Anime eyes are one of the most important parts of drawing a cute character.
If you get the eyes right, the whole character instantly looks alive.
This guide will show you the easiest way to draw cute anime eyes — even if you’re a complete beginner.
No complicated anatomy.
Just simple, clear steps.
Step 1: Draw a Soft Curved Line (Upper Lash)
Start with a slightly curved horizontal line.
Make the ends a little thicker.
This creates the cute “lash weight” effect.
Tip:
The thicker the top line, the cuter the eye looks.
Step 2: Add a Big Oval Under It
Now draw a large oval underneath the top line.
This is the iris.
Cute anime eyes are usually big.
Bigger iris = softer, sweeter expression.
Keep it simple. Don’t overthink the shape.
Step 3: Add a Small Pupil
Inside the oval, draw a smaller circle for the pupil.
Make sure it’s centered.
If you move it slightly upward, the character looks more innocent.
Step 4: Add Sparkle (Highlights)
This is where the magic happens.
Draw 1–2 white circles inside the eye.
Highlights make the eye look alive.
Rule:
Keep highlights on the same side for both eyes.
Step 5: Add Lower Lash Line
Draw a small short line under the eye.
Don’t close the whole eye shape.
Open bottom = softer and cuter.
Step 6: Shade the Top
Lightly shade the upper part of the iris.
Anime eyes are darker at the top and lighter at the bottom.
This gradient effect makes the eye look shiny and deep.
Quick Cute Formula
If you remember nothing else, remember this:
Big iris
Thick top lash
Bright highlight
Soft bottom line
That’s it.
Common Beginner Mistakes
• Making both eyes different sizes
• Placing highlights randomly
• Making the iris too small
• Drawing a full heavy bottom line
Keep it simple.
Cute = soft + round + light.
Practice Exercise
Try drawing 10 eyes in a row.
Change:
• Iris size
• Highlight shape
• Lash thickness
You’ll immediately see what looks cutest.
The author’s point of view
Anime eyes are not about realism.
They are about emotion.
The bigger and softer the shapes, the cuter your character will look.
Keep practicing — and don’t erase too much.
Every sketch helps.
Me too… I’ll do my best! ( lol )
By Mina
Quotation and reference
I quoted and referred to the information from this article. We deeply consider and experience Japanese otaku culture!
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