5 Must-Watch YouTube Channels to Level Up Your Anime Drawing Skills

So, you've decided to plunge headfirst into the mesmerizing world of anime drawing. Good news: you’ve chosen an ever-evolving, passion-fueled journey where continuous learning is your best ally. Whether you’re a wide-eyed novice or a seasoned sketch artist, there's always room for growth. Anime drawing isn’t just about capturing those big, expressive eyes or mastering hyper-dynamic poses; it’s a relentless pursuit of improvement!

Imagine if Masashi Kishimoto or Hayao Miyazaki had stopped honing their craft after their first doodles. Unthinkable, right? Like any art form, anime drawing thrives on persistent learning. Regardless of your skill level, new techniques, styles, and tools emerge constantly, keeping the canvas of possibilities ever fresh. Continuous learning isn’t just a buzzword—it’s your ticket to evolving from meh to magnificent!

Enter YouTube, your digital Sensei. Why splurge on expensive courses when you have a cornucopia of high-quality, free tutorials at your fingertips? YouTube’s got your back with:

• Flexibility: Learn at your own pace, anytime, anywhere. Late-night sketching spree? No problem.

• Variety: From detailed anatomy to stylish character designs, find tutorials on nearly any aspect of anime drawing.

• Community and Feedback: Engage with a global community, receive constructive criticism, and feel less like a lone artist in a sea of paper.

We’ve cherry-picked five stellar YouTube channels to accelerate your anime drawing skills. Let’s give you a little teaser:

1. Naoki Saito: Dive deep into the basics with Naoki. He focuses on fundamental shapes and anatomy, helping you create expressive characters across various styles.

2. Art Senpai: Perfect for step-by-step guidance, this channel is a goldmine for beginners and intermediates. Art Senpai explores multiple anime art styles and provides essential tips for digital creation.

3. Whyt Manga: Specializes in manga, with a strong emphasis on character design and storytelling through vivid manga illustrations.

4. Mark Crilley: Your go-to for diverse lessons ranging from traditional to digital techniques, helping you develop a distinct art style.

5. Mikeymegamega: Get ready for fun and engaging tutorials focusing on popular anime characters and adding a splash of personality to your creations.

Sounds like a feast for your artistic palette, right? Each of these channels offers a treasure trove of wisdom and techniques that'll push your skills from amateur to awe-inspiring.

Ready to elevate your anime drawing game? Let's jump into the first channel, Naoki Saito, and start mastering those essential anime fundamentals.

If you’re keen on mastering anime fundamentals, Naoki Saito's YouTube channel is the perfect starting point. Saito’s tutorials provide a rock-solid foundation for artists of all levels, focusing on the core principles that are essential for drawing expressive and dynamic anime characters.

Naoki’s channel is a goldmine when it comes to understanding the building blocks of anime art. He emphasizes the importance of grasping basic shapes and anatomy to create accurate and lively characters. His tutorials often start with simple geometric shapes, such as circles and rectangles, which then evolve into complex forms like heads, torsos, and limbs. This approach is especially beneficial for beginners who need to get a handle on the fundamentals before moving on to more advanced techniques.

Expressiveness is the heart and soul of anime, and Saito has a knack for teaching you how to breathe life into your characters. Through his videos, you’ll learn various techniques to make your characters convey a wide range of emotions—from joy and excitement to fear and sadness. His step-by-step tutorials often come with practical tips on how to adjust facial features and body language to capture the intended emotion. Plus, his engaging and personable teaching style makes complex concepts easier to grasp.

One of the most impressive aspects of Naoki Saito's channel is the breadth of styles he covers. Whether you're interested in shōnen manga, shōjo manga, or more niche subgenres, his tutorials offer something for everyone. Each video delves into the specific characteristics that define different anime styles, helping you broaden your artistic repertoire. You'll find in-depth lessons that break down the unique elements of each style, making it easier to understand and replicate them in your own work.

Saito also provides specialized content to improve specific aspects of your drawing, from mastering the art of perspective to simplifying complex poses. His videos often include corrections and professional advice on common mistakes, which can be invaluable for honing your skills. Naoki’s emphasis on continuous improvement ensures that there’s always something new to learn, no matter your proficiency level.

Naoki Saito's tutorials form the bedrock of solid anime drawing skills. With a clear focus on fundamental shapes and expressive techniques, his channel lays the groundwork for any aspiring anime artist. Stay tuned as we dive into another fantastic resource that will further elevate your anime drawing game without missing a beat.

2. Art Senpai: Comprehensive Anime Drawing Guidance

Imagine a senpai sitting beside you, guiding every stroke of your pencil. That’s what Art Senpai delivers with a wealth of step-by-step tutorials designed for beginners and intermediate artists alike. Whether you're starting your anime journey or looking to sharpen your skills, Art Senpai has you covered.

Art Senpai's channel shines in providing easy-to-follow guides that demystify the anime drawing process. His tutorials often begin with establishing the foundational structures—basic shapes that serve as building blocks for more complex figures. For instance, you’ll learn how to set up the general composition of a character’s face before adding the intricate details (Skillshare).

