practice animation eyes

Hey everyone! Since I'm really getting into drawing animated characters, I've been spending a lot of time practicing how to sketch eyes. It's amazing how much personality eyes can add to a character, whether they're happy, sad, or mischievous, right? I've learned that getting the basic Eye Shape down is step one. Don't just dive into details! I usually start with simple shapes like almonds, circles, or even squares, depending on the character's overall design. For example, a sweet, innocent character might have larger, rounder eyes, while a cunning one could have narrower, more angular shapes. Playing with these basic forms really sets the tone for the character's expression before you even add pupils. Then there are the pupils! The Pupil Right (and left, of course!) can drastically change an expression. I've found that pupil size is super important. Dilated pupils can show excitement, fear, or surprise, making the character look more wide-eyed. Constricted pupils, on the other hand, can convey anger, focus, or suspicion. Even the placement matters – central pupils for a neutral look, or slightly off-center to show the character looking in a specific direction. It's a small detail, but it has a huge impact! Beyond the pupil, don't forget the eyelids and eyebrows. Eyelids can convey a lot; a droopy upper lid can make a character look sleepy or bored, while a raised one adds surprise. Eyebrows are like the cherry on top for emotion – arched brows for surprise, furrowed for anger, or relaxed for calm. They really frame the eyes and amplify whatever feeling you're trying to achieve in your cartoon. My usual process starts with a light guideline for the overall head, then I block in the general shape of where the eyes will sit. After that, I refine the Eye Shape, making sure it fits the character's mood and personality. Next, I add the pupils, thinking carefully about where the character is looking and their emotion. I often play around with the size of the Pupil Right and left to see what feels best. Then come the eyelids, maybe a few eyelashes, and finally, the eyebrows to really seal the deal. It's a journey of layers, building up from simple forms to intricate expressions. For anyone else practicing, my biggest tip is to use references! Look at how your favorite animators draw eyes, or even observe real people's expressions. Don't be afraid to experiment with different styles and emotions. The more you sketch, the more comfortable you’ll become with creating unique and expressive eyes for all your animated characters. It's all about practice and having fun with it! Keep sketching, and soon you'll be drawing amazing, expressive animated eyes for all your characters. What are your favorite eye styles to draw? Let me know!