Ever sit down with your sketchbook, pencil in hand… and then your brain goes totally blank? Yeah, same. I’ve had so many evenings where I wanted to draw something anime-ish but couldn’t decide what. So I started keeping a list of easy anime drawings to draw — stuff that’s fun, simple, and actually helps you improve.

If you’re trying to level up your anime art, or you just want something chill to sketch after a long day, this guide should help. I mixed in different themes like faces, poses, chibi ideas, expressions, and fandom sketches. And I added some quick notes on why each idea works, kinda like tiny prompts.

Let’s get into it.

Why Anime Is So Fun to Draw

I’ll be honest — anime is forgiving. That’s why so many beginners start here.
You get to play with:

  • Big expressive eyes
  • Dramatic hairstyles
  • Quick lines
  • Over-the-top emotions
  • Cute chibi versions of anything (seriously, anything)

It doesn’t judge. You can be messy, stylized, dramatic, or super clean.

Anime is one of those styles where you can grow fast because the rules are flexible. And it helps you practice expressions, anatomy, hands (ugh… hands), and flow.

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40+ Anime Drawings to Draw (Fun Ideas + What Makes Them Easy)

I’ll break them down so you can pick based on your mood.

1. Easy Anime Face Ideas

These are great warm-ups.

  1. Simple anime girl face — Big eyes, soft jawline. Great for practicing balance.
  2. Anime boy face with messy hair — The hair does half the work for you.
  3. Side-profile anime face — Perfect for nose-shape practice.
  4. Smiling anime girl — Capture the smile with curved eyes.
  5. Serious anime boy — Sharp eyes, straight mouth. Good expression training.

2. Anime Eyes to Draw

Eyes basically make the style.

  1. Sparkly shōjo eyes — Lots of highlights and soft lashes.
  2. Sharp shōnen eyes — Think battle scenes. Angular, determined.
  3. Sleepy droopy eyes — Great for slice-of-life vibes.
  4. Angry eyes — Eyebrows do all the heavy lifting.
  5. Sad tear-filled eyes — Rounder shapes + reflections.

Try drawing a whole page of just eyes. It helps a ton.

3. Chibi Anime Drawings (Super Easy)

Chibi drawings are perfect if you want something quick and cute.

  1. Chibi cat-girl
  2. Chibi boy with oversized hoodie
  3. Chibi angel
  4. Chibi demon with tiny horns
  5. Chibi witch with broom

Short bodies, big heads — you seriously can’t mess these up.

4. Anime Hairstyles to Practice

Hair is so fun because it flows like fabric.

  1. Short spiky shōnen hair
  2. Long straight hair blowing in the wind
  3. Curly anime hair (way easier than real curly hair)
  4. Ponytail with loose strands
  5. Layered bob cut

Good hair practice improves your whole drawing style.

5. Cute Anime Animals

Anime animals look nothing like real animals (in a fun way).

  1. Anime cat — Big eyes, tiny mouth. Instant cuteness.
  2. Anime fox
  3. Chibi hamster
  4. Specialty: anime dragon (tiny)
  5. Anime wolf cub

Choose simple shapes and exaggerate the eyes.

6. Anime Characters Doing Everyday Stuff

Slice-of-life moments are honestly so satisfying to draw.

  1. Drinking bubble tea
  2. Reading a book under a tree
  3. Walking with headphones
  4. Holding an umbrella
  5. Cooking ramen

Little actions help you practice poses without overthinking anatomy.

7. Anime Poses to Try

These take a bit more focus, but they’re worth the effort.

  1. Running pose
  2. Sitting on knees (seiza)
  3. Falling backward dramatically
  4. Reaching hand pose
  5. Holding a sword (samurai pose)

Start with stick figures before adding detail — it makes life easier.

8. Anime Fandom-Inspired Sketches

Nothing motivates like drawing characters you already love.

  1. A Naruto-style ninja
  2. A Demon Slayer breathing pose
  3. A My Hero Academia-styled hero
  4. A Ghibli-like forest character
  5. A One Piece pirate with a funny expression

Don’t copy the character exactly — make your own version.

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How to Practice Anime Drawing (Quick Tips)

Here’s the stuff I wish someone told me earlier:

  • Start with rough circles — they save you.
  • Draw lightly at first, darken later.
  • Eyes set the mood; hair sets the personality.
  • Don’t obsess over hands — block them in first.
  • Break complex poses into shapes (ovals, cylinders).
  • Use references, but don’t trace every line.
  • Take breaks — your brain needs time to catch up.

And seriously… don’t be scared to make bad drawings. Everyone does. I have entire sketchbooks of “what the heck is that” faces.

Frequently Asked Questions About Anime Drawing

  1. What’s the easiest anime thing to draw?

    Chibi characters, anime eyes, and simple faces. They’re super forgiving and great for beginners.

  2. How do I start drawing anime if I’m completely new?

    Begin with basic shapes — circles for heads, simple lines for poses. Don’t jump straight into details.

  3. Can I get better at anime without classes?

    Absolutely. Most people learn from YouTube, Pinterest references, and lots of sketching.

  4. Why do my anime faces look weird?

    Usually it’s eye placement or jaw shape. Try moving the eyes lower than you think.

  5. How long does it take to get good at anime?

    A few weeks to feel comfortable. A few months to see real improvement. A lifetime to master — but that’s the fun part.

Final Thoughts

If you’re stuck, pick any idea from the list and just start. Doesn’t have to be perfect — honestly, the best drawings usually happen on days when you’re not trying too hard. Anime gives you space to play around, exaggerate, simplify, and have fun.