If you're new to manga drawing, practice making chibi characters. This character is a short figure that can be recognized because of its oversized head, cute face, and small body. Due to its small size, you can keep the features simple and still produce an effective character. With practice, you can draw your own chibi characters based on real people or fictional characters!
Step
Part 1 of 2: Drawing Chibi's Head and Face
Step 1. Draw a big circle to make a chibi face
Create a circle of any size depending on the size of the character you want to create. Keep in mind that the character's head should be the same size as the body.
A disproportionately large head will make your chibi character look even cuter
Tip:
While you can leave a character's face completely round, many chibi characters have a defined jawline. You can draw a square or pointed jaw, if you like.
Step 2. Draw 2 intersecting lines inside the circle
Draw a thin vertical line that goes straight through the circle. Then, draw a thin horizontal line that intersects the vertical line. Draw a horizontal line in the lower third of the circle.
- You can use these two lines as guides for drawing facial features.
- If you want the facial features to be a little further down the face, draw a horizontal line the bottom quarter of the circle.
Step 3. Draw 2 wide eyes on a horizontal line in a circle
To create classic chibi eyes, draw 2 tall squares with rounded corners. Then, make the upper eyelid thicker and very curved so that the top of the eye looks like a curve. Draw a large pupil and iris so that only a small amount of white is visible in each eye. Include at least 1 white circle inside the eye to indicate light reflection.
- Leave a gap of 1 eye between the eyes you drew.
- The line can run between the eyes, or you can position it so that the bottom of the eye rests on the horizontal line.
- Remember that you are not trying to create realistic eyes. Chibi eyes can show all kinds of expressions, but they are usually exaggerated, sparkling, and bold.
Step 4. Draw a small mouth near the bottom half of the circle
For a very simple mouth, draw a small line that curves up or down depending on the character's emotions. You can draw a circle or a triangle if you want the character's mouth to open. If you want to make a detailed mouth, put your teeth and tongue in it.
The mouth can be as expressive as the eyes. For example, if your chibi character is in love, you can make his mouth in the shape of a heart
Step 5. Include a small nose for additional detail
Draw a nose that is no more than the size of the mouth you just created, and place it on the vertical guides under the eyes. You can make the nose a slightly curved line, a small circle, or an inverted triangle and try to keep it as simple as possible.
Some chibi characters don't have noses. You are free not to make it, if you want
Step 6. Give any desired hairstyle on the character's head
Big hair is another feature of a chibi character so it's best if this part stands out. Try giving the hairstyle curls, shaggy, or jigrak. Allow a few strands to cover the side of the character's face or fall in front of one of his eyes.
You can style your hair in a ponytail, pigtail, or ribbon to make it look more playful
Part 2 of 2: Drawing Chibi's Body
Step 1. Draw a vertical line that extends below the center of the head
This line is the same size as the head. This is a guide for your chibi character's torso.
- Keep the line thin so it's easy to erase later.
- If you want to make your character turn, bend, or crouch, you can skip this step.
Step 2. Draw a small horizontal line in the middle of the vertical line to create the upper body
Determine the width of the character's pelvis you want, and draw a symmetrical horizontal line across the vertical line of the torso. This horizontal line will become the character's pelvis. Then, draw a slanted line from each side of the pelvis that narrows near the head.
Tip:
If you don't want the hip line to show in the finished product, erase it later after drawing the legs.
Step 3. Draw 2 legs extending down from the pelvis
Place the pencil at one end of the hip line and make a slash down and slightly towards the vertical guideline. Do the other side as well, then create an inverted V shape centered on the guide.
This inverted V shape will be 2 feet
Step 4. Draw 2 arms that extend from where the head meets the body
The arms can be as narrow or as thick as you like, but make sure they extend just below the hip line. Then, make a small circle at the end of each arm as a palm.
If you want, you can make your hands more detailed by drawing fingers or jewelry
Step 5. Dab clothes on the body of the image
If the character you're drawing is simple, you can make plain pants and a t-shirt or dress. If you want to add detail to your character, add some extra features like socks, shoes, ties, belts, or scarves.
Please add accessories to the character. For example, if you're drawing a chibi witch, give her a coat and a wand
Step 6. Done
Tips
- Erase any visible guides when you're done adding details to your chibi character.
- Go back and color your drawing using colored pencils or markers. The color will make the chibi character stand out more.
- Practice drawing chibi characters with different expressions and facial features.
- The head and body of a chibi character are roughly the same size.
