As a professional anime artist with years of experience, I’ve found that mastering the side view of anime eyes is a crucial skill that dramatically elevates character expressiveness. While front-view eyes receive the most attention in tutorials, side-view eyes communicate crucial emotional nuances and directional focus. This comprehensive guide will walk you through my approach to creating expressive, dynamic anime eyes from the side perspective.

Understanding Eye Structure and Movement

Before diving into anime stylization, it’s essential to understand the fundamental structure of real eyes. The eyeball is a spherical object that rotates within its socket.

This rotation is key to creating believable directional gazes:

• When looking upward, the eye rotates up, and the upper eyelid lifts
• When looking downward, the eye rotates down, and the upper eyelid follows
• When eyes close in a relaxed state, the upper eyelid moves downward while the lower eyelid remains relatively stationary

These natural movements form the foundation for anime eye expressions, even though anime style significantly exaggerates eye size and shape.

Positioning Eyes on the Head

For proper side-view eye placement, I divide the head horizontally at approximately the middle. In anime style, eyes typically sit below this centerline, unlike realistic proportions where eyes align directly with it.

When drawing more realistic anime styles, I position the eyes slightly higher on the face, while more stylized characters feature eyes placed lower. This positioning choice significantly impacts your character’s overall aesthetic and perceived age.

Basic Open Anime Eye – Side View

For the standard open anime eye from the side:

1. Draw a rounded curve for the upper eyelid
2. Place the iris as a partial circle, with the top portion slightly covered by the upper eyelid
3. Add a smaller circle within the iris for the pupil
4. Draw a subtle lower eyelid curve beneath the iris
5. Position the eyebrow slightly above the eye, following a natural arch that reflects the character’s neutral expression

This foundation creates a neutral, alert expression that serves as our baseline for other emotional variations.

Surprised Anime Eye – Side View

Surprise is characterized by widened eyes with maximum visibility:

1. Draw the upper eyelid higher than normal, creating more space
2. Make the iris slightly smaller than usual to enhance the “widened” effect
3. Position the lower eyelid below the bottom of the iris
4. Draw eyebrows raised high above the eye
5. Add highlight dots in the iris to enhance the bright, alert look

The smaller iris is particularly effective because traditional anime eyes are already vertically elongated, so reducing iris size creates the necessary space to convey surprise.

Embarrassed Anime Eye – Side View

For embarrassment or shyness:

1. Draw the iris positioned downward, with much of it covered by the lower eyelid
2. Position the upper eyelid slightly lower than in the neutral expression, but not touching the iris
3. Create a gentle curve in both eyelids
4. Add a subtle blush line beneath the eye (optional)
5. Draw the eyebrow in a slightly uncomfortable position—neither fully raised nor lowered

This combination creates that classic shy, averted gaze so common in anime characters during embarrassing moments.

Half-Closed Anime Eye – Side View

For a suspicious or judgmental look:

1. Draw the eye partially closed, with eyelids closer together than in the neutral position
2. Position the eyebrow in a slightly curved “wave” shape
3. Orient the pupil in the direction the character is looking
4. Keep the lower eyelid in roughly the normal position
5. Make the upper eyelid cover about half of the iris

This expression effectively communicates skepticism or judgment and works particularly well for tsundere characters or moments of suspicion.

Amazed Anime Eye – Side View

For amazement or awe:

1. Draw the eye fully open, similar to surprise but with subtle differences
2. Position the eyebrows high but with a more curved shape than in surprise
3. Include multiple highlight dots in the iris for a sparkly, impressed look
4. Draw the lower eyelid slightly lower than in the neutral expression
5. Add small lines at the corner to enhance the widened appearance

This expression communicates wonder and admiration, perfect for characters encountering something beautiful or impressive.

Tired Anime Eye – Side View

For fatigue or exhaustion:

1. Draw the eye drooping downward
2. Position the upper eyelid lower than normal, covering a significant portion of the iris
3. Create simple curves for both eyelids rather than the more complex shapes of alert expressions
4. Draw the eyebrow in a relaxed, slightly lowered position
5. Reduce or eliminate catch-light highlights to enhance the tired effect

This expression effectively communicates weariness without fully closing the eye, allowing your character to still engage with scenes.

