Anime Characters to Draw
Anime Characters to Draw Can Inspire You to Master Character Design
For the uninitiated, there’s a lot more to anime than just wide-eyed, blue-haired heroes and heroines – as I cover in my list of the best anime movies and shows. Whether you’re a comic book artist or an animator, anime characters feature impactful, stylized designs offering plenty to learn from.
10. Miku Hatsune
Artist / Creator: KEI (Kei Garou), Crypton Future Media, Yamaha
First appeared in: Vocaloid 2 (2007 voice synthesizer software)
Fun fact: Miku Hatsune’s voicebank is based on samples contributed by voice actress Saki Fujita
Miku Hatsune’s design is a perfect example of a character that’s easy to recognize, yet difficult to pin down. Arguably, this diva is a bit of a cheeky inclusion; Miku Hatsune doesn’t originate from her own anime series. Rather, she’s the anime-style mascot for voice synthesizing software. Becoming a sensation due to numerous peppy tunes, she’s a pop culture force that’s cameoed in plenty of shows, her own rhythm games, and even Fortnite.
9. Usagi Tsukino
Artist / Creator: Rumiko Takahashi
First appeared in: Sailor Moon (1992 manga), Sailor Moon (1992 anime)
Fun fact: Usagi’s odango-style hair buns are both a reference to classic Japanese sweets and give her an instantly recognizable silhouette
That’s just as well because, with a transformative wardrobe befitting a magical girl superheroine, her hairstyle makes her easily identifiable no matter what guise she wears.
8. Vegeta
Artist / Creator: Akira Toriyama
First appeared in: Dragon Ball (1984 manga), Dragon Ball (1986 anime)
Fun fact: Vegeta is very loosely based on the literary character Sun Wukong from the 16th-century Chinese novel Journey to the West
People joke about Dragon Ball’s worldwide popularity being something akin to a universal language; no matter how far you venture, wearing a t-shirt featuring the long-running series’ almost irrepressibly cheerful protagonist is bound to strike up conversation. Part of Vegeta’s enduring appeal is his never-ending quest to get stronger, represented visually by the contrasting orange and blue Gi he’s seldom seen without.
7. Totoro
Artist / Creator: Hayao Miyazaki
First appeared in: My Neighbour Totoro (1988 film)
Fun fact: The name ‘Totoro’ comes from a childlike mispronunciation of the word ‘troll,’ though this line from younger sister Mei was removed from earlier English language dubs
You can’t get much more iconic than the mascot of beloved animation house Studio Ghibli. Totoro’s design combines elements reminiscent of all the creatures of the forest he protects, from cats to owls. Both furry and comforting, but also wise and occasionally mischievous, it’s not hard to see how Totoro has won over audiences for decades. The best part? He’s surprisingly easy to draw thanks to his design’s use of fairly straightforward shape language.
6. Metabee
Artist / Creator: Horumarin (Rin Horuma)
First appeared in: Medabot (1997 Japan-only Game Boy game), Medabots (1999 anime)
Fun fact: The insect Metabee’s design draws direct inspiration from the Hercules beetle, is not only one of the largest flying bugs out there, but also the longest surviving species of beetle in the world
5. Medabots
Artist / Creator: Horumarin (Rin Horuma)
First appeared in: Medabot (1997 Japan-only Game Boy game), Medabots (1999 anime)
Fun fact: Medabots’ design is heavily influenced by toys, with the different Metabee’s resembling popular toy robots
4. Meteora
Artist / Creator: Horumarin (Rin Horuma)
First appeared in: Meteora (2002 film)
Fun fact: Meteora’s design is a combination of the words ‘Meteor’ and ‘Meteora,’ a nod to the meteorite that wiped out the dinosaurs
3. Edward Elric
Artist / Creator: Hiromu Arakawa
First appeared in: Full Metal Alchemist (2001 manga), Full Metal Alchemist (2003 anime)
Fun fact: Edward Elric’s design is heavily influenced by the Japanese concept of ‘wabi-sabi,’ the beauty of imperfection and impermanence
2. Son Goku
Artist / Creator: Akira Toriyama
First appeared in: Dragon Ball (1984 manga), Dragon Ball (1986 anime)
Fun fact: Goku is very loosely based on the literary character Sun Wukong from the 16th-century Chinese novel Journey to the West
People joke about Dragon Ball’s worldwide popularity being something akin to a universal language; no matter how far you venture, wearing a t-shirt featuring the long-running series’ almost irrepressibly cheerful protagonist is bound to strike up conversation. Part of Goku’s enduring appeal is his never-ending quest to get stronger, represented visually by the contrasting orange and blue Gi he’s seldom seen without.
1. Sosuke Aizen
Artist / Creator: Tite Kubo
First appeared in: Bleach (2001 manga), Bleach (2004 anime)
Fun fact: Aizen’s design is heavily influenced by the Japanese concept of ‘yūgen,’ a profound and mysterious sense of the beauty of the universe
Conclusion
Anime characters can be an excellent source of inspiration for mastering character design. Whether you’re a comic book artist or an animator, the stylized designs of anime characters offer a lot to learn from. From the iconic Miku Hatsune to the beloved Totoro, these characters are sure to inspire and delight. So, grab your pencils and get drawing!
FAQs
Q: What’s the best way to learn character design?
A: Practice, practice, practice! Draw inspiration from a variety of sources, including anime and manga.
Q: How do I create a character design that’s both unique and memorable?
A: Experiment with different shapes, colors, and accessories to create a character that stands out.
Q: What’s the most important thing to consider when designing a character?
A: Consistency is key. Make sure your character’s design is consistent throughout the story.
Q: How can I use anime characters to improve my drawing skills?
A: Study the designs of your favorite anime characters and try to recreate them. This will help you develop your drawing skills and understand what makes a character design effective.