The channel doesn't stop at faces, either. Tutorials cover anything from eye-catching eyes to dynamically posed bodies. This guidance ensures that learners understand how to break down complex characters into manageable parts.

The artistic journey continues as Art Senpai takes you on a tour of diverse anime styles. From the overly cute aesthetics of Nachoneko to the more stylized approaches of Mika Pikazo and Yoneyama Mai, there's a variety to explore (Art Senpai).

Art Senpai’s tutorials include step-by-step guides like "How to Draw Cute Anime Girls Like Nachoneko," providing detailed commentary on capturing the nuance of different artists. This is instrumental for artists who want to experiment and eventually discover which style resonates with them the most.

If you’re aspiring to dive into the digital realm, Art Senpai's tips are invaluable. He covers the essentials of using digital tools to create anime art. From setting up your digital canvas on apps like Magic Media and DALL·E to refining your creations, these tutorials are a treasure troves for digital artists (Canva).

His guidance goes beyond software mechanics. You'll also pick up best practices for using reference images, studying existing works for inspiration, and leveraging multiple digital mediums to find what works best for you (Daisie).

With his comprehensive tutorials and enthusiastic approach, Art Senpai makes drawing anime accessible and exciting. Each video is more than just a lesson; it's an invitation to explore, practice, and evolve as an artist.

Transitioning to our next chapter, deepen your knowledge with specialized manga-focused techniques.

3. Whyt Manga: Manga-Focused Drawing Techniques

If you've dreamt of crafting manga that captivates readers with compelling characters and riveting stories, Whyt Manga is your go-to YouTube channel. This treasure troves provides detailed, manga-focused tutorials that will help elevate your drawing skills to professional levels.

Whyt Manga's channel stands out for its specialized focus on manga art. From the basics of character sketching to advanced inking techniques, his videos cover it all. Whether you're a novice or an intermediate artist, you’ll find tutorials tailored to your skill level. Whyt Manga makes complex art concepts digestible, encouraging viewers to better understand the intricacies of manga creation.

Creating memorable manga characters isn't just about sketching an interesting face. Whyt Manga dives deep into the nuances of character design and development, offering invaluable tips and techniques. You'll learn how to capture personality through facial expressions, body language, and clothing. His step-by-step guides make it easy to follow along, transforming your stick-figure sketches into characters with depth and soul.

Here’s why his character design lessons are unbeatable:

• Anatomy and Proportions: Tutorials that go beyond basic shapes, focusing on realistic anatomical proportions.

• Expression and Emotion: Techniques to convey a wide range of emotions through facial features and posture.

• Costuming: Guidance on how to design clothing that complements your character’s personality and story.

Manga is more than just pretty pictures—it’s an art form centered around storytelling. Whyt Manga excels at teaching the narrative aspect of manga creation. His tutorials showcase how to frame panels, choose effective camera angles, and pace your story to keep readers hooked. Whether you're developing a heart-wrenching drama or an action-packed adventure, these lessons will help you bring your story to life visually.

• Panel Layouts: Learn the art of arranging panels to guide the reader's eye smoothly across the page.

• Dynamic Scenes: Create lively and energetic scenes that jump off the page.

• Pacing: Master the rhythm of storytelling, ensuring your manga flows naturally from one scene to the next.

By integrating these lessons from Whyt Manga, you'll become adept at creating both compelling characters and stories that resonate with readers.

As you continue your artistic journey, remember that each of these channels offers unique insights and techniques. Stay consistent, keep practicing, and don’t be afraid to experiment.

4. Mark Crilley: Diverse Anime and Manga Drawing Lessons

Mark Crilley is the Jack-of-all-trades when it comes to anime and manga drawing. His YouTube channel offers a treasure troves of tutorials, suitable for both traditional and digital mediums. Whether you’re sketching with a trusty pencil or navigating through layers in a digital art program, Crilley has you covered.

Crilley’s channel is a smorgasbord of tutorials catering to varied tastes and skill levels. From sketching lifelike manga faces to mastering chibi expressions, he breaks down the processes into bite-sized, easy-to-follow steps.

For those who love realism, his videos on drawing realistic eyes and human anatomy are gold mines. Fancy yourself more of a chibi enthusiast? He’s got an entire playlist dedicated to these adorable pint-sized characters.

Plus, the thematic series such as "How to Draw a Manga Face, 3 Different Ways" and "How to Draw Manga Hair: Curly Vs. Straight" give structured approaches to nailing down specific elements of anime art. The breadth of content ensures that you can find just the right tutorial for your current aspiration or project. Check out the (Mark Crilley How to Draw Videos Playlist) for a comprehensive collection of his narrated, step-by-step guides.

One of the standout features of Mark Crilley’s tutorials is their versatility. Whether you're wielding a pencil or a stylus, he makes sure you understand the foundational techniques that apply across both spectrums.

His traditional art tutorials cover the basics like sketching, inking, and adding depth with shading. On the flip side, his digital art guides delve into layers, shortcuts, and coloring techniques specific to software like Adobe Photoshop and Manga Studio.

