps & Tips

The eyes are a signature aspect of anime characters that often give bright, reflective highlights. These are capable of expressing a range of emotions with basic geometric forms. Artists can use a certain structure to build characters that express themselves in a wide range of styles for manga and illustrations.

This blog will tell you the structure of anime eyes, along with the steps to draw anime eyes and common mistakes you should avoid while making these characters’ eyes. Start reading the blog without wasting any further time. 

Structure

The drawing skills are the same regardless of whether it is on paper or using software such as Photoshop or PaintTool SAI. Artists suggest using light, small strokes with the pencil to create shapes and then adding the outlines with heavier strokes.

Some key components include:

• Upper lid: A large rounded ridge which is prominent and outlines the main eye line.
• Lower lid: Minimalist curve in the lower lid.
• Iris: Curved into an elongated vertical oval shape instead of a perfect round shape.
• The above indicates points of reflection by leaving unshaded “Negative” white spaces.
• Pupil: A dark dot or centre in the iris.

Steps to Draw Anime Eyes

These are some simple steps with images that will help you to draw anime eyes.

• The upper lid: Start by drawing an arched curve that looks like a gentle hill, slightly thickened near the outside curve.
• Add the lower lid: Add another short, inverted curve underneath, with space between the corners of the lid.
• Outline the iris: Draw an elongated oval that fits comfortably between the top and bottom lids.
• Light reflections: (optional) In the upper corners, block in light spots with small circles or ovals to create light catchers.
• Pupil: Draw a dark solid oval in the centre of the iris
• Shade the top half of the iris with a deep tone and fade to a lighter tone towards the bottom.
• Add eyelashes: Add thickness to the outer rim of the upper lid, and pull the fine lash points outward.
• Add the brow and crease: Add a subtle eyelid crease, and an angled brow above the frame to complete the look.

Quick Table

The table will tell you about different styles and the eyes of various anime characters.

Style	Eyes
Classic Shoujo	Large iris with multiple sparkling highlights.
Shonen Male	Smaller iris with a single reflection.
Chibi/Cute	Massive pupil filling most of the eye space.
Antagonist/Mature	Pinpoint pupil with dark top shading.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

These are some of the common mistakes that you should avoid.

• Never adjust the eyes too far or too close. Maintain a proper distance between the eyes of the character.
• Do not place the eyes too high above the head, as it will have poor proportions.
• Do not draw the side-view eye the same as the front view; compress and angle the shape to fit the side-view.

Conclusion

Drawing anime character eyes is not that difficult. You just need to know about the proportions to draw them. In the blog, I have mentioned some of the mistakes that you should avoid while drawing the eyes. You can go through the table to learn about the different styles and eyes of anime characters. Stay connected with us to read more informative blogs.

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