How to Draw Anime Eyes

Step 1: The Basic Oval

Start with a slightly flattened oval. Anime eyes are wider than they are tall. The top of the oval will be your upper lid line.

Tip: For female eyes, make the oval taller and rounder. For male eyes, keep it flatter and more angular.

Step 2: Eyelid Construction

Draw the upper and lower eyelids over your construction oval. In anime, the upper lid is a thick, bold curved line that defines expression. The lower lid is a gentler, thinner curve at the bottom.

Step 3: Drawing Iris and Pupil Outlines

Once the eyelids are drawn, clean up your guidelines. Then, outline the large vertical oval iris, a circular pupil, and the highlights (usually one large highlight on the top-left and one smaller on the bottom-right).

Step 4: Line Art and Base Shadow

Refine your line art. Draw a crease above the upper eyelid and add a subtle tick for the corner detail. Darken the pupil and shade a bold horizontal band at the top of the iris (the shadow cast by the upper eyelid).

Step 5: Base Colors and Gradient

Apply a solid base color to the iris (e.g., teal/blue) and paint a soft, dark gradient descending from the top of the iris to establish depth.

Step 6: Crescent Light Reflection

Add a bright, semi-circular crescent light reflection at the bottom of the iris, directly opposite the upper shadow. This makes the eye look vibrant and multi-dimensional.

Step 7: Eyebrow and Eyelash Detailing

Add a soft grey shadow under the upper lid to give the eyeball volume. Add a thick eyebrow, and apply a warm reddish-brown gradient to the eyelashes to soften the black lines.

Step 8: Final Polish and Skin Shading

Complete the eye by drawing soft skin shadows around the eyelids. Add subtle highlights on the tear duct and under the brow for a premium, finished illustration.