As a professional anime artist who has refined my technique over years of character illustration, I’ve found that mastering the side view of anime mouths is essential for creating expressive, dynamic characters. While front-view expressions receive most of the attention in tutorials, side-view mouth drawings communicate crucial emotional nuances and add dimensional depth to your character art. This comprehensive guide will walk you through my approach to creating varied and expressive anime mouths from the profile perspective.

Positioning Anime Mouths on the Head in Profile View

When placing an anime mouth on a character’s profile, proper positioning is critical for maintaining proportional balance. I typically position the lower lip approximately 1/8 of the head’s total length up from the chin. The mouth extends slightly above this point.

For precise positioning, I draw an imaginary line from the tip of the nose down to the curve of the chin. This reference line helps establish the natural placement of the lips along the face’s profile, ensuring anatomical accuracy even within the stylized anime aesthetic.

Understanding Mouth Mechanics

Before diving into specific expressions, it’s crucial to understand how the mouth actually operates when opening and closing. The jaw doesn’t simply drop straight down like a drawbridge but rotates downward and slightly forward from its hinge point near the ear.

The upper jaw remains stationary, while the lower jaw moves. This fundamental principle applies to all mouth expressions, from subtle speech to exaggerated shouting poses. Even in stylized anime art, following this natural movement pattern creates more convincing expressions.

Standard Closed Mouth – Side View

For a neutral, closed anime mouth in profile view, simplicity is key. I create a single, slightly curved line that follows the natural contour where the upper and lower lips meet. This subtle curve should complement the character’s facial structure.

For female or younger characters, I sometimes add a very slight upward curve to create a softer, more pleasant expression even in neutral positions. For more serious or mature characters, a straighter line creates a more composed appearance.

Slightly Open Mouth – Side View

When a character is speaking casually or slightly surprised, I draw the mouth partially open by:

1. Maintaining the upper lip position
2. Drawing the lower jaw slightly downward and forward
3. Creating a smooth curve for the mouth opening
4. Optionally adding a subtle indication of upper teeth with a simple horizontal line

This expression works perfectly for normal conversation scenes or mild reactions, creating natural animation-ready poses.

Wide Open Mouth – Side View

For expressions of shock or loud speech, the widely opened mouth requires careful attention to jaw positioning:

1. Draw the lower jaw significantly lower than in the partially open position
2. Position teeth slightly below where they would be in the slightly open mouth
3. Create a larger curved opening between the lips
4. Optionally indicate both upper and lower teeth with simple horizontal lines

The key difference between slightly open and wide open mouths lies in how far the jaw drops and how the lips position themselves. In a wide open mouth, the entire lower portion of the face extends downward.

Shouting Mouth – Side View

The shouting expression builds on the wide open mouth but with critical modifications:

1. Draw the lips pulled back slightly, exposing more teeth
2. Extend the mouth opening wider horizontally
3. Create tension lines at the corner of the mouth to indicate strain
4. Show more teeth than in the standard open mouth

This expression effectively communicates intense emotion, whether the character is literally shouting or experiencing extreme surprise or fear.

Serious/Unhappy Mouth – Side View

For serious or unhappy expressions, the mouth takes on a downturned appearance:

1. Draw a simple downward curve
2. Keep lips pressed together more firmly than in the neutral position
3. Optionally add a slight tension line beneath the lower lip

The severity of the downward curve directly correlates with the intensity of the negative emotion – a slight downturn suggests mild disappointment, while a more pronounced curve indicates anger or deep sadness.

Surprised/Shocked Mouth – Side View

When a character is surprised, their mouth often forms an “O” shape even in profile:

1. Draw both lips slightly forward, as if puckered
2. Create a small oval or round opening
3. Keep the jaw only slightly lowered

This expression effectively communicates sudden surprise, wonder, or realization without the extreme nature of a shouting pose.

