Redrawing Portraits in Anime Style: Step-by-Step Transformation Guide
Drawing, Design
How to Redraw Portraits in Anime Style: A Step-by-Step Guide
Do you like anime? Well, you should, because not only does it always have the most compelling characters and storylines, but also because watching anime is an amazing way to improve your drawing skills. As is this little artistic workout. Let’s go!
STEP 1: Choose one of the provided anime references and study it
Choose your favourite character (or use one of the provided here), and lightly suggest the structure of their head. This will be a strong foundation for your future anime portrait.
Step 1 Anime portrait redraw
STEP 2: Copy the facial features you see in the reference
Now let’s add details to our anime study. Look closely at the proportions of facial features on your reference, and draw them here.
STEP 3: Copy the hair shapes from your reference and refine them by adding more detail
Drawing hair should always be a separate project. Add the necessary hair shapes to your anime portrait and then add detail. Notice, how anime artists choose very simple yet descriptive shapes for their hair styles.
STEP 4: Select one of the references and redraw it in an anime style
Now it’s time for fun! Choose your favourite NON-anime character (or take one from references provided), and let’s redraw them in anime style. Here we’ll start the same way - with the basic structure of the Loomis head.
Step 4 Anime portrait redraw
STEP 5: Sketch the shapes of the hair and facial features, maintaining the likeness of your reference
Now that we have our Loomis head, let’s add the facial features and hair. Again, pay attention to how straightforward yet expressive anime artists are. No need to do anything too complex, but the unique characteristics of the character are all there. Isn’t this cool?
STEP 6: Refine your sketch into clean line art and add flat colors underneath the lines
Time to make it presentable. Refine your anime portrait by working more on the lineart.
Nice job and hope you’ve enjoyed that workout! Exploring different animes can help build an outstanding visual library that will be extremely useful in areas like concept art and character design. So find your favourite one, watch it, and say you’re doing research. Also, don’t forget to share your creations on social media.
Instagram: tag @art_wod
Reddit: Join r/EasyDraw and get feedback from our amazing community
Reddit: Join r/EasyDraw and get feedback from our amazing community
Author: Artwod team
Published: Nov 25, 2025
