How to Draw Anime Eyes: Easy 10-Step Guide for Beginners

Ready to bring your anime characters to life? This tutorial is perfect for artists ages 7+ looking to master the iconic, expressive look of anime eyes. You only need a pencil, an eraser, and a piece of paper to start building your character design skills.

10 Steps

🎯 Final Result

A collection of colorful, expressive anime eyes showing different styles.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sketching the Upper Eyelid

Two light, curved lines representing the upper eyelids of an anime character.

Draw two gentle, downward-curving lines. These form the top of the eye. Teacher's Tip: Keep these lines light; they act as the foundation for the rest of your eye shape.

Step 2: Defining the Eye Shape

Outlining the full shape of the anime eyes by connecting the upper and lower lid lines.

Draw a curved line beneath each top lid, meeting at the inner corner. Extend short lines outward to create the corners. Teacher's Tip: Think of this as creating a soft 'V' shape on the inner side to give the eye a realistic anime look.

Step 3: Adding Lower Lash Details

Adding small, delicate lower lash lines to the bottom of the anime eye shapes.

Draw a small curved line below each eye with tiny strokes at the outer edge. Teacher's Tip: These represent the lower lashes; keep them small so they don't overpower the top lid.

Step 4: Drawing the Eyebrows

Drawing thick, expressive eyebrows positioned above the anime eyes.

Sketch a thick, curved line above each eye. Teacher's Tip: The angle of these lines determines the character's mood—a steeper angle makes them look angry, while a gentle curve looks calm.

Step 5: Sketching the Iris

Adding a large, rounded iris shape inside the left eye.

Draw a large, rounded shape inside the eye to form the iris. Teacher's Tip: Don't worry about it being a perfect circle; anime eyes often have slightly irregular, organic shapes.

Step 6: Balancing the Eyes

Drawing a matching iris shape in the right eye for symmetry.

Repeat the iris shape on the right eye to ensure symmetry. Teacher's Tip: Check that both irises are roughly the same size so your character looks balanced.

Step 7: Adding the Pupils

Adding small, dark pupils in the center of each iris.

Draw a small, dark circle in the center of each iris. Teacher's Tip: The pupil is the 'soul' of the eye—keep it dark and centered to make the character look focused.

Step 8: Adding Iris Detail

Adding decorative curved lines inside the iris to create depth.

Draw curved lines connecting the pupil to the iris edges, creating a 'mountain' effect. Teacher's Tip: This adds depth and makes the eyes look shiny and professional.

Step 9: Adding Highlights

Adding a small highlight oval and shading the upper iris for a realistic effect.

Draw a small oval near the pupil to act as a light reflection, then shade the top of the iris. Teacher's Tip: That little white oval is the 'glint' that makes the eyes look alive!

Step 10: Bringing Color to Life

The final colored anime eyes drawing with vibrant colors and highlights.

Color your eyes using your favorite shades. Teacher's Tip: Use a darker color for the top of the iris and a lighter shade for the bottom to create a beautiful gradient effect.