How to Draw a Chibi Character

Finished chibi character drawing with large eyes, long hair, and four tails

We really like anime and chibi, and we have already drawn many characters in the chibi style. In this tutorial, we will explain the basic principles of drawing chibi characters.

Let’s begin this tutorial on how to draw a chibi character.

How to draw a chibi character step by step

Step 1: Sketch the head and guides

First, outline the rounded head. Then sketch two guidelines intersecting in the lower part of the head. Use very light lines during these initial steps.

Sketching the chibi character’s rounded head with intersecting facial guidelines

Step 2: Add the body and limbs

Sketch the torso as an oval, then add the limbs of the chibi character. Note that the chibi body should be noticeably smaller than the head.

Adding the chibi character’s small oval torso and simple limbs

Step 3: Outline the hair and eyes

Now outline the anime hair and sketch the chibi eyes. Also add four tails behind the character. Chibi characters often have large eyes and fairly full hairstyles.

Outlining the chibi character’s large eyes, long hair, and four tails

Step 4: Refine the head and face

Using clear, dark lines, carefully draw the hair, head, and eyes. Add a small mouth and dark eyebrows. Note that chibi characters are often drawn without visible noses.

Refining the chibi character’s hair, head, eyes, eyebrows, and mouth

Step 5: Draw the upper body

Draw the outlines of the chibi character’s upper body with clear, dark lines. Keep the fingers very simple, since there is no need to add too many details.

Drawing the chibi character’s upper body, arms, and simplified hands

Step 6: Finish the lower body

Draw the lower part of the chibi character’s body. There is no need to add many details here either. Chibi feet are often depicted as simple rounded forms.

Finishing the chibi character’s lower body, legs, and rounded feet

Now let’s apply these same principles to another chibi character. This additional tutorial follows a similar process, but shows a completely different character.

We gave this character a fighting pose and a really cool outfit. Try drawing this version as well, using the same principles.

Cool chibi character drawing tutorial

Draw the large head and small torso. Then sketch the short arms and legs using simple lines. Add the main details of the character.

Refine the face by drawing the facial features. Finish the body by detailing the sketch. Erase the remaining construction lines.

Complete the drawing by adding light hatching to the shadowed areas to give the chibi warrior a more three-dimensional appearance.

Practice drawing more chibi characters

Now that you know the basic principles of drawing chibi characters, try applying them to different subjects. The same simple outlines and sketching methods can be used for almost any character.

If you want to practice even more, try our chibi superhero drawing tutorial, where you will illustrate a dynamic and simplified figure using many of the same techniques.

You can also continue with our step-by-step guides on how to draw a chibi boy or how to draw a chibi girl. These tutorials will help you practice drawing different hairstyles, clothing, and poses.

For an even broader understanding of this style, be sure to visit our main guide on how to draw a chibi, where we cover the core principles that apply to all chibi characters.