Anime-style eyes are some of the most iconic features of Japanese animation, and mastering their intricacies can be a challenge for both amateur and professional artists. In this article, we will explore the basics of drawing anime-style eyes and provide some tips and techniques for improving your skills.
Anime-style eyes are known for their exaggerated size and expressive shapes, often featuring intricate details such as highlights, shading, and reflections. Drawing these eyes can be challenging, but with practice and a few key techniques, you can create captivating and dynamic anime-style characters.

Basic Steps for Drawing Anime-Style Eyes
To draw anime-style eyes, start by sketching the basic shape of the eye, then add in the details such as the iris, pupil, and eyelashes. Here are some basic steps to follow:
- Start with a rough sketch of the eye shape, making sure to emphasize the size and shape of the iris.
- Add the pupil, which should be a small circle in the center of the iris.
- Draw the upper eyelid as a curved line above the iris, with a thicker line towards the outer corner of the eye.
- Draw the lower eyelid as a slightly curved line below the iris, with a thinner line than the upper eyelid.
- Add eyelashes to the upper eyelid, which can be long or short depending on the character’s design.
- Draw the eyebrow above the upper eyelid, with thick and expressive lines.
- Shade in the iris to add depth and dimension to the eye.
- Add additional details such as creases around the eyelids or colored contacts.
Tips and Techniques for Drawing Anime-Style Eyes
To take your anime-style eye drawing to the next level, consider these tips and techniques:
- Understand Eye Shapes and Proportions: Anime eyes come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and understanding the proportions and placement of the features can help you create more realistic and expressive eyes.
- Use of Color in Anime Eyes: Colors can play an important role in anime-style eyes, with different shades and tones conveying different moods and emotions.
- Creating Depth and Dimension in Eyes: Shading and highlighting can help create a more realistic and dimensional look to the eyes, adding depth and texture to the overall character design.
Advanced Techniques for Drawing Anime-Style Eyes
For those looking to take their anime-style eye drawing to the next level, consider these advanced techniques:
- Drawing Eyes at Different Angles: Anime-style eyes can be drawn from a variety of angles, and learning how to draw them at different perspectives can help bring your characters to life.
- Creating Dynamic Eye Expressions: Expressive eyes can convey a wide range of emotions, from joy and excitement to fear and sadness. Learning how to create different eye expressions can help bring your characters to life and make them more relatable.
Conclusion
Anime-style eyes are an essential part of creating dynamic and engaging characters in Japanese animation. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced artist, mastering the intricacies of drawing anime-style eyes can take time and practice. By following these basic steps and techniques, you can create captivating and expressive anime-style characters that will capture the hearts and imaginations of viewers.