How to draw a woman in manga style

Manga, a popular Japanese style of comic books and graphic novels, has captivated readers all around the world. With its unique and distinct art style, has gained a massive following, influencing artists and enthusiasts alike. One key element of manga is the portrayal of female characters, often characterized by their striking, expressive eyes and delicate features. If you’re an aspiring artist looking to draw a woman in manga style, this article will provide you with some helpful tips to get you started.

1. Start with the basics:
Before diving into the details, it’s important to establish a basic framework for your character. Begin by sketching a simple, proportionate figure using light and loose lines. Focus on capturing the overall posture, body shape, and positioning of the character.

2. Define the facial features:
Manga characters are renowned for their expressive eyes, so spend some time perfecting this essential aspect. Start by drawing the almond-shaped eyes, extending them slightly at the outer edges for a more stylized look. Add a horizontal line across the middle of the eyes to indicate the eyelids. For a feminine touch, it’s common to make the lower lash line more curved compared to the upper lash line.

3. Emphasize the hair:
Manga hairstyles range from simple to extravagant, allowing for ample creativity. When drawing a woman’s hair, consider experimenting with different styles and lengths to convey the character’s personality. Long, flowing hair is often associated with romance and elegance, while short and spiky hair can indicate a more rebellious or playful character.

4. Detail the body and clothing:
Once you have the framework and facial features established, begin adding details to the body and clothing. Pay attention to the woman’s body proportions, keeping in mind that manga characters often have elongated limbs and an exaggerated hourglass figure. For the clothing, manga offers a vast range of styles, so choose one that suits your character and adds to her portrayal.

5. Practice shading and highlighting:
Shading plays a crucial role in bringing your manga drawings to life. By adding light and darkness, you can create depth and three-dimensionality. Practice different shading techniques to master the art of highlighting and shadows, ultimately enhancing your character’s features and clothing.

6. Add expression and emotion:
One of the most significant aspects of manga is its ability to convey emotions through facial expressions. Experiment with different methods of drawing eyes, eyebrows, and mouth to evoke specific moods and feelings. Eyes can be round and wide for innocence, narrow and slanted for determination, or teardrop-shaped for sadness.

7. Experiment and develop your style:
While it’s essential to learn and master the fundamentals, don’t be afraid to experiment and develop your unique manga drawing style. Incorporate different influences and techniques to create a distinct look that reflects your personal artistic expression.

Remember, mastering the art of drawing women in manga style requires practice, patience, and consistent effort. Take inspiration from manga artists you admire, study their techniques, and apply them to your own work. With dedication, you’ll see your skills improve, and you’ll be well on your way to creating captivating characters in manga style.