How to Draw a Template Manga Head

A manga head is one of the hallmarks of the anime character genre. Manga characters are best known for their large, expressive heads with large, glassy eyes. Manga heads aren't difficult to draw once the basic template is understood. Most manga heads look very similar, so slightly customizing the basic template will create an unlimited number of manga characters.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Draw a round, slightly oval shape. The chin area should be slightly pointed.

2. Make a light line across the center of the face and a light line lengthwise. These lines will be the guideline for the facial features.

3. Follow the horizontal line for the placement of the eyes. The eyes are the most recognizable feature of a manga head. They should be much larger than realistic eyes. Start with large circles for the eyes and add a short line at the top and the bottom of each eye to represent the eyelids.

4. Look at the vertical line to find the correct place for the nose and mouth. The nose should be small and without nostrils. Most manga noses are no more than a small curved line. The mouth can be either a small curved line for a smile, or a curved triangle for an open mouth. Both the nose and mouth should be smaller than realistic features.

5. Erase the light horizontal and vertical lines. Those are no longer needed after the features are drawn in.

6. Add hair by drawing in some straight lines. Most manga heads have some bangs. These can be drawn in with a jagged line to represent the edges of the bangs, or as one line to represent the hairline.