Manga art has captivated millions worldwide with its bold expressions, iconic aesthetics, and emotionally driven characters. For beginner artists, learning to draw manga can be both exciting and overwhelming—especially when faced with the variety of manga drawing styles out there. This comprehensive guide breaks down the most popular manga styles, explores their unique traits, and offers tips to help you develop your own manga art style from the ground up.
1. What Defines a “Manga Style”?
“Manga style” refers to a broad range of Japanese comic illustration techniques. Despite the variety, most manga styles share a few key features:
– Expressive eyes: Often large and detailed, eyes reflect emotion and personality.
– Simplified anatomy: Realistic yet stylized body proportions.
– Clean linework: Emphasis on inking and consistent stroke weight.
– Black-and-white focus: Most manga are monochrome, relying on tone and contrast.
– Visual storytelling: Emotions, actions, and pacing are enhanced through exaggerated poses, screentones, and panel layout.
Related: Mastering Drawing Techniques: A Complete Guide to Skills and Styles
2. The Main Categories of Manga Drawing Styles
There are many subgenres in manga, but stylistically, most fall into a few recognizable categories. Below are six of the most common manga styles beginners should be aware of:
Shōnen Style (少年漫画)
Overview: Fast-paced, energetic, often action-heavy. Popular among boys aged 12–18.
Style Features:
– Bold lines and dynamic poses
– Muscular or agile characters
– Spiky or expressive hairstyles
– Intense facial expressions
Examples: Naruto, My Hero Academia, Dragon Ball
Tips to Draw:
– Study anatomy in motion
– Practice exaggerated action poses
– Use speed lines and motion blur
Shōjo Style (少女漫画)
Overview: Romantic, emotional, often character-driven. Targeted toward young girls.
Style Features:
– Big, sparkling eyes
– Delicate lines, elegant hair
– Emotional body language
– Focus on fashion and facial close-ups
Examples: Cardcaptor Sakura, Fruits Basket, Ouran High School Host Club
Tips to Draw:
– Focus on eye structure and eyelashes
– Use thinner lines for softness
– Practice subtle gestures and expressions
Seinen Style (青年漫画)
Overview: Darker, more realistic, and psychological. For adult male readers.
Style Features:
– Realistic proportions and subdued expressions
– Detailed shading and backgrounds
– Grimmer atmosphere or complex plots
Examples: Berserk, Monster, Tokyo Ghoul
Tips to Draw:
– Study realistic anatomy and clothing folds
– Use value contrast and tone mapping
– Practice detailed cross-hatching or stippling
Josei Style (女性漫画)
Overview: Mature themes, relationships, and everyday realism. For adult women.
Style Features:
– Soft lines and elegant forms
– Realistic facial proportions (smaller eyes)
– Subtle fashion and posture details
Examples: Nana, Honey and Clover, Paradise Kiss
Tips to Draw:
– Keep expressions more restrained and nuanced
– Focus on contemporary outfits and hairstyles
– Study real faces for proportion cues
Chibi Style
Overview: Super-deformed and exaggerated. Used for humor, reaction panels, or casual art.
Style Features:
– Large heads (often 1:2 or 1:3 body-head ratio)
– Tiny bodies with minimal detail
– Simple expressions and rounded shapes
Examples: Attack on Titan: Junior High, bonus panels in many series
Tips to Draw:
– Use circles and basic shapes
– Focus on emotion and gesture over realism
– Keep lines smooth and proportions exaggerated
Kodomomuke (子供向け) – Children’s Manga Style
Genre: Kids’ stories, fantasy
Target audience: Young children
Visual traits:
– Simplified forms and rounded edges
– Clear separation of shapes
– Vibrant expressions and clear silhouettes
Examples: Doraemon, Pokemon Adventures, Yo-Kai Watch
Tips:
– Prioritize clarity and bold shapes
– Study how emotion is conveyed through posture and silhouette
– Avoid overcomplicating anatomy
3. Anatomy in Manga: Realism vs. Stylization
Manga artists bend and stretch anatomy based on style:
– Shonen & Seinen styles often use realistic proportions (7–8 heads tall)
– Shojo & Josei exaggerate limbs for elegance (long legs, thin waists)
– Chibi uses extreme simplification (2–3 heads tall)
Tip: Start with basic human proportions, then stylize. Don’t skip learning structure.
