ELLY FROM XENOGEARS

Step 1: Proportions Start out by drawing the usual large circle for the main part of the head. Draw the lower half of the face, which is about half the length of the main circle. The entire face can be divided up into thirds. Once you have drawn the basic shape, add guidelines for the eyes, nose and mouth. Keep eye guidelines close together.

Step 2: Features Draw the outlines of the eyes, nose, and mouth using your guidelines. The eyes should be about one eye-length apart. Make the nose short and rounded, and try to draw the mouth so that it looks like she has lips instead of just drawing a straight line.

Step 3: Hair & Clothing Erase guidelines and draw the basic shape of the hair and clothing. Make the hair look very thick and round. The bangs should curve inward towards her face; be careful not to make them look too thin or pointy. Add iris detail and eyebrows.

Step 1: Side Angle The profile is trickier. The lower half shouldn't be larger than half the size of the main circle, and shouldn't stick out very far. Draw vertical guidelines to position the eyes and maintain proper proportions for the front of the face.

Step 2: The Nose and Lips The lower lip is slightly farther back on the face, and the chin curves and sticks out slightly. Unlike some other anime styles, Elly's nose should be less pointy and more rounded. The face is actually relatively flat.

Step 1: The Pose Start with the basic shape using spheres and cylinders. The torso is turned so she is facing you, looking over her shoulder. Keep shoulders slender and the chest realistic. Arms should come down just past the waist.

Step 2: Final Refinement Refine your picture by adding clothing folds and extra hair detail. Pro-tip: It never hurts to make the legs slightly longer to give the character a more elegant, "streamlined" look.