Either if you’re a die-hard fan of anime or just curious about the fascinating world of animation, you’ve come to the right place! Anime drawing styles are known for their vibrant colors, unique character designs, and captivating themes. In this article, we’ll explore the captivating world of shoujo art style and other popular anime drawing styles that have stolen the hearts of fans worldwide.

Types Of Anime Art Styles

With so many different types of anime art styles, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Here, we will dive into the specifics of each art style, so you can find the one that resonates with you the most!

Shoujo (Shōjo) Anime Style

Shoujo art style is known for its soft colors, slender bodies, and delicate facial features. This art style primarily focuses on friendship, romance, and a dash of comedy. Popular examples of shoujo anime include Sailor Moon, Fruits Basket, and Cardcaptor Sakura. If you’re looking to draw in a cute and smooth art style, shoujo is perfect for you!

Josei Anime Style

Similar to shoujo, josei anime art style also centers around romance but with a focus on the daily lives and relationships of adult characters. Josei, meaning “female” in Japanese, is predominantly targeted at adult women. This art style utilizes a simple and clean aesthetic, with examples like Chihayafuru, Yuri!!! On Ice, and Nana.

Chibi Anime Style

The chibi art style is famous for its small and cute characters. In this style, you’ll find exaggerated character designs, with big heads and small bodies. Chibi characters also have simplified features, such as large round eyes and no nose. If you’re interested in drawing cute and adorable characters, chibi anime style is perfect for you! Popular examples include Lucky Star, Himouto! Umaru-Chan, and Nyanko Days.

MOE Anime Style

The MOE anime art style targets young women and focuses on realistic relationships and more adult themes. The characters in this style are typically depicted as young with clean lines and relaxing colors. The MOE art style is perfect for those who enjoy drawing more realistic characters. Some noteworthy examples of MOE anime art style include K-On!, The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya, and Clannad.

Seinen Anime Style

Seinen anime art style explores more mature themes and incorporates more detail into its art. The characters have realistic designs, and the colors tend to be darker. Seinen focuses on deep and complex storylines, making it perfect for those who enjoy a more thoughtful and engaging narrative. Notable examples of seinen anime art style are Berserk, Mushi-Shi, and Bungo Stray Dogs.

Kawaii Anime Style

The kawaii anime style, which translates to “cute,” is extremely popular nowadays. It focuses on creating adorable and colorful art with playful facial expressions. This style is often used in lighthearted stories for younger audiences. Examples of kawaii anime art style include Nichijou, Hanayamata, and Non Non Biyori. (You could also consider Pokemon drawn in a kawaii art style!)

Kemono Anime Style

Kemono anime style draws anthropomorphized characters, giving them a mix of human and animal features. These features often include tails and ears, making it perfect for those who love drawing animals or animal-inspired characters. Examples of kemono anime style include Aggretsuko, Kemono Friends, and Beastars.

Kodomo Anime Style

Kodomo anime focuses on telling stories appropriate for families and children. This style features colorful designs with simplified facial features. The stories tend to promote positive values and create heartwarming experiences. Examples of kodomo anime art style include Doraemon, Pokemon, and Digimon Adventure.

Cartoonish Anime Style

The cartoonish anime style closely resembles traditional Western cartoons. It features exaggerated characters with bold lines and expressive faces. This art style is popular among a western audience and serves as an excellent gateway for artists accustomed to drawing cartoons. Notable examples of cartoonish anime art style include Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt, Astro Boy, and The Big O.

Realistic Anime Style

The realistic anime style offers a more serious tone and pays great attention to detail. While not entirely realistic, this style features regular proportions and human-like facial features. Artists who enjoy creating highly detailed backgrounds and expressive characters will appreciate this style. Notable examples of realistic anime art style include Violet Evergarden, Vinland Saga, and Monster.

Shounen Anime Style

Shounen anime art style features vibrant colors and dynamic poses, creating a great sense of movement. It primarily targets young boys and incorporates bold features into its character designs. Notable examples of shounen anime art style include Naruto, My Hero Academia, and Demon Slayer.

Standard Anime Style

The standard anime style is challenging to categorize, as it doesn’t belong to any specific art style. It is commonly seen in TV anime and features clean lines, regular proportions, and colorful tones. Examples of standard anime art style include One Piece, Sakura Quest, and Katana Maidens.

Popular Anime Art Styles

Now let’s explore some popular anime art styles that are easily recognizable by fans worldwide. These styles are defined by their respective creators, including Akira Toriyama, Eiichiro Oda, and Hayao Miyazaki.

Dragon Ball Style by Akira Toriyama

The Dragon Ball art style is one of the most iconic anime art styles to date. Created by Akira Toriyama, this art style features sharp facial features and exaggerated muscles. The fight scenes in Dragon Ball are visually stunning, showcasing dynamic and action-packed poses. If you’re interested in drawing action poses with strong features, take inspiration from the Dragon Ball anime art style by Akira Toriyama.

One Piece Style by Eiichiro Oda

Eiichiro Oda’s One Piece style is another popular anime art style known for its exaggerated proportions and expressive characters. With vivid colors and creative character designs, One Piece offers a fun and vibrant art style. If you’re looking for a style similar to Akira Toriyama’s but with more variety in character design, look no further than the One Piece anime art style!

Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure by Hirohiko Araki

Hirohiko Araki’s art style in Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure is bold and distinctive. This style features dynamic poses, vibrant colors, and intricate patterns on character designs. If you enjoy creating exaggerated and dynamic character designs, you’ll love this art style.

Studio Ghibli Anime Style by Hayao Miyazaki

Studio Ghibli’s anime art style is enchanting and beloved by many artists. Hayao Miyazaki’s unique style focuses on attention to detail, textures, and beautiful colors. The characters are expressive, with soft facial features and captivating eyes. If you want to create highly detailed backgrounds and expressive characters, Studio Ghibli’s art style is perfect for you. Some famous examples of Studio Ghibli’s anime style include My Neighbor Totoro, Howl’s Moving Castle, Spirited Away, and Princess Mononoke.

That concludes our journey through the captivating world of anime art styles! Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just starting your creative journey, experimenting with these various styles can help you find your own unique artistic voice. Remember, the most important part is to enjoy the process and have fun!

For more art styles and tips, be sure to check out our Fecomic website. And to dive right into drawing, explore our Online Drawing Courses!

Happy drawing, and may your artistic adventure be filled with endless inspiration!