One of the invaluable lessons Mark imparts is on adaptability – ensuring that his audience can transfer their skills between traditional and digital formats with ease. This dual approach makes Crilley’s channel essential viewing for artists looking to diversify their skill set.

Mark Crilley isn’t just about imitation; he’s all for innovation. He emphasizes the importance of developing your own unique art style – a crucial step for any serious artist.

Drawing inspiration from various sources like his "How to Change Your Drawing Style: The Pros & Cons" video, Mark encourages continuous experimentation. His tutorials often include tips on modifying techniques to fit your personal vision, making your art distinctly yours.

“Consider yourself like the apprentice learning from a master,” he advises, highlighting that initial mimicry is a phase every artist passes through before they blossom into their unique style (Adobe).

Crilley’s channel essentially acts as a bridge from copying to crafting your artistic identity, a journey that every anime artist needs to undertake.

Consistent practice and absorbing techniques from various sources, as recommended by Crilley, set the stage for artistic growth. It’s a journey worth embarking upon, equipped with his comprehensive and versatile guidance.

Enticed by Crilley’s master techniques? Hold on; there’s one more artist ready to add a bit more flair to your drawing tablet. Stay tuned!

5. Mikeymegamega: Fun and Engaging Anime Art Tutorials

If you've ever wanted to add a bit more flair and personality to your anime drawings, Mikeymegamega's YouTube channel is your go-to destination. His tutorials are not only informative but also humorously engaging, making learning a fun, immersive experience.

Mikeymegamega has mastered the art of mixing education with entertainment. His videos often feature lively commentary and an approachable demeanor which takes the intimidation out of learning complex techniques. One moment, you might be learning how to draw curvy anime girls (Mikeymegamega), and the next, you're chuckling at his jokes. This light-hearted approach keeps you hooked and makes the learning process enjoyable.

One of the channel’s highlights is its robust library of tutorials on popular anime characters. Whether it's an Elden Ring's Ranni The Witch or iconic Dragon Ball Z characters, Mikey covers a wide array of beloved figures (Mikeymegamega). This focus helps aspiring artists tap into trends while mastering different drawing styles. Want to recreate your favorite characters from the latest anime hits? Mikey's got you covered.

It's not just about drawing by-the-numbers; Mikey emphasizes infusing your work with personality. He provides invaluable tips on how to make your characters pop off the page. According to a detailed tutorial on body mapping, Mikey advocates understanding anatomy and expressions to make your characters feel alive ([Skillshare). He also dives into various posing techniques, ensuring your characters exhibit unique traits and emotions.

Beyond technicalities, he shares tricks for achieving clean line art and vibrant coloring, crucial for making your drawings stand out in the crowd (YouTube).

Engaging with Mikeymegamega’s channel doesn't just improve your skills; it also nurtures a passion for anime art that keeps you coming back for more. Stay tuned, tweak your pencil strokes, and let Mikey guide you to unleash your creativity.

Conclusion

Like learning martial arts or playing an instrument, mastering anime drawing demands consistent practice and, yes, a truckload of patience. It’s not a sprint; it’s a marathon, and every sketch, line, and shadow you practice brings you one step closer to victory. According to artist Natalie Goldberg, the key lies in maintaining a steady practice to build proficiency and reap its benefits (Artists Network). This repetitive activity isn't just a test of your skill but also your dedication and mental fortitude.

So, don’t stress out if your first 100 drawings feel like they belong in a "Not Safe For Eyes" category. Remember, even the Mona Lisa didn’t get painted in a day. Keep at it and celebrate every tiny improvement along the way.

While consistency is essential, limiting yourself to one approach can be stifling. Embrace the vast array of techniques presented by these stellar channels. Naoki Saito focuses on mastering the fundamentals of anatomy and shapes, which is crucial for any budding artist. Art Senpai offers step-by-step tutorials tailored for various skill levels, providing a strong foundation (RT Crafty).

Meanwhile, Whyt Manga delves into character development and storytelling, a key component for anyone seriously considering manga creation. Mark Crilley’s diverse range of tutorials covers both traditional and digital art, making it easier to adapt to different mediums and styles. And lastly, the joyous and entertaining Mikeymegamega adds a bit of fun while teaching you to draw popular anime characters with personality. This diversity allows you to dip your brush into different inkwells, so to speak, and find out what works best for you.

It’s vital to absorb knowledge from these experts but let’s not forget the ultimate goal—developing your own unique style (Skillshare). While copying tutorials and practicing fundamental techniques help build your basics, what sets you apart is your personal touch on that canvas.

Take what you learn, experiment, and mix it up. Don't be afraid to break away from conventions or blend styles. Dive into real-life observations; balance exaggerated features from anime with realism for added depth. This integration ensures your art remains dynamic and captivating while truly reflecting your personal flair.

By balancing consistency in practice, experimentation, and injecting individuality, you unlock your full potential as an anime artist. This journey’s excitement lies not just in achieving skill mastery but in discovering your unique artistic signature.

Now, brace yourself, sharpen your pencils (or charge those styluses), it's time to let your creativity run amok!