If you’re a fan of anime and manga, you’ve probably come across the adorable style known as chibi. Chibi is a Japanese word that means “small” or “short,” and it’s often used to describe a cute and exaggerated version of a character. One of the most recognizable features of a chibi character is its oversized head. In this step-by-step guide, I will show you how to draw a chibi head.
Materials Required
Before we get started, make sure you have the following materials handy:
- Pencil
- Eraser
- Paper
- Fine-tipped black pen or marker
- Colored pencils or markers (optional)
Now that you have everything you need, let’s dive into drawing a chibi head!
Step 1: Draw a Circle
Start by drawing a large circle in the center of your paper. This will be the chibi head. Don’t worry about making it perfect; chibi characters are known for their exaggerated proportions, so a slightly uneven circle will give your drawing a cute and whimsical look.
Step 2: Add Facial Guidelines
Next, draw two slightly curved lines that intersect at the center of the circle. These lines will serve as guides for the facial features. They should be positioned roughly halfway down the circle, slightly below the center.
Step 3: Sketch the Eyes
Using the facial guidelines as a reference, draw two large oval shapes for the chibi’s eyes. Place them on either side of the vertical guideline, slightly above the horizontal guideline. Chibi eyes are often oversized and expressive, so feel free to make them as big as you like.
Step 4: Add the Nose and Mouth
Below the eyes, draw a small oval shape for the chibi’s nose. Chibi noses are typically simple and minimalistic. Just a small curve or dot will do the trick.
Next, draw a curved line for the chibi’s mouth. You can make it smile, frown, or anything in between. Experiment with different mouth shapes to give your chibi character its own unique expression.
Step 5: Outline the Face
Now it’s time to outline the chibi head. Start by drawing a curved line that connects the sides of the circle to the bottom of the chin. This will give your chibi a round and chubby face. Don’t be afraid to exaggerate the curves for a cuter effect.
Step 6: Define the Eyes
Go back to the eyes and thicken the upper and lower eyelids. This will make the eyes more defined and give your chibi character a lively appearance. You can also add small eyelashes above the eyes if you want to make them look more feminine.
Step 7: Add the Eyebrows
Just above the eyes, draw a pair of curved lines to represent the eyebrows. Chibi eyebrows are often simplified and shaped like small arches. Experiment with different eyebrow shapes to give your chibi character a specific expression or mood.
Step 8: Detail the Eyes and Face
To make your chibi head come to life, add some details to the eyes and face. Draw a small circle or oval inside each eye to represent the iris. Then, add a smaller circle or oval inside the iris to indicate the highlight or reflection in the eye. This will give your chibi a spark of life and make the eyes look more expressive.
Step 9: Refine the Nose and Mouth
Go back to the nose and give it more definition by adding a slight curve or shading. This will give your chibi a cute and button-like nose. You can also add a small curve below the mouth to indicate the bottom lip.
Step 10: Finalize the Chibi Head
This is the last step before you can color your chibi head if desired. Take your fine-tipped black pen or marker and go over the final sketch, darkening the outlines and adding any additional details. Erase any unnecessary sketch lines and clean up the drawing.
Congratulations! You’ve successfully drawn a chibi head! Now, you can unleash your creativity by coloring your chibi head using colored pencils or markers. Experiment with different color combinations and shading techniques to make your chibi character truly unique.
Conclusion
Drawing a chibi head may seem daunting at first, but with a little practice and following these step-by-step instructions, you’ll be able to create adorable chibi characters in no time. Remember to have fun and embrace the cute and exaggerated style that chibi has to offer. So grab your pencils and get ready to bring your chibi characters to life!
Want more? Try drawing a chibi body.