Angry Anime Eye – Side View

For anger or determination:

1. Draw the eye narrowed, with upper and lower eyelids closer together
2. Position the eyebrow in a sharp angle pointing downward toward the nose
3. Create a strong, defined line above the eye where the eyebrow casts a shadow
4. Angle the pupil in the direction of the character’s focus
5. Add intensity with additional shading below the eyebrow

This expression creates that intense, focused look characteristic of determined or angry anime characters.

Irritated Anime Eye – Side View

For mild annoyance or irritation:

1. Draw the eye slightly narrowed but not as extremely as in anger
2. Position the iris looking downward
3. Draw the eyebrow in an upward curve, contradicting the downward gaze
4. Add a subtle twitch line near the eyebrow (optional)
5. Keep the lower eyelid in the normal position

This combination creates that perfect “mildly annoyed” look common in everyday anime interactions.

Terrified Anime Eye – Side View

For fear or terror:

1. Draw the eye extremely wide open
2. Make the iris noticeably smaller than normal—this is key to creating enough “white space” to convey fear
3. Position both eyelids far from the iris to maximize the exposed eye area
4. Add tension lines around the eye area (optional)
5. Draw the eyebrow raised high with a slight angle

The small iris technique is particularly important in anime styles, as it compensates for the already vertically elongated eye shape, allowing you to create that classic “fear” expression effectively.

Confused Anime Eye – Side View

For confusion or uncertainty:

1. Draw the eye looking slightly upward
2. Position the upper eyelid raised but still covering a portion of the iris
3. Draw the eyebrow raised with a slight curve
4. Keep the lower eyelid in the normal position
5. Add a small sweat drop near the temple (optional)

This expression creates the perfect “I don’t understand what’s happening” look that’s so expressive in anime.

Relaxed Closed Anime Eye – Side View

For a sleeping or relaxed closed eye:

1. Draw the eye completely closed with the upper eyelid meeting the lower
2. Create a simple curved line, possibly with small eyelashes extending from it
3. Position the eyebrow in a neutral, relaxed state
4. Leave space between the eyebrow and the closed eye to represent the covered eyeball
5. Add a very slight curve to suggest the eyeball beneath

Remember that even when closed, the eyeball is still present beneath the lid, so maintain appropriate spacing between eyebrow and eyelid.

Content Closed Anime Eye – Side View

For happiness with closed eyes:

1. Draw the eye completely closed as in the relaxed state
2. Add an upward curve to both the upper and lower eyelids, creating a smiling eye
3. Position the lower eyelid slightly higher than in the relaxed closed state
4. Draw the eyebrow raised in a happy curve
5. Add small lines at the corner to enhance the smiling appearance

This expression instantly communicates joy and contentment, even without seeing the character’s mouth.

Professional Techniques for Enhanced Expression

Throughout my career illustrating anime characters, I’ve developed additional techniques that elevate side-view eye expressions:

Eyelash Variation

Eyelashes can dramatically alter the impact of an expression:

• For feminine or younger characters, I add more pronounced upper lashes
• For masculine or mature characters, I use more subtle eyelash indication
• When drawing angry expressions, I make eyelashes more angular and sharp
• For soft expressions, I create more curved, gentle lashes

Dynamic Highlighting

Strategic highlights bring eyes to life:

• Use two highlight dots for standard expressions
• For intense emotions (anger, determination), use a single, sharper highlight
• For wonder or amazement, use multiple small highlights
• Position highlights to indicate the direction of light sources

Line Weight Variation

Varying line thickness adds dimension:

• Use slightly thicker lines for the upper eyelid to create depth
• Apply thinner lines for lower eyelids and interior details
• For intense expressions, increase the weight of eyebrow lines
• Keep highlight outlines very thin or implied

Final Considerations

Remember that anime eyes, while highly stylized, still follow the fundamentals of how real eyes move and express emotion. The side view presents unique challenges but offers tremendous opportunity for communicating direction, focus, and emotional nuance.

As you practice these different eye expressions, try creating a character expression sheet focusing solely on side-view eyes. This exercise will help you develop consistency while building your repertoire of emotional expressions.

With time and practice, you’ll develop an intuitive understanding of how to communicate any emotion through the side view of anime eyes, adding another powerful dimension to your character illustrations.

