Anime · A drawing idea for little artists
How to draw three kawaii faces: hair accessories and smile placement
Stagger three U-shaped head outlines, one above and two below, with space between them. Attach small curved ears and leave the top edges open for foreheads and hair.
For iPad & iPhone · In-app purchases
These 3 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
Practice this visual check: Compare the three eye lines first. Fit the band around the crown, the clips onto hair strands and the ribbons onto the braid ends; keep each smile below its nose.
Shapes and proportions
Stagger three U-shaped head outlines, one above and two below, with space between them. Attach small curved ears and leave the top edges open for foreheads and hair. Give the left face short hair and a headband, the middle face short hair with clips, and the right face a braid with ribbons. Add rounded eyes and short brows below the hair, followed by tiny curved noses, smiles and round cheeks. Shared smiles and different hairstyles show friendship and individual character; these are three smiling faces, not three different emotions.
A common mistake
Changing the eye heights arbitrarily or floating accessories outside the hair makes the three friends look as though they use different viewpoints.
How to fix it
Compare the three eye lines first. Fit the band around the crown, the clips onto hair strands and the ribbons onto the braid ends; keep each smile below its nose.
These three images are key-stage previews: the starting shape, the completed outline, and a new crayon color study. Follow the complete drawing sequence in LittlePaper. On paper, leave room around the first shape for the parts added later.
Compare the three eye lines first.
A few things to start with
Paper, pencil or black drawing pen, eraser and crayons. Draw lightly while comparing the first shapes.
A little peek at the drawing
1 / 3
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
Place the first shapes
Stagger three U-shaped head outlines, one above and two below, with space between them. Attach small curved ears and leave the top edges open for foreheads and hair. Leave space for the parts that appear in the complete outline.
Place the first shapes · Preview image 1 of 3 - 02Selected stage
Connect the parts and compare their positions
Give the left face short hair and a headband, the middle face short hair with clips, and the right face a braid with ribbons. Add rounded eyes and short brows below the hair, followed by tiny curved noses, smiles and round cheeks. Compare the three eye lines first. Fit the band around the crown, the clips onto hair strands and the ribbons onto the braid ends; keep each smile below its nose.
Connect the parts and compare their positions · Preview image 2 of 3 - 03Selected stage
Choose a consistent crayon palette
Use peach skin, charcoal eyes and pink cheeks and mouths. Use charcoal, dark brown and tan hair from left to right, a gold headband and blue clips and ribbons. Apply light pressure so the contour stays readable.
Choose a consistent crayon palette · Preview image 3 of 3
A little practice goes a long way
Make room for your own ideas.
Compare the three eye lines first.
The next little step is yours
Like the idea?
Let’s make it together.
Open the “Three Smiling Friends” 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.
