Master Manga Characters in 7 Steps

Ever dreamed of creating your own manga character but weren’t sure where to start?

Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just getting started, drawing manga characters is a fantastic way to express your creativity and storytelling skills. Today, we’re diving into a simple, step-by-step guide to help you design and bring your unique manga character to life!

If you’d like some extra help on your manga drawing journey, check out our Illustrator’s Guidebook Vol.1, where Chamba will guide you to learn more about incorporating your manga characters in a perspective scene.

Or to take a deep dive into the world of manga, join Andrea Cofrancesco in his course Draw A Manga Character From Scratch.

Step 1: Develop Your Character Concept

Before you put pencil to paper, spend some time brainstorming your character’s personality and background. Ask yourself:

• Who is your character? Are they a heroic warrior, a mischievous trickster, or everyday student with a secret?
• What is their role in the story? Understanding their purpose will guide their design and expression.
• What are their unique traits? Think about distinguishing features like their hairstyle, clothing, or any accessories that reflect their personality.

Step 2: Sketch Basic Shapes

Start with simple shapes to outline your character. Draw a rough skeleton using circles and lines to represent the head, torso, arms, and legs. This is known as the “Stick Figure” phase, where you get the basic proportions and pose right. Keep it loose—this is just a framework!

Step 3: Refine the Outline

Once you’re happy with the basic shapes, begin fleshing out the details. Outline the body more precisely, adding muscle definition and curves as needed. Draw the head more carefully, focusing on the placement of facial features.

• Head: Manga characters often have large, expressive eyes. Place the eyes roughly halfway down the face, and don’t forget the eyebrows and mouth!
• Hair: Manga hair can be spiky, wavy, or sleek. Experiment with different styles and flows that match your character’s personality.

Step 4: Add Details and Clothing

Now, it’s time to add personality to your character. Design their clothing, accessories, and any unique details. Manga clothing is often exaggerated and can range from elaborate outfits to simple, stylish gear. Remember to consider:

• Fashion Style: Is your character’s outfit modern, traditional, or fantastical?
• Accessories: Include items that hint at their role or background, such as a magical amulet or a high-tech gadget.

Step 5: Clean Up and Ink Your Drawing

With the basic details in place, it’s time to clean up your sketch. Erase unnecessary lines and refine your drawing. Then, use a pen or inking tool to outline your character. Clean, bold lines will make your character stand out and give them a polished look.

Step 6: Add Shading and Color

To bring your manga character to life, add shading and color. Use hatching or cross-hatching techniques to create depth and dimension. If you’re using color, choose a palette that reflects your character’s personality and role in the story.

• Shading: Focus on light sources and add shadows accordingly to give your character a three-dimensional appearance.
• Color: Manga characters often have bright, contrasting colors. Play around with different hues to make your character pop.

Step 7: Final Touches 

Review your character and make any final adjustments. Add highlights to the eyes or details to the background if necessary. This is your chance to make your character truly stand out for their uniqueness.

Feeling called to continue to explore the world of manga?

Join Andrea Cofrancesco in his course Draw A Manga Character From Scratch to learn the process of creating a manga character in depth.

Also, for help with incorporating manga characters into a perspective scene, check out our Illustrator’s Guidebook Vol.1 for lots of great perspective tips!

Happy drawing!