Anime Male Facial Expressions Drawing Tutorial – Welcome to this comprehensive tutorial on drawing anime and manga male facial expressions. In this guide, we’ll explore how to create an anime male face with twelve distinct expressions, focusing on face shape, measurements, and expressive details. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your skills, this tutorial provides step-by-step instructions to enhance your anime art.

Basic Face Structure and Measurements

For any facial expression, starting with a well-proportioned face is crucial. Here are the guidelines:

• Eyes: Draw a horizontal line across the center of the head. The eyes should be placed just below this line, with enough space between them to fit another eye.
• Eyebrows: Position the eyebrows slightly above the eyes, approximately at the eye height or a bit lower.
• Nose: Place the nose along the vertical centerline, positioned midway between the eyes and chin.
• Ears: The ears should align with the top of the eyes and the bottom of the nose.
• Mouth: Draw the lower lip midway between the nose and chin, with the upper lip slightly higher.

Exploring Different Facial Expressions

• Normal Face Shape

Begin with a standard face shape using the guidelines above. This neutral expression serves as the base for all others.

• Sensitive Expression

For a sensitive look, angle the inner tips of the eyebrows downward, and curve the outer edges of the mouth downward to convey emotion.

• Content Expression

Raise the eyebrows, focusing on the inner tips. Draw the eyes closed or slightly open, with a smiling mouth that reveals teeth.

• Glorious Expression

Elevate the eyebrows to create a dramatic arch. This expression highlights confidence and excitement.

• Motivational Expression

Draw the chin lower with an open mouth. Raise the eyebrows, especially at the inner tips, and widen the eyes for an inspired look.

• Confused Expression

Lower the chin and form an “O” shape with the mouth. Lift the eyebrows and widen the eyes, placing the irises higher.

• Grinning Expression

Lower the eyebrows, draw sharp eyes, and create a wide smile with pointed teeth.

• Scary Expression

Form a bean-shaped mouth pointing downwards. Widen the eyes and make the irises smaller to express fear.

• Embarrassed Expression

Raise the eyebrows and lower the upper eyelids slightly to indicate shyness.

• Smiling Expression

Narrow the eyes and broaden the mouth into a wide smile.

• Irritated Expression

Similar to embarrassment, raise the eyebrows and lower the eyelids slightly. Show a curved lip for subtle annoyance.

• Angry Expression

Draw the eyebrows down, almost touching the upper eyelids. Show the teeth and widen the mouth at the corners for intensity.

Conclusion

This tutorial provides a detailed look at drawing a variety of male anime facial expressions. By following these steps and practicing regularly, you can enhance your ability to convey emotions in your anime characters. Whether depicting joy or anger, these techniques will add depth and personality to your art. Happy drawing!

How to Draw Anime Kissing Lips –  Anime characters often convey emotions subtly, and depicting kissing lips can add depth and intimacy to a scene. This tutorial will guide you through drawing anime kissing lips and crafting a “refreshing” expression, focusing on different views and angles.

Understanding Anime Lips

In anime, lips are usually simple or understated but can be highlighted in intimate or expressive scenes. When drawing kissing lips, attention to shape and positioning is key.

1. Drawing Kissing Lips: Front View

The front view is ideal for direct expressions or intimate interactions.

• Step 1: Outline the Lips: Begin by sketching the lips slightly parted. The upper lip should form a flat “M,” while the lower lip should create a flat “U.”
• Step 2: Add Curves: Incorporate a gentle curve in the upper lip and two larger curves meeting at the center of the lower lip, suggesting fullness.
• Step 3: Refine the Shape: Adjust the lines for a more natural and expressive appearance, ensuring symmetry and balance.

2. Drawing Kissing Lips: Side View

A side view captures the profile and can be used to depict a kiss from a different angle.

• Step 1: Silhouette the Lips: Draw the lips as a silhouette, resembling natural lips but without internal details.
• Step 2: Positioning: Ensure proper alignment relative to the nose and chin.
• Step 3: Detail the Profile: Focus on achieving a smooth, accurate silhouette that captures the lips’ curvature.

3. Crafting a “Refreshing Face” Expression

This expression involves closed eyes and a relaxed, slightly open mouth, conveying tranquility or contentment.

Front View:

• • Eyes Closed: Extend the upper eyelashes to cover the eyes, indicating closed eyelids.
  • Open Mouth: Use the kissing lips shape, with a slight jaw drop.
  • Add Blush: Draw blush stripes on the cheeks for added expression.

