How to Draw an Anime Smile: Easy 10-Step Guide

Draw two squinting eyes using thick, curved lines that taper to points. These points represent the eyelashes. Tip: Keep your pencil pressure light so you can easily adjust the symmetry if needed.

Outline the nose and a wide, open-mouthed grin. Add horizontal lines across the mouth to suggest teeth. Tip: Use short, quick strokes for the teeth to keep the expression looking natural rather than stiff.

Draw the cheeks, chin, and ears using smooth, curved lines. Extend two lines downward to form the neck. Tip: A slightly pointed chin is a hallmark of the anime style—don't be afraid to make it sharp!

Sketch the hair locks across the forehead and draw thick, expressive eyebrows. Tip: Position the eyebrows slightly angled to match the happy, smiling expression.

Use overlapping curved lines to define the top of the head and side hair locks. Tip: Vary the size of the hair locks to make the hairstyle look more dynamic and realistic.

Continue adding hair details using long, sweeping curved lines that meet at sharp points. Tip: Think of hair as 'clumps' rather than individual strands to maintain that classic anime look.

Draw the collar of the blouse using curved triangles and add a small circle for a button. Tip: Keep the collar lines clean to contrast with the softer hair lines.

Extend 'L' shaped lines from the collar to form shoulders and add seam lines to the sleeves. Tip: Use gentle curves to show the natural slope of the shoulders.

Add final texture lines throughout the hair to give it volume. Tip: Follow the direction of the hair flow to make the character look more three-dimensional.

Color your character! Whether you choose natural tones or vibrant fantasy colors, have fun with your palette. Tip: Use a darker shade for the shadows under the hair to add depth.