How to Draw an Anime Schoolgirl

Earlier, we showed you how to draw an anime girl. Following the same principles, here we will show you how to draw an anime schoolgirl, focusing on the characteristic elements of her clothing.

This familiar image from anime and manga includes the classic sailor-style school uniform and characteristic anime features.

How to draw an anime school girl step by step

Step 1: Sketch the basic anime guidelines

First, draw a simple figure from sticks and circles to show the position of the anime school girl on the sheet of paper, as well as the basic features of the figure. Here we see a youthful figure with a large head, narrow shoulders, and a narrow pelvis. The lower limbs have no noticeable bends. The upper limbs have minimal, barely noticeable bends.

Step 2: Shape the character’s torso

Now let’s work with the head and torso. On the head, we need to create guidelines for the facial features. Crossing lines will help us with this. The vertical line should be offset slightly to one side. The horizontal line is located much lower than the center. Also, connect the contours of the pelvis and chest using two smooth vertical lines. Then outline the lower body in the form of a triangle.

Step 3: Add volume to limbs

Now we need to give the limbs a little volume. To do this, draw cylinders connected by circles. You can see small extensions only on the lower limbs. Here the thighs narrow downward, and the lower legs have a characteristic bend. Do not overdo these bends.

Step 4: Draw the anime face

Now we have a nearly completed silhouette. Next, add details to make the character look like an anime school girl. Draw large eyes, draw the anime hair with pointed contours, and add the other facial features of the schoolgirl with a few short lines. The upper parts of the eyes overlap the smooth horizontal guideline.

Step 5: Add the school uniform

Now let’s add the clothing. Here we see the usual elements of a school uniform, such as a large collar with a bow, wide sleeves, and a skirt. You can also use our tutorial on drawing anime clothes. Then outline the sneakers and short socks.

Step 6: Refine the anime face

Now let’s detail the head and face of the anime school girl. Start drawing the anime girl’s eyes in detail, tracing the outlines and pupils. Trace the outlines of the face, nose, mouth, hair. Then erase the facial guidelines that are no longer needed. Remove the construction lines inside the hairstyle as well, leaving only the clean contours of the face, eyes, and hair.

Step 7: Refine the uniform collar

Next, refine and detail the sailor-style collar and bow. Trace the outer contours with clean lines and add the narrow edging that runs along the lower part of the collar. Carefully outline the bow at the center and draw the two square hanging parts below it. Erase the remaining construction lines inside the anime clothing so that the uniform begins to look clean and finished.

Step 8: Finish the sleeves and hands

Draw clean contours over the earlier construction shapes. Allow the sleeves to widen gradually toward their lower parts. Add a few simple folds near the ends of the sleeves, and trace the cuffs. After that, draw the anime hands in detail, outlining the fingers and thumbs without adding unnecessary detail.

Step 9: Refine the legs and skirt

Draw clean contours over the construction lines of the legs. Keep the legs slender and use smooth transitions around the knees and calves. Don’t make the bends too sharp or pronounced. Refine the lower edge of the skirt, then clean up the socks and shoes and erase the remaining construction lines.

Step 10: Draw simple anime shadows

We have almost reached the final result. If you want to give the anime schoolgirl drawing more dimension, you can add some shadows. Darken the upper parts of the eyes, add light shadows above and below the skirt, and shade along the edges of the body.

The characteristic appearance of an anime schoolgirl can vary quite a bit. To create a more unique look, study references online or watch anime featuring characters in similar school uniforms to find different details you can use.

For example, you can draw an anime schoolgirl and add a jacket or vest over the uniform, draw a school bag behind her, or simply change the hairstyle.