HOW TO DRAW: Manga Mouths

STEP 1.

 The most important part about drawing lips, is the amount of detail and definition that their drawn with. The less defined is the most easiest to draw. The longer the lips are drawn, the more masculine they will appear. The moderately defined lips is a style that is often seen in Bleach or Cowboy Beepbop. The last is used usually in mangas and animes for extremely feminine or seductive villains.

STEP 2.

 I see that artist's have problems drawing the lips from a profile view. Whenever there's a 'point' at the edges of the lips or a 'turning point edge', the lip detail lines will close the shape of the lips. Now, usually, you don't see these style of lips in animes, especially this defined. The wrong way of drawing them, is drawing the lip defining lines above the ridges of the lips.

STEP 3.

 The curves of the lips should NOT be drawn with close -protruding upper lip edges. This will not only look unrealistic, but awkward too. The correct way to draw them is a slight dip in the 'cupid's bow', creating a natural appearance.

STEP 4.

 Here's just a few of the many styles you can draw anime lips. If you want to get ideas on a wider variety, reference the art styles of your favorite artists, or references from actual photos. Experiment and practice are the keys to a success growth!

STEP 5.

 We will begin with the model. Start with the outlined shape of the face like so, then sketch in the facial guidelines.

STEP 6.

 Begin sketching out the structure of her face shape and be sure to include the pointed chin and bottom lip.

STEP 7.

 The best way to tackle this tutorial is to draw out the shoulder first, then tackle the task of getting her hair drawn out. For this model, I chose to go with a long wavy style, but you can do whatever. Make the marks at the roots, then you can add some strand detailing to the hair that is next to her face.

STEP 8.

 Continue to sketch out her lovely hairstyle which is very stylish. She has long wavy locks that flow down her face and shoulders very nicely. Add the hair strand lines and you're done.

STEP 9.

 For the last drawing step all we have to do is draw out the large eyes. As you can see her eyes are overly big which was done purposely. Add the lashes, then color in the pupils. Draw the eyebrows and contour of her nose, followed by drawing out her lips or mouth. Add the crease for her arm like so, then some detailing on her back. Start erasing the mistakes as well as guides.

STEP 10.

 When all is said and done, your drawing should look like the one you see here. Now you can color her in and maybe use her as a character.