When drawing character illustrations, do you ever find that even if you can draw regular-sized characters well, you struggle when trying to draw chibi characters?
In this Tip, we will explain how to draw chibi characters that even beginners can't go wrong with, thanks to simple lines and coloring, divided into three parts:
"1. How to Deform"
"2. Cute Poses and Motifs"
"3. Actual Chibi Character Making"
Please refer to it!
This Tip is also explained in a video on YouTube.
It explains how to draw with a time-lapse video from rough sketch to completion, so please check it out if you like.
1. How to Deform
The biggest characteristic of chibi characters is their simplicity and cuteness that comes from being small.
This time, we will explain how to draw chibi characters in a simple style using thick lines and flat colors.
By reducing lines and devising color schemes, you can easily draw cute chibi characters!
■ Hair Deformity
① Capture in Simple Shapes
For hairstyles, omit complex details and reduce them to simple, rounded shapes.
Focus on reducing the number of hair strands.
② Emphasize Characteristics
Parts that express the character's individuality (such as hair flips at the top of the head, hair accessories, horns, etc.) should not be omitted. Instead, make them stand out larger, so the character's personality is conveyed even in the deformed style.
■ Face and Body Balance
① Head-to-body Ratio is 1.5 to 2 Heads Tall
In the style explained here, a head-to-body ratio of 1.5 to 2 heads tall results in a cute finish.
By drawing the head large and the body small, cuteness is emphasized, and since the body part is small, you can draw without issues even if you can't express three-dimensionality well.
② Place Facial Features Lower
By placing facial features (eyes, mouth, ears) lower and drawing the eyes larger, you create an adorable impression.
A smaller mouth makes it easier to balance.
It's often cuter to omit the nose when drawing chibi characters.
Eyebrows can be omitted depending on the expression. Since eyebrows are close to the hair, it's often better to not draw them to avoid dense lines.
If you want to draw a grumpy expression, for example, and eyes alone don't convey it well, try adding eyebrows.
③ Think about Eye Expressions that Suit the Character!
Reduce the character's eye characteristics to simple expressions.
Eye expressions can be represented in various ways!
Depending on the character's personality and expression, it's fine to have no highlights.
The most important and enjoyable point when drawing chibi characters is being able to express the character's unique features.
Challenge yourself to create your own unique deformation with free ideas!
2. Cute Poses and Motifs
Movement and situations are important for chibi characters.
Here, we will explain tips for choosing poses and motifs.
■ Have them Hold Objects
Having them hold objects like heart marks or plush toys tends to make them look cute.
If there's an item that symbolizes the character, definitely have them hold it!
■ Have them Sit
Sitting flat on the ground has a sense of stability and is suitable for chibi characters.
Sitting poses, whether from the front, diagonally, or from the side, are all suitable for cutely expressing chibi characters.
■ Draw with Food
Drawing chibi characters with food like parfaits or ice cream is a classic but very effective technique.
I also think pizza looks super cute!
3. Actual Chibi Character Making
Now, let's try drawing a chibi character with specific steps.
First, I'll show you a time-lapse video.
You'll see that the process is simple with few steps!
■ Step 1: Rough Sketch
Draw the rough shapes, keeping in mind the ratio of the head to the body.
Energetic characters should have dynamic poses, while quiet characters or those with disgruntled expressions should have less movement.
Key points are a round head and a small torso.
It's easier to draw limbs like rectangular parts rather than three-dimensional ones.
■ Step 2: Line Art
Based on the rough sketch, ink with thick lines.
It's important to finish the lines smoothly and simply.
It's also a good idea to apply strong stabilization for shaky hands.
Keeping the line thickness consistent is also effective for creating a sense of unity.
I use a line thickness of 1.25mm for parts I want to emphasize, like outlines, and 0.8-1.00mm for parts I want to draw thinly, like internal hair lines.
The brush I use for inking is available on CLIP STUDIO ASSETS, so feel free to try it out!
■ Step 3: Coloring
Finish with bright, pop colors using flat coloring.
The key is to reduce the number of colors used and maintain simplicity.
Colors can be changed at any time, so adjust as you go!
① Line Color Tracing
Use a slightly darker color than the flat colors for line color tracing.
However, the fill color and the line color tracing color do not necessarily have to be in the same color family.
Sometimes, purple lines can match yellow hair.
② Flat Coloring
Proceed with flat coloring using bright, slightly desaturated colors.
If you use highly saturated and dark colors, the overall balance tends to break down, so if you're struggling with color schemes, definitely aim for desaturated, milky colors.
③ Highlights
Add highlights to the hair and the edges of the character.
Don't overdraw hair highlights; use thick lines from the top of the head outwards.
Adding line highlights to the outlines of the body also refines the details.
Try using light pink or lemon yellow instead of white for highlights, as it makes color harmony easier to achieve.
Done!
I believe the trick to not failing when drawing chibi characters is to "reduce the amount of information."
In this style, there's almost no three-dimensionality to the body, so I released this Tip thinking that even drawing beginners can easily draw chibi characters.
Please keep these points in mind and challenge yourself to create chibi character illustrations packed with the individuality and charm of your characters!
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