What is a chibi?
Chibi is a super-deformed style: a big head, a tiny body, huge eyes, and almost no small detail. It's the cute, exaggerated version of a character — the same idea behind most "kawaii" art. Because the shapes are simple and forgiving, chibi is one of the easiest and most fun ways for beginners to draw a complete character.
The one rule: proportions
Chibi lives or dies by the head-to-body ratio. A full character is roughly 7–8 heads tall; a chibi is just 2 to 3 heads tall. The head is huge, the body is short and round, and hands and feet are simplified into little nubs. Exaggerate this and the character instantly reads as chibi.
1. Sketch the big shapes
On a sketch layer, draw a large circle for the head and a small, rounded body about one to one-and-a-half head-heights below it. Keep limbs short and chunky. Don't overthink anatomy — chibi is about simple, round, friendly shapes.
2. Place the face low and the eyes big
Set the facial features in the lower half of the head, leaving a big forehead. Make the eyes large and far apart, with a tiny dot or curve for the nose and a small simple mouth. Big eyes plus a big forehead are the heart of the cute look.
3. Ink simple, rounded lineart
On a new layer, ink clean, rounded outlines — chibi lines are smooth and simple, with no fussy detail. A crisp inker with Streamline raised keeps curves soft; browse the inking brushes category. Keep every shape closed so coloring is easy.
4. Add bright flat colors
Chibi art is colorful and clean. Flat each part on its own layer below the lineart with bright, cheerful colors. Simple color choices suit the simple shapes — resist the urge to add texture or noise.
5. Keep the shading minimal
Chibi needs only a touch of shading. Add a single soft cel shadow under the hair and chin on a Multiply layer, using the hard-edged method from our anime cel-shading guide. Less is more here — heavy shading fights the cute, flat feel.
6. Add the kawaii details
Finish with the cute accents: a pink blush on the cheeks, a big catchlight in each eye, and maybe a little sparkle. The eyes carry the charm — our guide to drawing anime eyes applies here too, just bigger and simpler.
Common chibi mistakes
- Body too tall — keep the whole character 2–3 heads high.
- Eyes too small or too high — big eyes, low on the face.
- Too much detail — chibi is about simple shapes.
- Realistic hands and feet — simplify them into nubs.
- Heavy shading — keep it light and flat.
Brushes and next steps
You only need a simple inker and a soft round for chibi — grab a free set on the anime & manga brushes page or browse all free brushsets. Ready for full-size characters? Step up with our guide to drawing anime in Procreate.