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The term "chibi" is derived from a Japanese verb meaning "to become shorter." It is a style of caricature that features its subject in an exaggerated way. Chibi "are small and chubby, with stubby limbs and oversized heads to make them resemble children." The word chibi can also be translated as "little" or "cute."
Chibi has become popular due to its use in anime and manga. When drawing a chibi character, the head usually takes up one third to one half of the cartoon's height. The design, including the features of the face, is also simplified and less detailed when compared to other drawing styles.
Chibi drawing styles are used occasionally in non-chibi cartoons to achieve a comedic effect. The chibi character is often expressing a strong emotion, such as anger or infatuation. Examples can be found in anime such as Pokémon and One Piece. Chibi caricatures are also drawn of famous people and historical figures.
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Would you like to draw a chibi cartoon? This easy, step-by-step cartoon character drawing tutorial can show you how. All you will need is a pencil, an eraser, and a sheet of paper.
If you liked this tutorial, see also the following drawing guides: Hatsune Miku, Sailor Moon, and Starfire from Teen Titans.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Drawing an Anime Chibi Girl
1. Begin by using a large, curved line to draw the shape of the head. This irregular rounded shape should have two parts - the bulge of the forehead and the bulge of the cheeks.
2. Draw the girl's hair. First, draw a long curved line parallel to the top of the head. Then, use curved lines of various lengths to draw locks of hair within the shape of the head, covering the face. The lines should meet at jagged points. Then, connect the exterior curved line to the hair covering the face using short lines that meet at jagged points.
3. Erase the original lines from within the hair.
4. Draw a headband holding back the hair. Use two curved lines to enclose a curved shape, pointed on both ends.
5. Extend two short curved lines beneath the head to form the neck. Then, draw the collar of the garment. Extend a short straight line from each side of the neck. Then, draw curved lines to form two curved triangle shapes. The triangles should meet at the base of the neck. Beneath their tips, draw a small circle to form the knot in a scarf. Below this, enclose two pointed shapes using curved lines.
6. Draw the girl's shirt. Extend pairs of long curved lines to form the arms, and connect them at the bottom with a curved line. Draw a long curved line between the sleeves, enclosing the bottom of the shirt. Band each sleeve with a pair of curved lines. Then, use curved and "U" shaped lines to draw the hands.
7. Draw the skirt. Enclose a curved rectangle below the shirt. Band it with pairs of vertical lines.
8. Draw each leg using a long, curved line. Allow the line to double back upon itself. Band each leg with curved lines to indicate the top and cuff of the sock, the top of the shoe, and the toe of the shoe.
9. Draw the chibi girl's face. Enclose several ovals within one another to form the eyes. Shade one in each to indicate the pupils. Use curved lines to draw the eyebrows, eyelids, and smiling mouth.
Color your chibi anime girl. Anime characters often have unusual hair and eye colors, so be creative.
Then, head on over to our people drawing guides, where you can learn to construct your very own anime character!
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The Complete Anime Chibi Girl Drawing Tutorial in One Image