Smiling Mouth – Side View

The smile is perhaps the most important expression to master in anime art. For a profile view smile:

1. Draw the corner of the mouth curved upward
2. Slightly raise the lower jaw
3. Create a curved line for visible teeth
4. Add a small wrinkle at the corner of the mouth where the cheek raises

A successful anime smile in profile shows the raised cheek and upturned corner while maintaining anatomical plausibility.

Frightened/Scared Mouth – Side View

Fear expressions combine elements of surprised and unhappy mouths:

1. Draw the mouth open similar to the surprised expression
2. Angle the entire opening downward
3. Add tension lines at the corner and possibly below the mouth
4. Consider showing teeth with a slight chatter effect for extreme fear

This expression creates an immediate impression of dread or terror, especially when combined with appropriately drawn eyes.

Grinning Mouth – Side View

For mischievous or confident grins:

1. Draw a wide smile similar to the standard smiling mouth
2. Add a pronounced wrinkle at the corner where the cheek raises
3. Show a clear division between upper and lower teeth
4. Optionally add a small glint or highlight for extra effect

The key difference between a standard smile and a grin is in the intensity and the suggestion of intentionality – grins often appear more deliberate and characterized.

Confused Mouth – Side View

Confusion manifests uniquely in profile view:

1. Draw the lips in a slightly pursed position
2. Create a small “O” shape extending slightly outward
3. Keep the jaw in a neutral position

This expression perfectly captures that moment of puzzlement or uncertainty, working especially well for comedic moments or reaction shots.

Slight Smile – Side View

For subtle happiness or contentment:

1. Draw the mouth closed similarly to the neutral position
2. Add a longer, gently upward curved line
3. Optionally include a very small wrinkle at the corner

This understated expression is perfect for gentle moments or characters with more reserved personalities, communicating happiness without exaggeration.

Professional Techniques for Enhanced Expression

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

Line Weight Variation

Varying your line thickness adds dimension and emphasis:

• Use slightly thicker lines for the actual lip contours
• Apply thinner lines for interior details like teeth or tongue
• Consider a slightly heavier line at the corner of the mouth to create depth

Character-Specific Modifications

Adapt mouth styles to suit different character types:

• For younger or feminine characters, use smoother, rounder curves
• For mature or masculine characters, incorporate more angular elements
• For villainous characters, exaggerate the corners and add sharper angles

Micro-Expressions

Add subtle details that enhance emotional depth:

• Small tension lines below the lower lip for stress or effort
• Slight asymmetry in expressions for more natural, candid feelings
• Tiny wrinkles at the corners for age indication or expression intensity

Advanced Animation Considerations

When creating characters that may be animated or appear in sequential art:

Mouth Transitions

Consider how one expression flows into another:

• The neutral position serves as your base transitional pose
• Extreme expressions like shouting should visibly strain the surrounding facial muscles
• Subtle expressions might only affect the immediate mouth area

Expression Consistency

Maintain character-specific mouth traits across different expressions:

• If a character has a distinctive mouth shape in neutral position, retain elements of that shape in all expressions
• Consider how your character’s unique features (like fangs, unusually shaped lips, or scars) affect each expression
• Develop a consistent “language” of expressions for each character

Final Considerations

Remember that anime mouths, while stylized, still benefit from understanding real facial anatomy. The side view presents unique challenges but offers tremendous opportunity for communicating character and emotion.

As you practice these different mouth expressions, try creating quick emotion studies focusing solely on the profile view. 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 mouths, adding another powerful dimension to your character illustrations.

Draw Anime Face Marks – This tutorial provides a detailed guide on drawing various anime facial expressions and face marks, focusing on a side view (profile). Anime characters are known for their expressive faces, which convey a wide range of emotions through subtle changes in features like eyes, eyebrows, and mouths. This tutorial will help you capture these expressions, enhancing your character’s emotional depth.

Understanding Anime Face Proportions

In anime, facial proportions are often exaggerated to emphasize emotions. The placement and size of features like eyes, nose, and mouth can vary based on the character’s personality and mood. This guide outlines common guidelines for drawing facial features, which you can adjust according to your style.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Basic Face Proportions (Side View)

• Eye Placement: Draw the eye below the horizontal midpoint of the head.
• Nose Placement: Position the nose between the eye and chin.
• Mouth Placement: Draw the lower lip between the nose and chin, with the mouth slightly above it.
• Ear Placement: The ear should extend from the top of the eyes to nearly the bottom of the nose.