4. Eyes: The Window to Manga Expression
Eyes are the defining trait of manga styles. Here’s how eye design differs:
| Style | Eye Shape | Details |
| Shojo | Wide, sparkling | Multiple highlight layers, soft lashes |
| Shonen | Narrower, sharper | Angular shapes, bold pupils |
| Seinen | Realistic, nuanced | Subtle shadow, less stylization |
| Chibi | Circular, simple | Exaggerated expressions, few lines |
Practice drawing the same face in 3 different eye styles to explore range.
5. Essential Tools for Manga Drawing
You can draw manga traditionally or digitally. Here’s what beginners need to get started:
Traditional Tools:
– Pencils: HB or mechanical for clean sketching
– Ink pens: Fineliners or G-pens for line art
– Screentones: Adhesive textures for shading
– White ink: For highlights or corrections
– Bristol paper: Smooth and bleed-resistant
Digital Tools:
– Drawing tablet (e.g., Wacom, Huion)
– Software: Clip Studio Paint (industry standard), Medibang, or Procreate
– Custom brushes: For inking, tones, effects
Tip: Start simple. Even pencil and paper are enough to learn the fundamentals.
6. How to Practice Manga Drawing Effectively
Starting can be overwhelming, so here’s a step-by-step practice roadmap to build your skills gradually:
Week 1: Character Construction
– Draw 5 different face shapes
– Practice drawing eyes in multiple styles (shōjo, shōnen, chibi)
– Explore front, side, and 3/4 views
Week 2: Expressions & Emotion
– Draw 10 emotion thumbnails (happy, angry, sad, shocked…)
– Use eyebrow and mouth shape variation
– Try visual exaggeration (especially in shōjo/chibi)
Week 3: Hair & Fashion
– Design 3–5 unique hairstyles
– Practice flow and volume
– Sketch outfits from fashion references or your favorite manga
Week 4: Poses & Composition
– Use gesture drawing to loosen up (30 sec – 2 min poses)
– Practice dynamic scenes (e.g., jumping, running, talking)
– Try laying out a 1–2 page manga scene
Extra tip: Always reference existing manga you like. Analyze the panel composition, line weight, and eye shapes.
7. Line Work: Clean, Confident, and Stylized
Manga thrives on strong inking and line clarity. Here’s how to improve:
– Use varied line weights: Thicker lines for outer edges, thinner for details
– Avoid “hairy” lines: Draw one smooth stroke instead of many small ones
– Practice stroke economy: Fewer lines = more impact
– Digital tip: Stabilization or “line smoothing” can help with control
8. Screentones, Effects, and Finishing Touches
Screentones are patterns or gradients used to add depth, mood, and contrast.
Common Types of Screentones:
– Gray gradients for shading
– Dot patterns for texture or shadow
– Effects tones (sparkles, dust, noise)
– Emotional background tones: dramatic lines, sparkles, speed bursts
How to apply (Traditional):
– Cut and place adhesive screentone sheets with precision
– Use an X-Acto knife for layering and gradients
How to apply (Digital):
– Use tone brushes or overlays in Clip Studio Paint
– Layer tones by opacity or use masking for custom effects
Tip: Less is more. Don’t clutter the panel—use tones to guide focus and enhance mood.
9. Common Beginner Mistakes in Manga Drawing
| Mistake | How to Fix |
| Same face syndrome | Vary face shapes, eye types, and hairstyles |
| Flat poses | Use gesture drawing and reference movement |
| Overcomplicating linework | Simplify and focus on clarity over detail |
| Inconsistent proportions | Use guides and consistent head ratios |
| Weak expressions | Study real faces and exaggerate for style-specific flair |
10. Where to Go Next on Your Manga Journey
Practice Ideas:
– Redraw a panel from your favorite manga in your own style
– Create a character sheet with front, side, and action pose
– Make a 1-page silent comic with no words, just emotions
Join the Community:
– Follow manga artists on platforms like Pixiv, DeviantArt, Instagram
– Watch process videos on YouTube or attend manga drawing livestreams
– Share your work and ask for feedback—growth is faster when visible!
11. Conclusion: Style Is Personal, Manga Is Expression
This beginner’s guide to manga drawing styles is just the beginning. As you explore different genres and experiment with forms, you’ll discover your own visual language.
Focus on mastering fundamentals like proportion, emotion, and line quality first. Then dive into stylistic choices and personal flair. Don’t be afraid to mix styles, blend genres, or break conventions. Manga thrives on creativity.
The more you draw, the more your manga “voice” will emerge. Enjoy the journey.
Suggested Next Reads:
Mastering Drawing Techniques: A Complete Guide to Skills and Styles
How to Draw Realistic Portraits Step by Step