How To Draw Anime Eyes on the Computer

To draw anime eyes on the computer, you can use a program like Oekaki or software like Photoshop or Manga Studio. If you're used to drawing them by hand, however, you'll have to learn a new approach, using the tools that are available to you on the computer. Here's an overview, along with a video tutorial.

Step 1  

Set up your layers. If you do not know what layers are, it is a tool found on many illustrative programs. They can help make outlining and drawing on the computer easier. Set up about 4 layers (you can add more later).

Step 2  

Sketch out your eyes on the first layer. There are different types of anime eyes, however, they all have a shape to them that makes it identified as anime eyes. Search for anime images so you can get an example of what they look like, and use it as a reference. Use a fairly light color to sketch, as you are probably going to outline it in a dark color, and it will contrast. Your sketch does not have to be neat, just neat enough so you can trace over it.

Step 3  

Go to layer 4, (the first, second and third will be saved for coloring) and trace over your sketch. Use black to outline your eye, making it as neat as possible. You can choose to use the bezier tool, which would give you clean curves, freehand it, or both.

Step 4  

Use the eraser tool to erase the sketch on layer 1. If you're using the layers properly, only the sketch will erase, and not the black outline.

Step 5  

Use layer 2 to color in the skin surrounding the eye. Then, use layer 3 to color in the white part of the eye. Use a slightly blue gray to color the shadow the top eyelid casts down.

Step 6  

Color in the iris in layer 3. First use a base color, and then use a darker color around the edge and in the shadow; the top right/left,(or wherever the direction the light is coming from, see example). You can choose to blend it in, or not. Then, take a lighter version or the base color and apply it diagonally from the shadow.

Step 7  

You can choose to use the dodge tool to accent the eye, but don't overuse it. Draw your pupil using a dark color, if you did not include it into your outline. Then, add your glint to the eye by using a very light color close to white where the shadow is. Congrats, you're finished!

Tips

• There are different types of anime eyes you can draw. Eyes sometimes can also tell you the personality of the anime character; some mysterious figures having narrow, thinner eyes, while some energetic characters have large eyes.
• Any color is possible for the outlines, really. Just have it be a different color from the sketch so it's easy to tell between the sketch and the outlines.
• Practice. Ask for constructive criticism.
• Use layers to create better results.

Warnings

• Do not overdo it with the colors.
• Be careful when using the dodge tool. Using too much will overdo it.
• Try not to use the burn tool, it will make things look very saturated. Do not use it to shade things if lots of saturation is not what you are looking for.
• Drawing only anime eyes will limit you as an artist. Make sure to learn how to draw the rest of the face too!