Side View:

• • Closed Eyes: Extend the eyelashes similarly to the front view.
  • Open Mouth: Use the silhouette technique for the lips.
  • Head Tilt: When depicting a kiss on the forehead or cheek, tilt the head appropriately, adjusting hair to follow the angle.

4. Drawing a Raised Head

A raised head can convey an upward glance or a kiss directed upward, requiring more complex adjustments.

• Step 1: Basic Head Shape: Sketch the head in a raised position with attention to proportions.
• Step 2: Facial Features: Project lines from a side view to accurately locate features in the raised position.
• Step 3: Adjust Proportions: Ensure features align with the perspective, considering natural distortion.
• Step 4: Hair Adjustments: Allow longer hair to hang naturally and shorter hair to curve around the head according to the tilt.

Conclusion

Drawing anime kissing lips and expressions in various angles requires attention to detail and an understanding of facial proportions. By practicing these techniques, you can capture intimate expressions that add emotional depth to your characters. Remember, practice and experimentation are key to mastering these poses. Enjoy exploring the subtleties of anime expressions!

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.

Draw Anime Weather – This tutorial provides a detailed guide on how to draw various weather effects in anime and manga styles, specifically focusing on snow, rain, and wind. Weather plays a crucial role in storytelling, setting the mood and enhancing the atmosphere in scenes. Learning to depict these effects can add depth and emotion to your artwork.

Understanding Weather in Anime

In anime and manga, weather effects are often used to emphasize themes and emotions. For example, rain can signify sadness or reflection, while snow can evoke a sense of peace or nostalgia. By mastering the techniques to draw these weather elements, you can create more immersive and visually appealing scenes.

How to Draw Anime Snow

Step 1: Draw the Largest Snowflakes

• Initial Sketch: Start by drawing large, medium-sized snowflakes scattered across your drawing area. These will be the “front” snowflakes, appearing larger as they are closer to the viewer.
• Shape and Size: Ensure the shapes are random and varied in size for a natural look. Avoid creating uniform sizes or spaces between the flakes.

Step 2: Add Medium Snowflakes

• Placement: Draw medium-sized snowflakes to fill in gaps around the larger ones. Distribute them unevenly to maintain a natural appearance.

Step 3: Draw Small Snowflakes in the Background

• Background Flakes: Finally, add small snowflakes in the background, ensuring they are less prominent. This creates a sense of depth in your drawing.

Drawing Characters in Snow

• Character Placement: If you want to include a character, position them in front of the large snowflakes to enhance depth. Small snowflakes should be drawn behind the character.

How to Draw Anime Rain

Step 1: Draw Raindrops in the Foreground

• Initial Sketch: Start with large raindrops, distributing them evenly across the drawing area. Create a variety of lengths and sizes for realism.

Step 2: Add Medium Raindrops

• Additional Detail: Draw smaller, shorter raindrops around the larger ones to add variety.

Step 3: Draw Background Rain

• Background Drops: For a complete effect, sketch simple lines representing distant rain. One common approach is to use a single line per drop to maintain a clean style.

Drawing Characters in the Rain

• Character Integration: When adding a character, draw them in front of the larger raindrops, ensuring that the smaller drops fall behind them. This layering creates a sense of realism.

How to Draw Wind Effects

Step 1: Draw Air Streams

• Initial Flow: Start by sketching lines that represent the movement of air. These could be flowing lines or swirls that indicate wind direction. This gives a sense of motion in your drawing.

Step 2: Add Leaves or Objects

• Dynamic Elements: Incorporate leaves or other objects being blown by the wind. Position them along the air streams to illustrate movement and enhance the visual effect.

Step 3: Draw Background Wind Streams

• Additional Lines: Add further lines to represent distant wind flows. These should vary in size to create depth, with smaller elements in the background.

Drawing Characters in Wind

• Character Integration: When drawing a character in the wind, ensure they appear in front of the moving elements. For instance, larger leaves should be closer to the viewer than the character, while smaller ones are further back.

Conclusion

Drawing weather effects like snow, rain, and wind is common in anime and manga, enhancing the emotional impact of scenes. While it may take time to master the details of each element, practicing these techniques will allow you to create dynamic and engaging illustrations. Embrace the creative process and enjoy bringing your scenes to life with these weather effects!

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