40 anime drawing ideas that are easy and fun. Practice anime faces, eyes, hair, chibi characters, and poses with simple shapes and original characters.
Want some anime drawing ideas you can actually finish? This list is full of easy, fun things to practice in the anime style. You do not need to be a pro. We will work on anime faces, big shiny eyes, fun hair, cute chibi characters, and simple poses. Every idea starts with an easy shape like a circle or an oval, so you always have a clear place to begin. These are all original character ideas, so make them your own. Grab a pencil, keep your lines light, and let's draw some fun anime art together.
How to use this list
Pick any idea that looks fun to you. You do not have to go in order. Each idea names the simple starting shape so you know where to begin. Sketch light in pencil first, then darken the lines you like. Anime art is built in layers, so draw the basic shape, then add features, then clean it up. Repeat the easy ones until they feel natural.
Anime faces and expressions
Basic anime face
Start with a circle for the skull. Add a soft jaw line that points down to a small chin. Place the eyes on a center line.
Happy face
Draw a basic face, then add two curved closed eyes and an open smile. Bright and cheerful.
Surprised face
Draw a face with two wide round eyes and a small open mouth. Add a sweat drop for fun.
Angry face
Draw a face, then slant the eyebrows down and in. Add a small frown and a tense mouth.
Crying face
Draw a face with shut eyes and big tear drops. Add a wobbly line for the mouth.
Sleepy face
Draw a face with half closed eyes and a tiny yawn. Add a small bubble near the nose.
Blushing face
Draw a face with soft eyes and a shy smile. Add two short blush lines on the cheeks.
Side profile face
Draw a circle, then add the nose, lips, and chin as one flowing line on the side.
Anime eyes
Round shiny eye
Draw a tall almond shape. Add a big circle iris and two white dots for shine.
Sharp cool eye
Draw a narrow almond shape with a pointed corner. Add a slim iris for a cool look.
Closed happy eye
Draw one upward curved line, like a soft smile turned sideways. Add a few lash flicks.
Big sparkly eye
Draw a large oval eye. Fill it with a dark iris and several white sparkle dots.
Crying eye
Draw an almond eye with a tear pooling at the bottom corner. Add a drop falling.
Side glance eye
Draw an almond eye with the iris pushed to one side. Adds attitude fast.
Sleepy half eye
Draw an almond shape, then cover the top half with a curved lid line.
Wide shocked eye
Draw a big round eye with a small iris in the center. Add bold lashes on top.
Chibi characters
Basic chibi
Draw a big circle head and a tiny oval body. Keep the legs short and stubby.
Chibi with cat ears
Draw a basic chibi, then add two triangle ears on top of the head. Add a tail.
Sitting chibi
Draw a big head, then a small body with the legs folded in front. Cute and easy.
Waving chibi
Draw a chibi with one short arm raised. Add a happy open smile.
Sleepy chibi
Draw a chibi with closed eyes and a little sleep bubble. Add a tiny blanket.
Chibi holding a snack
Draw a chibi with both small hands holding a round treat in front.
Chibi animal hood
Draw a chibi wearing a hood shaped like a bear or bunny face. Fun and soft.
Running chibi
Draw a chibi with both legs out and arms swinging. Add motion lines behind.
Anime hair
Spiky hair
Draw a head, then add sharp triangle clumps around the top and sides.
Long flowing hair
Draw a head, then sweep long curved strands down past the shoulders.
Short bob
Draw a head, then add a smooth rounded hair shape that frames the face.
Twin tails
Draw a head, then add two bunches tied high on each side with flowing ends.
Messy bangs
Draw a head, then add uneven clumps of hair across the forehead.
Braided hair
Draw a head, then add a long braid as a row of soft linked shapes down the side.
Wavy ponytail
Draw a head, then gather the hair into one wavy tail with curved strands.
Curly hair
Draw a head, then add bouncy round curl shapes all around it.
Anime poses and props
Standing pose
Draw a stick figure first. Add an oval head, then build the body shapes over it.
Hand peace sign
Draw a simple hand with two fingers up. A classic anime pose for any character.
Sitting pose
Draw a stick figure with bent knees. Build the body over it, then add a stool.
Magic staff
Draw a long line with a star or orb on top. Great prop for an original mage.
Floating cape
Draw a character, then add a cape that flares out with wavy curved edges.
School bag
Draw a rounded rectangle with two straps. A simple prop to complete a scene.
Cat companion
Draw a small chibi cat beside your character. Add dot eyes and a curled tail.
Sword pose
Draw a stick figure holding a long straight blade. Build the body over the frame.
Tips
- Always start with light pencil shapes, then add details, then clean up your lines.
- Build the face on a center line so the eyes and nose line up evenly.
- Make eyes big and shiny with two white dots to get that classic anime look.
- Use a stick figure under any pose so the body stays balanced.
- Keep your characters original. Mix hair, eyes, and outfits to invent your own.
FAQ
How do I draw anime eyes easily?
Start with an almond shape, then add a big circle iris and two white dots for shine. The shape of the almond changes the mood, so a tall round eye looks sweet and a narrow one looks cool.
Is chibi easier than full anime drawing?
Yes. Chibi uses a big head, a tiny body, and short limbs, so there is less detail to manage. It is a great place to start before you draw full anime characters.
Can I make my own anime characters?
Absolutely. Mix and match hair styles, eye shapes, and outfits to invent an original character. That is the fun part, and your version is always allowed.
Keep drawing and coloring, friend. Anime art gets easier every time you practice a face, an eye, or a fun pose, so keep filling your pages. When you want a step by step lesson, follow our how to draw anime guide. For more inspiration, browse all our drawing ideas, try these cool things to draw, or warm up with easy drawing ideas. Want a color break? Print some fantasy coloring pages and bring your scenes to life.