12 Anime Facial Expressions Chart & Drawing Tutorial

This step by step tutorial explains how to draw some of the more popular anime and manga facial expressions.

For more on drawing anime facial expressions you can see:

Different Types of Anime & Manga Facial Expressions

Anime facial expressions chart with 12 expressions — Anime facial expressions chart

Basic Guidelines for Drawing Anime & Manga Faces

Wen drawing the head in the front view first draw a vertical line (this will be the middle of the head). This line will help you get even proportions on both sides of the head. Next draw the overall shape of the head.

How to Position Anime & Manga Facial Features

The facial feature can shift slightly over these lines with changes in facial expression. The positioning can also vary due to style but these are good guides to start with.

For more detailed instructions on drawing and positioning anime eyes and mouths you can also see:

Positioning the Eyes

Draw a horizontal line though the middle of the head and draw the eyes below that.

Positioning the Nose

Draw a horizontal line between the middle horizontal line and the bottom of the face. This will be the position of the nose.

Positioning the Mouth

Draw a line between the nose line and the bottom of the face. Draw the mouth slightly above that. The reason for this is that the line will actually determine the position of the bottom lip.

Drawing Normal Facial Expressions

Normal expression anime girl drawing example

Draw as described above.

Drawing Angry Facial Expressions

For an angry face draw the eyes squinted, the eyebrows down and closer together and the mouth in an upside down arch.

For a detailed tutorial on drawing any looking eyes see:

How to Draw Angry Anime Eyes (8 Steps)

For drawing a pouting anime character see:

How to Draw Anime Pouting Face Tutorial

Drawing Content/Happy Facial Expressions

Content smile anime girl drawing example

For a content and happy face you can draw the eyes completely closed (basically you just draw the eyelashes with a hint of the eyelids) in an arch. For the mouth just draw a hint of the teeth.

Drawing Gloating Facial Expressions

For a gloating expression draw the eyes squinted and the eyebrows in upside down arcs.

Drawing in Love Facial Expressions

For an in love appearance the eyes are the most important aspect. Draw the pupils bigger than normal and add more reflections to the eyes.

Drawing Surprised/Confused Facial Expressions

For a confused facial expression draw the mouth open in an “O” shape. Draw the eyes wide open as well with the eyebrows lifted. You may also need to draw the irises (and everything contained in them) small than normal. Finally you can draw the irises slightly closer together than normal as well.

Drawing Upset Facial Expressions

For an upset face draw the eyes looking. Draw the mouth in a slight upside down arc. Draw the eyebrows as slopes raised towards the middle of the face.

You can also see 4 Ways to Draw Crying Anime Eyes for drawing really upset characters.

Drawing Grinning/Plotting Facial Expressions

For a look like the character you are drawing is plotting something draw the eyes squinted and the eyebrows down. Draw the mouth with a light smile.

Drawing Scared Facial Expressions

For a scared expression draw the eyes wide open with the eyebrows raised. Draw the mouth slightly open and draw the irises/pupils far smaller than normal. You can also draw the irises slightly closer together than normal.