Chibi characters are a popular style in Japanese cartoons and animation. Simplified features and adorable expressions make chibis an enjoyable subject for beginners and experienced artists alike. Learn how to draw your very own chibi character in just 14 steps.

1. Gather materials: You’ll need paper, pencils or pens, an eraser, and colored pencils or markers if you wish to add color later.

2. Begin with a circle: Sketch a light circle to use as a guide for the head. Chibi characters have large heads compared to their bodies, so make sure the circle is proportional to the body size you want.

3. Draw guidelines: Make a vertical line intersecting the circle, followed by a horizontal line halfway down the circle.

4. Sketch the face shape: Chibi faces are typically round or oval-shaped. Starting from the horizontal guideline, create a slightly curved line that follows the circle closely, but ends before it reaches the vertical guideline.

5. Add facial features: Place large eyes on either side of the vertical guideline, around the center of your horizontal guideline. Give them simple shapes like circles or ovals and draw tiny pupils. Then include a small nose and cute mouth.

6. Draw hairlines: Lightly sketch lines that will define your character’s hair or choose your desired hairstyle and follow those lines when drawing it later.

7. Create ears: Add two small curved lines on both sides of the head for ears. Keep them simple and proportionate with the face size.

8. Design the hair: Continue drawing from your earlier hairlines or create a new hairstyle now. Use simple shapes for bangs, locks, or ponytails depending on what appeals to you.

9. Sketch body guidelines: Beneath the head, lightly draw an oval or rectangle for the torso and lines for limbs indicating their directions.

10. Draw clothing: Use simple shapes to create the character’s outfit or familiarize yourself with clothing designs from references.

11. Add limbs: Chibi arms and legs are short and thick compared to their heads, remember to keep them proportional. Draw hands with simple fingers, and feet can be small ovals or rectangles.

12. Finalize lines: Once you’ve completed your sketch, go over your guidelines with darker lines to finalize your character.

13. Erase unnecessary lines: Gently erase any visible guidelines that didn’t become part of the final design.

14. Color your character: If you wish, you can now add color or shading using colored pencils, markers, or even digital coloring tools to bring your chibi character to life.

With these 14 steps, you now have a cute chibi character! Practice different expressions, poses, and hairstyles to create a variety of characters and develop your skills.