Drawing and Painting Anime and Manga Faces

Step-by-Step Techniques for Creating Authentic Characters and Expressions

Nao Yazawa

• Publisher: Quarry Books
• Year: 2021
• ISBN:
  9781631599637
• Topic: Art
• Subtopic: Art Techniques

Learn to draw authentic anime and manga faces and expressions from a manga master. In thisfollow-up to Manga Drawing Deluxe, renowned Japanese manga artist and international instructor Nao Yazawa guides you step by step through all phases of drawing and painting anime and manga faces, from the basics of creating essential anime and manga characters to creating dynamic and authentic expressions to coloring and adding special touches.

• Manga Faces 101. Learn about must-have supplies, basic drawing techniques, and a summary of the process from rough sketches to finished drawings.
• Essential Guide to Expressive Characters. Explore how to draw key anime and manga characters as well as how to depict a range of emotions for each, from delight to sadness to terror.
• Inking, Coloring, and Special Effects. Take your drawings to the next level by adding striking definition, stunning color, and special finishing touches that will give your characters just the right note of authenticity.

Drawing and Painting Anime and Manga Faces gives you the tools you need to create expressive characters that will make your anime and manga stories come alive.

INNOCENT GIRL

A typical heroine archetype: Bright, kind, open, and popular. This character type is either average in academics or not very smart. She isn’t overly complex, and she’s extremely forgiving.

Draw the Atari for the hair. Draw the rest of the details after checking the balance of the drawing and composition. After checking the balance, draw the parts of the face.

Drawing the white of the eye (the sclera) bigger will make her look energetic and open. Don’t make it too big as it makes the eyes sharper, creating a mean girl expression. A big pupil with a small sclera gives an impression of a shy, quiet girl.

Draw the details according to the Atari and it’s done.

When drawing a female character, make the outline of the face rounded. Be sure the angle of the jawbone isn’t too sharp.

Pen-ire & Finish

I drew this character with wing-like hair that flows away from her face, a hairstyle that emphasizes her openness and innocence. A warm hair color also shows her friendliness and warmth.

Front View

Profile View

Three-Quarter View

The sunflower design on the bag is also a symbol for her virtuous character.

Expressions

Self-Indulgence

As you can see, this is a drawing of a girl who’s happy after eating some dessert! I recommend you draw any expression by imagining the situation and emotion the character is experiencing. A helpful tip to achieve this is to draw the position of the hands and the angle of the face. These details and body movements help you convincingly express the character’s happiness. The curvy letters and bubble-like shapes in the background also help convey her emotions.

Angry Suspicion

By drawing a character who’s sizing someone up by staring at them, you can convey suspicion and doubt. This expression is often used when a character is trying to find out another character’s true intentions. Frowning is also a sign of distrust. Crossed arms are also used when a character is thinking hard. The background effect helps to represent this suspicious thought process.

Crying, Interrupted

This expression represents the moment that a character who’s been crying is caught off guard by another character’s actions or words. Almost missing what the other character said, the main character here is left confused and curious while tr...