These are general guidelines for a typical anime look. Adjustments can be made based on character type and style.

Drawing Different Facial Expressions

Normal Expression

• Features: Position the facial features as described in the basic proportions.

Slightly Open Mouth

• Jaw Movement: Lower the jaw slightly, keeping the upper jaw in place. This indicates a gentle expression or slight speech.

Open Mouth (Surprised)

• Jaw Drop: Extend the jaw downward and slightly back, drawing the mouth open wider for a surprised look.

Screaming Expression

• Extended Jaw: Similar to an open mouth, but retract the lips further back to expose more teeth. Draw the eyes more intensely.

Frowning Expression

• Eyebrows and Mouth: Draw eyebrows in a downward wave shape and curve the mouth downward towards the neck.

Surprised Expression

• Raised Eyebrows: Draw eyebrows high and curved. The mouth should be wide open, with lips drawn back.

Content/Smiling Expression

• Smiling Features: Raise eyebrows and draw closed eyes with curved eyelids. The mouth should be smiling, showing teeth.

Angry Expression

• Aggressive Features: Draw low, wave-like eyebrows and narrow eyes. The mouth should be retracted, showing fangs for emphasis.

Fearful Expression

• Wide Eyes: Draw smaller irises to indicate fear, with raised eyebrows and wide-open eyes. The mouth should be slightly open.

Plotting/Grinning Expression

• Mischievous Features: Draw eyebrows angled down, sharp eyes, and a sly, toothy smile.

Confused Expression

• Raised Eyebrows: Draw eyebrows slightly raised, with an “O” shaped mouth for confusion.

Simple Smile

• Gentle Features: Draw a slightly wider, gently curved mouth.

Relaxed Expression

• Closed Eyes: Draw closed eyelids, mimicking a peaceful state.

Smug Expression

• Confident Features: Draw eyebrows with an upward tilt and a confident, toothy smile.

Sad/Tired Expression

• Droopy Features: Draw eyebrows raised at the inner edge and eyes half-closed. The mouth should curve downward.

Annoyed Expression

• Frustrated Features: Draw raised eyebrows and sharp eyes, with a longer, slightly downturned mouth.

Conclusion

Capturing a variety of facial expressions in anime involves understanding how subtle changes in facial features convey different emotions. By practicing these expressions, you can add depth and personality to your characters, enhancing your storytelling through visual cues. Use these guidelines to explore and experiment with different emotions, refining your style and technique.

Draw Anime Manga Style Hair Braids – This tutorial provides a detailed guide on drawing anime and manga-style hair braids, breaking down the process into simple steps. Braids are a popular hairstyle in anime, often used to add elegance and complexity to character designs. This guide will help you capture the intricate structure of braids, ensuring they complement your characters’ overall appearance.

Understanding Braid Structure

Braids, while appearing straightforward, involve a complex interweaving of hair strands. In anime and manga, they are often stylized to emphasize flow and texture. This tutorial simplifies the process by dividing the braid into manageable parts, allowing you to achieve a realistic yet stylized look.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Braid Structure Analysis

• Conceptualizing Braids: Visualize the braid as a “pile of bricks,” where each segment overlaps the previous one. This helps in understanding the interlocking nature of braids.

Drawing Straight Anime Braids

• Step 1: Basic Frame of Straight Braid
  • Guidelines: Start with a vertical line for the braid’s center. Draw two parallel lines on either side to outline the braid’s width. Add a basic shape for the braid’s tail at the bottom.

• Step 2: Internal Lines

  • Detailing: Draw two additional lines inside the outer lines, close to the centerline. Erase the centerline afterward.

• Step 3: Constructing the Braid

  • Shape Formation: Sketch short diagonal lines from each outer line toward the inner lines, creating a zigzag pattern that forms the braid’s structure.

