A key feature of the anime style is uniqueness. The characters should be instantly recognizable because there’s nothing else like it.

Here are some simple steps for creating your first anime figures:

1.  Gather lots of pencils and plenty of erasers.

2.  Decide whether you want your anime character to be male or female.

3.  Pick a hairstyle: long or short, wavy or spiky, curly or straight.

4.  Let your imagination run loose and think of a storyline that fits your character that you’ve never heard of or seen before.

5.  Start drawing. Give your character all kinds of accessories to fit your theme, including jewelry, piercings, or tattoos. Maybe give them lots of weapons hanging from their belt or a giant sword.

6.  Give your character personal information, including a name, age, hair color, and some personality traits: What’s their favorite color, what kind   of music do they like? Who’s their best friend? Are they a jock or a Goth? What kinds of special talents or powers do they have?

7.  Following Japanese custom, anime characters must have a blood type, which influences their personality and how they handle situations. Pick one for yours:

a. Type A: Calm, studious, handles situations cautiously and has difficulty expressing their emotions.

b. Type B: Extroverted and cheerful, they are hard workers but never focus all their attention on one thing.

c. Type AB: Delicate, considerate of others’ feelings, but at the same time very disciplined and serious about themselves.

d. Type O: Peaceful, yet at the same time have contradictory attitudes and feelings. Mix a strong will with openness to others’ opinions and feelings.

8. Pick the colors that work for your character, and bring them to life.

Want tips on drawing anime? Go to mangauniversity.com for step-by-step lessons on creating facial features and other body parts.