How to Draw Male Anime Characters Step by Step

How to Draw Male Anime Characters Step by Step

How to Draw Male Anime Characters: Step-by-Step Guide

If you’re eager to learn how to draw male anime and manga characters, this comprehensive tutorial is your perfect starting point. We’ll explore eight popular anime character archetypes, each with three unique variations, to help you understand how subtle changes in facial features and hairstyles can really bring a character to life.

This guide goes beyond drawing—it’s about capturing personality and expression. We’ll delve into creating distinct facial features for each character type, helping you develop your own unique style.

Types of Male Anime Characters Covered:

• Average Guy
• Opponent / Corrupt
• Imbuka
• Henchman
• Friendly Young Man
• The Rich Young Man
• The Loner
• Psychologist

Understanding the Basic Male Anime Face Structure

Before diving into specific character archetypes, it’s vital to grasp the general proportions of a male anime face. While styles can differ, most male anime characters share these common features:

• Large Eyes: Essential for conveying emotion.
• Small Nose and Simple Mouth: Often drawn with minimal detail.

Younger male characters tend to resemble female characters, while older males often have longer faces, more pronounced jawlines, and smaller eyes—though still larger than realistic proportions. Here, we’ll focus on drawing a standard male anime face, typically resembling a high school student or young adult.

Proportions for an Anime Male Face

These guidelines serve as a reference for creating well-balanced anime-style characters:

• Eyes: Positioned below the halfway line of the head.
• Ears: Placed between the eye line and the bottom of the nose.
• Nose: Located slightly above the midpoint between the eyes and chin.
• Mouth: Positioned between the nose and chin, with the lower lip centered.
• Eyebrows: Slightly above the eyes.

Step-by-Step Guide to Drawing a Male Anime Character

• Outline the Head: Start with a rough sketch of the head’s shape using a guideline to ensure symmetry.
• Add Facial Features: Place the eyes, nose, mouth, and eyebrows according to the proportional guidelines above.
• Draw the Hair: Once the facial features are in place, sketch the hair with appropriate volume and flow.
• Refine the Details: Erase unnecessary guidelines and sharpen the final drawing to give it a clean, polished look.

Drawing Different Anime Male Character Types

1. Drawing an “Average Guy” Character

The “average guy” is relatable and easy-going, often the main protagonist in anime and manga.

• Hairstyle: Slightly messy, medium-length hair.
• Facial Features: Neutral eyebrows, large expressive pupils.
• Expression: A simple, friendly smile works best.

2. Drawing a Happy “Average Guy” Character

This cheerful version conveys warmth and friendliness, making them more likable.

• Eyebrows: Slightly raised.
• Eyes: A gentle curve to reflect a smiling expression.
• Mouth: An open-mouthed smile with minimal detail inside.

3. Drawing a Relaxed or Confused “Average Guy”

Perfect for a laid-back or slightly puzzled character.

• Eyebrows: Raised slightly at the inner corners.
• Eyes: Slightly curved upwards to create a relaxed look.
• Mouth: An “O” shape for a thoughtful or confused expression.

Drawing Opponent / Giant Anime Man Character

Typical of “mainstream people” in sci-fi shows and manga, these characters are smart, strong, and often calm and confident.

• Hairstyle: Usually long.
• Facial Features: For a more casual villain, lower the inner edges of the eyebrows. Make the irises smaller compared to the protagonist’s.
• Expression: A confident but slightly unfriendly look.

Drawing Angry Opponent / Anime Man Character

This expression is often used when the character is angry.

• Eyebrows: Lower and close together, with a slight wrinkle between them.
• Eyes: Flickering, with smaller irises.
• Mouth: Open, resembling a sideways “8” with protruding teeth.

Drawing Planned Opponent / Character of a Cruel Man

These characters often have a conspiratorial or cunning expression.

• Eyebrows: Slightly raised inner edges.
• Eyes: Drawn down with lowered upper eyelids.
• Mouth: Smiling with visible teeth, enhancing an unfriendly grin.

Drawing a Delinquent / Thug Male Character

Rebellious characters are often bullies or criminals in anime and manga.

• Hairstyle: Curly or unkempt.
• Facial Features: Natural eyebrows, smaller irises with space to the lower eyelids.
• Expression: A downward curve in the mouth, with a sharp lower lip.

Drawing a Grinning Delinquent / Thug Male Anime Character

A grin adds to the rebellious character’s mischievous aura.

• Eyebrows: Lowered inner ends.
• Eyes: Slightly narrowed with space between lower eyelids and irises.
• Mouth: Smiling with visible teeth.

Drawing “Henchman” Man Anime Character

“Henchmen” are common in anime, often serving as minor characters or security.

• Hairstyle: Buzz cut.
• Facial Features: Natural eyebrows, smaller irises.
• Expression: A downward curve in the mouth, conveying tiredness.

Drawing Awesome Anime Character “Henchman” Shocked

A “scary” look when witnessing something unexpected.

• Eyebrows: Drawn low and close together, with wrinkles between them.
• Eyes: Slightly off to one side, with one eye closed.
• Mouth: Curved downward.

Drawing a Friendly Man of the Anime Man

Often a supporting character like the protagonist’s best friend.

• Hairstyle: Short, messy.
• Facial Features: Natural eyebrows, larger eyes and irises.
• Expression: A simple smile enhances friendliness.

Drawing A Character Of A Friendly Anime Man Content

A content smile often follows a helpful gesture.

• Eyebrows: Raised.
• Eyes: Closed, with curved lines like eyebrows.
• Mouth: Wider smile than usual.

Drawing “Rich Young Man” Anime Man Character

Rich characters often look down on others.

• Facial Features: Lowered eyebrows, smaller irises.
• Expression: A curved smile, suggesting confidence.

Drawing a “Rich Young Man” Disgusting Anime Man Character

For a look of disdain:

• Eyebrows: Raised inner edges.
• Eyes: Slightly glazed.
• Mouth: A thin smile with visible teeth, lower lip downturned.

Drawing a Male Loner

These characters may be shy or uncomfortable in public.

• Facial Features: Raised eyebrow ends, lower upper eyelids.
• Expression: A downward mouth curve, with bags under the eyes.

Drawing a Tired “Lonely” Male Character

Indicates fatigue, often from late-night activities.

• Eyebrows: Vertical curves raising inner ends.
• Eyes: Lower eyelids with twisted regular curves.
• Mouth: Neutral.

Drawing a Frightened / Frightened Male Character

Common in uncomfortable situations.

• Eyebrows: Raised, reversing regular curves.
• Eyes: Wide open with small irises.
• Mouth: Teeth visible in a sideways “8” shape.

Drawing a “Smart” Male Anime Character

These characters can be physically or intellectually sophisticated.

• Facial Features: Natural eyebrows, slightly smaller eyes.
• Expression: A bright downward mouth curve, suggesting delicacy.

Drawing the Character of a Concerned “Wise Man”

Reflects deep thought or worry.

• Eyebrows: Close together with wrinkles between them.
• Eyes: Slightly folded irises.
• Mouth: Vertical curve, slightly higher than normal.

Drawing an Amazing “Wise” Male Anime Character

Expresses astonishment or discovery.

• Eyebrows: Raised.
• Eyes: Wide open with smaller irises.
• Mouth: Open in an “O” shape, with the jaw slightly dropped.

Conclusion

This extensive tutorial covers some of the most popular male anime and manga character types, showcasing how facial features, expressions, and hairstyles can define a character.

While there are countless variations, this guide provides a foundation to enhance your drawing skills. For further inspiration, explore your favorite anime and manga, and experiment with combining different features to create your unique characters.