Anime · A drawing idea for little artists
How to Draw a Chibi Boy in a Striped Shirt
Draw a chibi boy with a large head, short body and striped shirt. Preview four stages and learn to separate hair, clothes and face.
For iPad & iPhone · In-app purchases
These 4 pictures show selected moments from the drawing. For every step in between and a guide on your canvas, get the full lesson in LittlePaper.
What you will learn
Build a chibi boy with an oversized head while keeping the standing pose readable.
Shapes and proportions
Compare the head height with the torso before extending the legs. Draw hair locks over the head outline, then keep the shirt and trousers as separate simple shapes.
A common mistake
Long legs and a narrow head can accidentally turn the figure into an adult-proportioned character.
How to fix it
Before adding clothing detail, mark the overall height lightly. Shorten the leg shapes if the large-head effect has disappeared, and keep the shoes small.
This chibi boy has a head that feels large compared with the short torso and legs. The hair overlaps the forehead in pointed locks, while the shirt stripes help separate the torso from the trousers. This lesson focuses on cartoon proportions rather than realistic anatomy.
These four pictures are selected stages, not the complete sequence. The blue guide lines show additions at the illustrated stage. Use the shape notes on paper, or open the full drawing in LittlePaper to follow the smaller steps between these pictures.
A few things to start with
Paper, pencil, brown and dark-blue crayons, a skin-tone crayon and a lighter blue for the shirt.
A little peek at the drawing
1 / 4
Selected stages · The complete drawing sequence is in the app.
Shapes, character & color
A look at the drawing stages.
Try the shape tips below on paper. When you’re ready to draw along with each small step, continue in LittlePaper.
- 01Selected stage
Head and layered hair
The first selected image shows the rounded lower face beneath an unfinished fringe. Add the pointed locks in overlapping groups and leave the face open for the eyes later.
Head and layered hair · Preview image 1 of 4 - 02Selected stage
Torso and short legs
This later image includes the shirt, arms and one leg, with the second leg being added. Compare the short body with the larger head instead of stretching the legs to realistic proportions.
Torso and short legs · Preview image 2 of 4 - 03Selected stage
A face and striped shirt
The finished outline adds the large eyes and small smile below the fringe. Horizontal shirt bands make a clear pattern across the torso; keep the eye line level.
A face and striped shirt · Preview image 3 of 4 - 04Selected stage
Coordinate the clothing colors
Use brown hair, a light skin tone, a blue-and-light striped shirt and dark-blue trousers. Give the two legs consistent colors so the clothing reads as one outfit.
Coordinate the clothing colors · Preview image 4 of 4
A little practice goes a long way
Make room for your own ideas.
Keep both trouser legs in the same blue family. Leave light shirt stripes between the blue bands. Place the eyes below the fringe without drawing them on top of the hair.
The next little step is yours
Like the idea?
Let’s make it together.
Open the “How to Draw a Chibi Boy” drawing idea in LittlePaper for the complete sequence. Follow a guide, pause when you need, and add your own colors.
Download LittlePaper from the App Store, then open the drawing idea inside the app.
Every step, at your pace.
See the full drawing sequence. Pause, replay, and take another look whenever a shape needs practice.
A guide where you draw.
Trace on the canvas, then try your own lines with a finger or Apple Pencil on a compatible iPad.
Make it yours. Keep the making.
Add crayon color, replay your creation, and give your picture a home in a digital 3D book.
