How to Draw Profile View

Creating a profile can be a little tricky, but with a few simple steps, it can become easy and fun.

When we learn to draw faces, head-on is usually the first position we try. Drawing the profile of a face is different and can be more difficult. We are used to seeing people and communicating with people face-to-face, not side-to-side. With a few simple steps and some practice, you can master drawing the profile and have fun with it. Once you are comfortable with it, adding personal details and style can be endless.

Things You'll Need

• paper
• pencil or pen
• reference photo

Instructions

Drawing the Human Profile

1. 

   This is a good example of a reference photo for drawing a profile.

   Find a reference photo that is very clearly a profile, with just the side of the face showing. Make sure that the other side of the face is not visible at all; otherwise it will be very difficult to draw if you are not used to drawing profiles.

2. 

   Think of the first two shapes as if you are building the skull.

   Sketch lightly the first three basic shapes. The first shape is a rounded rectangular shape for the face base. It is based on the front shape of the skull. The next shape should be an oval shape that will be the back of the head. Draw it from the top to the base of the skull. The neck will be a longer rectangular shape. It will be connected to the shape created by the combination of the first two shapes.

3. 

   The nose is generally a round triangular shape.

   Add smaller shapes as features to the face. Go according to your reference photo, but in general, the basic shape to use for the nose is a triangle, which should be a bit rounded. Smaller round bumps should be used for the lips. Extend the line for the opening of the mouth.

4. 

   The eye is basically a "V" shape.

   Draw in the eye and eyebrow. The eye at a profile view can be drawn as a sideways letter "V" with an oval at the top of it. You can add eyelashes to the front of the "V." Eyebrows can be drawn as a curved line above the eye as thin or as thick as you'd like.

5. 

   The ear can be a "C" shape or an "S" shape.

   Add an ear at the point where the base of the skull and jaw shape would meet. Use a round "C" or "S" line to create the ear, with a smaller, echoing line within it.

6. 

   Add hair. This is the most free-flowing and experimental shape; it can be as crazy as you'd like it. There is no exact shape to follow. If you are drawing a clean-cut male haircut, keep with shorter straight and angular lines. If you are drawing a feminine, flowing cut, keep your lines long and wavy.

Tips & Warnings

• Your first drawing will not be your best. Keep practicing!

• Don't make your first profile drawing a portrait you are planning on giving to someone. It will take many attempts before you get it down.

References

• Face Structure
• Face Drawing: The Profile
• How to Draw Realistic Hair