How to Draw Various Types of Cartoon Eyes

Cartoon eyes come in an infinite number of varieties. In some mediums, the shape and style of the eye is the most crucial part of determining a character's appearance and identity. Cartoon eyes also are useful when expressing a character's personality. Wide eyes indicate emotion, while more narrowed eyes indicate a focused and confident character. Though coloring, glare, and shading can be used to add personality to a character, the most effective and reliable way to distinguish a character from other characters is to give him distinct eyes.

Things You'll Need

• Drawing pencil
• Pencil eraser
• Drawing paper
• Graphics program
• Graphics tablet

Instructions

Cartoon Eye Style 1

1. 

   Draw one curving line that curves upwards and away from the other eye. Then draw a line that curves towards the other eye and upwards. Once this line has reached most of the way across the lower eyelid, curve the eye downwards sharply.

2. 

   In the opening gap where the eyelid is, draw a curving line that curves towards the other eye. Then draw a second line further towards the center of the eye. The curve should be similar to the curve you just drew. Then draw a third curve that curves outward. This will be the cornea.

3. 

   Draw a line above the eye.

Cartoon Eye Style 2

1. 

   Draw a curving line that curves downward. This will be the lower eyelid.

2. 

   Draw two lines that slant upwards and to the right, one over the left edge of the lower eyelid and one over the right edge of the lower eyelid. Draw a curving line that connects the top parts of these slanting lines. This will be the upper eyelid.

3. 

   Expand the upper eyelid. Make the top part of the upper eyelid thick while keeping the side parts of the lower eyelid thin. On the right part of the upper eyelid, draw a curving triangle that points upwards and towards the outer part of the eye.

4. 

   Draw a curving line above the upper eyelid.

5. Draw a pupil as a black circle.

Cartoon Eye Style 3

1. 

   Draw a slightly curving line. Then draw two slanting lines that extend from the ends of the curving line. These lines should slant away from the eye. Then draw a curving line that connects both slanting lines. This will be the bade of your eye.

2. 

   Draw a line a few centimeters above the sides and top of the base of the eye. This line should connect to the base of the eye on the sides.

3. 

   Draw curving lines on the outer edge of the eye. These will be the eyelashes.

4. 

   Draw a curving line and then draw a slanting line that connects to the curving line. Draw a circle within the eye for the cornea.

Cartoon Eye Style 4

1. 

   Draw a straight line. Then draw a curving line that slants up and towards the other eye that you would draw.

2. 

   Draw a wide curving line that connects the slanting line to the horizontal line. Draw a second line a few centimeters above that wraps around the top of the eye.

3. 

   Draw an oval within the eye. Draw eyelashes on the bottom outer corner of the eye.

4. 

   Draw a curving line that is a few centimeters above the eye and only covers part of the eye.

Cartoon Eye Style 5

1. 

   Draw a curving line.

2. 

   Draw a line that slants upward and within the eye that you are drawing. Draw a second line that extends from this slanting line and travels in a waving motion somewhat past the rest of the eye. Draw a slanting line that extends from the bottom line upward, not touching the edge of the top line but touching near the edge. Then duplicate the top line, drawing it a few centimeters above the top line.

3. Draw a circle within the eye for the cornea.

Cartoon Eye Style 6

1. 

   Draw half of a circle with most of the circle covering the bottom and inner part of the eye.

2. 

   Draw a curving line that slants downward and towards the eye sharply when it reaches the outer part of the eye. Draw a second line that starts at the inner top part of the eye and continues until it reaches the outer part of the eye, and then slants sharply upward. Draw a straight line that connects the open part of this eyelid.

3. 

   Draw a curving line above the eye.

4. 

   Draw a circle within the eye to serve as the cornea.

Cartoon Eye Style 7

1. 

   Draw a vertical line and a horizontal line that connect with a curve.

2. 

   Draw eyelashes on the outer bottom corner of the eye.

3. 

   Draw a line that curves in a waving fashion. This line should start at the top of the line on the inner part of the eye and curve upwards slightly before curving sharply downward. Draw eyelashes on both sides of the upper eyelid.

4. 

   Draw an oval to serve as the cornea.

Tips & Warnings

• Those who learn Kanji claim that they have an easier time drawing cartoon eyes since many of the strokes used in writing Kanji are similar to the strokes used in drawing cartoon eyes.

• Do not draw all parts of the eye with a cartoon eye. Always simplify some aspects while exaggerating other aspects.