• Step 4: Defining the Braid

  • Curved Segments: Within the guidelines, draw the braid’s “brick-like” segments, giving them a slightly rounded shape to mimic hair strands.

• Step 5: Finalizing the Straight Braid

  • Detailing: Add small curves and lines within the braid segments to suggest texture and depth.

Drawing Curved Anime Braids

• Step 1: Basic Frame of Curved Braid

  • Guidelines: Draw a curved line to represent the braid’s flow. Outline the braid’s width with parallel lines and sketch the tail shape at the end.

• Step 2: Internal Lines

  • Detailing: Add another set of curved lines between the braid’s outer lines and its centerline. Erase the centerline afterward.

• Step 3: Constructing the Curved Braid

  • Shape Formation: Draw slightly curved lines from the outer lines to the inner lines, maintaining the braid’s curved path.

• Step 4: Defining the Curved Braid

  • Curved Segments: Use the guidelines to draw the braid’s segments, keeping them rounded and consistent with the braid’s curve.

• Step 5: Finalizing the Curved Braid

  • Detailing: Add small lines and curves within the braid segments for texture, emphasizing the braid’s flow.

Conclusion

Drawing anime and manga-style braids involves understanding their complex structure and translating it into a stylized form. By breaking down the braid into basic shapes and focusing on the flow of the hair, you can create dynamic and intricate braided hairstyles for your characters. Practice these techniques to refine your skills and enhance your character designs with elegant, detailed braids.

Draw Anime & Manga Teeth – This tutorial shows how to draw anime and manga teeth with examples from side and front views. It also offers tips on placing them in the mouth and explores various styles.

Although anime teeth and simplified manga styles may seem easy to draw, they can be quite intricate due to their small size.

Key Components of Drawing Anime Teeth

This study covers several aspects of drawing anime teeth and includes three important components:

• Drawing teeth from different angles: Understanding how teeth are positioned within the mouth.
• Examples of anime-style teeth with different face shapes: Showing how teeth can vary with expressions.
• Using anime teeth to show character personality: Demonstrating how dental features can reflect a character’s traits.

Drawing Anime Teeth from Different Views / Angles

Before drawing teeth, it’s essential to estimate how they are placed in the mouth. The “see by-pass” diagram above provides a dramatic scale example.

• Teeth Placement: Understanding where the teeth are situated in the head is crucial.
• Mouth Dynamics: When the mouth opens, the top teeth line remains relatively fixed, while the bottom line changes with the jaw.

Though not necessary to visually cue these details every time, keeping them in mind helps avoid mistakes.

Teeth in the Mouth Open – Preview

In an open-mouth view, teeth can be challenging to draw. This is particularly true for the lower teeth line, as estimating their positioning on the lower jaw at this angle can be tricky.

Placing / Drawing Teeth at Difficult Angles

A good strategy is to use a simpler side view to balance the placement in more complex views.

• Side View Reference: Create a basic side view sketch to help position teeth in challenging perspectives.

Demonstrating Emotions with Teeth

Teeth in anime can express various emotions, as shown below:

• Smiling Anime Face Teeth: A simple smile often shows a hint of the top and bottom teeth lines.
• Shock Anime Face Teeth: A shocked expression can reveal a gleam separating the dental lines.
• Stinging Anime Face Teeth: The side view grin often includes fangs to emphasize a fierce expression.
• Angry Anime Face Teeth: Similar to sharp teeth, an angry mouth often features exaggerated tooth shapes.

Anime Dental Alignment in Different Views

Even as the face and mouth shape change, the teeth generally remain aligned. It’s advisable to maintain consistent dental positioning relative to the head for the same character across different views.

Drawing Unique Anime Teeth

Anime characters sometimes feature unique teeth to highlight their personalities:

• One Tooth Out – Yaeba Anime Teeth: Represents an energetic and wild character. Draw an open mouth with a single sharp tooth on one side.
• Many Sharp Teeth – Anime Shark Tooth: Sharp teeth indicate a competitive nature. Draw them like a saw or shark teeth, curving within the mouth.

