1. Gather Your Materials
Before you start drawing, make sure you have the following materials:
Drawing paper or a sketchbook
Pencils (HB for sketching, 2B or 4B for darker lines)
Eraser
Pencil sharpener
Ruler
Fineliners or ink pens (optional)
Colored pencils, markers, or watercolors for coloring (optional)
2. Understand Tanjiro’s Character Design
Tanjiro Kamado has distinct features that make him recognizable. Familiarize yourself with these key aspects of his design:
Hair: Messy and spiky black hair with burgundy tips.
Eyes: Large, expressive eyes with a kind gaze, usually depicted in a dark red or brown color.
Face: A scar on his forehead, shaped like a flame, and a determined yet gentle expression.
Clothing: A checkered black and green haori (a traditional Japanese coat), and a standard Demon Slayer Corps uniform.
3. Start with Basic Shapes
Begin your drawing with simple shapes to establish the basic proportions of Tanjiro’s figure.
Draw the Head
Draw an oval shape for the head. This will be your guide for Tanjiro’s face.
Divide the oval vertically and horizontally to help with the placement of facial features.
Add the Body
Sketch a vertical line extending from the bottom of the oval to represent the spine.
Draw a rectangle for the torso, ensuring it’s proportionate to the head.
Add guidelines for the arms and legs using simple lines.
4. Sketch the Facial Features
With the basic shapes in place, start adding Tanjiro’s facial features.
Draw the Eyes
Draw two large, almond-shaped eyes below the horizontal guideline.
Add pupils and reflections to give the eyes life and depth.
Sketch his eyebrows above the eyes, slightly curved to show his determined expression.
Add the Nose and Mouth
Draw a small, simple nose along the vertical guideline.
Add a small, curved line for the mouth, slightly below the nose.
Draw the Scar
Sketch the flame-shaped scar on Tanjiro’s forehead. Take your time to get the shape right, as it’s a distinctive feature of his design.
See also：How to Draw Nezuko Kamado: Narrated Step by Step
5. Outline the Hair
Tanjiro’s hair is spiky and has a lot of movement. Follow these steps to draw his hair:
Start with the outline, drawing the large, messy spikes that frame his face.
Add smaller spikes and details to give the hair texture.
Remember to include the burgundy tips at the ends of his hair.
6. Draw the Ears and Neck
Sketch Tanjiro’s ears on either side of the head, aligning them with the eyes.
Add the neck by drawing two lines extending down from the jawline, connecting to the torso.
7. Detail the Clothing
Draw the Haori
Sketch the outline of the checkered haori, starting with the collar and extending to the shoulders and down the arms.
Add the checkered pattern, ensuring the squares are even and consistent.
Draw the Demon Slayer Uniform
Draw the high-collared shirt beneath the haori.
Add details like the buttons and the belt around the waist.
8. Refine the Sketch
Go over your initial sketch, refining the lines and adding details. Erase any unnecessary guidelines to clean up the drawing.
Add Details to the Face
Refine the eyes, adding more detail to the pupils and eyelashes.
Enhance the scar and other facial features.
Detail the Hair
Add more texture to the hair, refining the spikes and shadows.
Refine the Clothing
Add folds and creases to the clothing to give it a more realistic appearance.
9. Ink the Drawing (Optional)
If you want a cleaner, more defined look, go over your pencil lines with fineliners or ink pens. Be careful and precise, especially around the detailed areas like the eyes and hair. Allow the ink to dry completely before erasing the pencil lines.
10. Add Color (Optional)
If you prefer a colored drawing, use colored pencils, markers, or watercolors to bring Tanjiro to life. Pay attention to the following details:
Hair: Black with burgundy tips.
Eyes: Dark red or brown.
Haori: Green and black checkered pattern.
Uniform: Black with white details.
Coloring Tips
Use light layers of color and build up gradually for a more controlled and vibrant result.
Add shading and highlights to give the drawing depth and dimension.
Blend colors smoothly, especially in the hair and eyes, to create a realistic effect.
11. Final Touches
Review your drawing and make any final adjustments. Check for areas that need more detail or refinement. Once satisfied, step back and admire your work.
12. Practice and Experiment
Drawing is a skill that improves with practice. Don’t be discouraged if your first attempt isn’t perfect. Try different poses and expressions to capture different aspects of Tanjiro’s character. Experiment with different styles and techniques to find what works best for you.
Conclusion
Drawing Tanjiro Kamado can be a rewarding experience for any artist, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced illustrator. By breaking down the process into manageable steps, you can create a detailed and accurate representation of this beloved character. Remember to be patient with yourself and enjoy the creative process. With practice, you’ll be able to draw Tanjiro and other characters from “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba” with confidence and ease.
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