Anime eyes are one of the most expressive and iconic parts of anime characters. Whether you’re drawing a fierce warrior or a shy schoolgirl, mastering how to draw anime eyes will instantly elevate your art. In this tutorial, we’ll break it down into easy steps so anyone—from absolute beginners to budding artists—can follow along. Let’s get started! 🎨✍️
🧰 Materials Needed
Before we dive into drawing, make sure you have these simple materials:
- ✏️ Pencil (preferably HB or 2B)
- 🧽 Eraser
- 🖊️ Black pen or fineliner
- 📄 Drawing paper or sketchbook
- 🖍️ Colored pencils or markers (optional for coloring)
Step 1: Draw the Eye Shape 👁️
Start by sketching a large, almond-shaped oval. This will be the base of your anime eye. Make it as big or small as you like—anime styles vary a lot! Girls’ eyes tend to be larger and more rounded, while boys’ eyes are often smaller and more angular.

Step 2: Add the Eyelid and Eyelashes 💫
Draw a curved line above the oval for the upper eyelid. Then thicken the top line and flick it out a little on the ends to resemble lashes. You can also add a thin line underneath the eye for the lower lash.

Step 3: Draw the Iris and Pupil 🔵
Inside the eye shape, draw a large circle or oval for the iris. Then, draw a smaller circle inside it for the pupil. Make sure it’s centered or slightly upward for a cute and dreamy look.

Step 4: Add the Shine ✨
Anime eyes are known for their sparkle! Add one or two small white ovals or circles inside the iris to represent the light reflection. Keep these areas uncolored for that shiny effect.

Step 5: Add Eyebrows and Final Details 🖌️
Above the eye, sketch a simple eyebrow. Depending on your character’s expression, this can be arched, straight, or even tilted. Add lines to indicate eyelid creases or more lashes if you want extra flair.

Step 6: Outline Your Drawing 🖊️
Once you’re happy with your sketch, go over your lines with a black pen or fineliner. This will make your anime eye stand out and look clean.

Step 7: Color Your Anime Eye (Optional) 🌈
Now the fun part—coloring! Fill in the iris with your favorite color, add shading near the top of the iris for depth, and leave the highlight areas white. You can also shade the upper lid and lashes slightly.

🎉 You’re Done!
And that’s it! You’ve just drawn your very own anime eye. With practice, you’ll be able to draw eyes that show every emotion—from happy and excited to mysterious and intense.
✨ Quick Tips:
- Study real anime characters to see how their eyes are drawn.
- Try drawing different shapes for male vs. female characters.
- Experiment with emotions by changing the eyebrow angles and iris shape.
Happy drawing! 🎨💖 Don’t forget to share your anime eye sketches and tag us—let’s keep the creativity flowing!