Conclusion

High-quality and simplified anime and manga teeth may appear easy to draw, but their complexity increases with different angles, expressions, and character styles. This tutorial aims to enhance your understanding of drawing anime teeth effectively.

Draw Anime Poses – This guide describes the basics of drawing various anime poses. The instructions apply to both anime and manga styles, as well as traditional art forms. Drawing anime characters in dynamic poses can be challenging, but using a simplified “mannequin” approach can help you get the proportions and angles right without focusing on details like facial features, clothes, or hair.

Importance of Proper Poses

A well-executed pose is crucial for conveying the intended action or emotion in your drawing. Even if your artwork is detailed, a poorly positioned pose can detract from the overall effect.

Drawing Basics

In anime and manga, characters are often drawn with proportions similar to real people, but with larger heads and rounder features.

For simplicity, this guide uses:

• Egg-shaped head
• Mitten-like hands
• Single shape feet (as if wearing socks)

General Tips

• Start with the Body: Begin with the torso to establish the overall pose. This makes aligning other body parts easier.
• Use Light Lines: Draw with light lines that are easy to erase if needed. This allows for adjustments and adding details later.

Step-by-Step Pose Tutorials

1. Running Pose

• Step 1: Draw the torso leaning slightly forward.
• Step 2: Add the head facing forward.
• Step 3: Draw legs with one bent and the other straight.
• Step 4: Add arms opposite to the legs’ movement.
• Step 5: Draw the neck.
• Step 6: Add chest details for a female character.

2. Ballet Pose

• Step 1: Draw the torso bending backward.
• Step 2: Tilt the head back.
• Step 3: Draw legs in a split position.
• Step 4: Add arms extended gracefully.
• Step 5: Draw the neck.
• Step 6: Add chest details.

3. Punching Pose

• Step 1: Draw the torso in a 3/4 view leaning forward.
• Step 2: Tilt the head down.
• Step 3: Bend both legs slightly.
• Step 4: Extend one arm in a punch.
• Step 5: Draw the neck.
• Step 6: Add chest details.

4. Dashing Pose

• Step 1: Draw the torso twisting slightly.
• Step 2: Tilt the head forward.
• Step 3: Position legs for running.
• Step 4: Extend arms in dynamic motion.
• Step 5: Draw the neck.
• Step 6: Add chest details.

5. Kicking Pose

• Step 1: Angle the torso backward.
• Step 2: Tilt the head slightly back.
• Step 3: Draw one leg kicking and the other straight.
• Step 4: Position arms backward.
• Step 5: Draw the neck.
• Step 6: Add chest details.

6. Shooting Pose

• Step 1: Draw the torso in a 3/4 view leaning forward.
• Step 2: Tilt the head down.
• Step 3: Position legs for stability.
• Step 4: Draw the gun and arms.
• Step 5: Add neck and chest details.

7. Throwing Pose

• Step 1: Angle the torso forward.
• Step 2: Tilt the head forward.
• Step 3: Position legs for balance.
• Step 4: Extend arms for a throwing motion.
• Step 5: Draw the neck.
• Step 6: Add chest details.

8. Jumping Pose

• Step 1: Draw the torso leaning forward.
• Step 2: Tilt the head back.
• Step 3: Position legs for a jump.
• Step 4: Extend arms for balance.
• Step 5: Draw the neck.
• Step 6: Add chest details.

9. Flying Kick Pose

• Step 1: Angle the torso at 45 degrees.
• Step 2: Tilt the head forward.
• Step 3: Position legs for a kick.
• Step 4: Extend arms for dynamic movement.
• Step 5: Draw the neck.
• Step 6: Add chest details.

Conclusion

Drawing anime poses can be challenging but rewarding. Start with basic forms and gradually add details like clothes, hair, and facial features. Consider using reference images or other artists’ work for inspiration. With practice, you’ll improve your ability to capture dynamic and effective poses.

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