Nezuko Kamado stands out as one of the most beloved characters in the Demon Slayer anime series. Her distinct features, emotional depth, and powerful presence make her a fascinating subject for artists. Drawing her accurately requires understanding both her physical features and the subtle emotions her face often expresses. This tutorial series is designed to guide you through the process of sketching Nezuko step by step, starting from her basic structure to the final details. In this first part, we’ll focus on constructing a proper base, understanding her unique proportions, and forming her iconic facial features and accessories.
Analyzing Nezuko’s Character Design
Before putting pencil to paper, it is helpful to study Nezuko’s character design. Her appearance changes subtly depending on the scene, but she consistently maintains certain traits. She has large, expressive eyes with pale pink irises, a slender face, and long flowing hair with orange-tinted tips. One of her most recognizable features is the bamboo muzzle tied around her mouth, which adds visual balance to her facial structure. She also wears a soft pink ribbon on her head and a traditional kimono with layered textures and patterns. Her character blends innocence and strength, and this combination should influence how you portray her in your drawing.
Tools You Will Need
To begin sketching Nezuko, gather materials that give you control over line clarity and depth. Start with a high-quality sketchpad or drawing paper that handles layering and erasing well. Use a 2H or HB pencil for your initial guidelines and switch to a 2B or 4B pencil for darker details. You may also use a mechanical pencil for finer lines around the eyes and accessories. A soft eraser and blending tool will come in handy when refining shadows and cleaning up construction lines. Though many artists enjoy drawing digitally, this guide focuses on hand-drawn techniques for a deeper understanding of form and proportion.
Constructing the Base Head Shape
To draw Nezuko’s face with proper proportions, begin by lightly sketching a circle for the top of the head. Add a vertical guideline down the center to help place her facial features symmetrically. Below the circle, taper two angled lines to create the jawline and chin, keeping the face shape slightly rounded to reflect her youthful appearance. Divide the face horizontally into segments to place the eyes, nose, and mouth. The eye line should fall slightly below the midpoint of the full head. These construction lines will act as the framework for refining her features later.
Placing Nezuko’s Eyes and Eyebrows
Nezuko’s eyes are one of the most striking elements of her design. They are wide and slightly almond-shaped with thick upper lashes. Begin by drawing two large ovals on either side of the vertical centerline. Make sure the space between them is approximately the width of one eye. The top curve of each eye should be more defined, while the lower line can be softer. Inside each eye, sketch a large circle for the iris and a smaller circle for the pupil. Keep her pupils large to capture her innocent and emotive gaze. For the eyebrows, draw thin, curved lines above each eye. Their shape can slightly change depending on the expression you want to capture. In a calm or neutral pose, Nezuko’s eyebrows arch gently with the outer edge pointing downward.
Drawing the Nose and Mouth
In the anime style, the nose is typically subtle and suggested with minimal lines. For Nezuko, draw a short vertical mark just below the eye line to represent the bridge of the nose. Add a small curved line or dot lower down to indicate the nose tip. Her mouth is usually hidden behind the bamboo muzzle, but when visible, it is a small curve positioned close to the nose. If drawing Nezuko with her muzzle, sketch a horizontal cylindrical shape that sits over the mouth area, slightly curving to show the contour of her face. Attach thin straps that extend toward the ears, keeping their placement consistent on both sides.
Outlining the Face and Ears
Once the eyes, nose, and mouth are in place, refine the jawline and cheeks. Nezuko’s face should remain soft and rounded, with a slight tapering at the chin. Add the ears on either side of the head, aligned between the top of the eyes and the bottom of the nose. The ears are mostly hidden by her hair in most angles, but they still anchor the facial proportions and support the bamboo muzzle’s straps. Add simple curves to suggest the inner ear without too much detail, as these areas will likely be shaded or obscured.
Sketching the Hairline and Bangs
Nezuko’s hair frames her face and contributes greatly to her silhouette. Begin the hairline just above the forehead, sketching a rounded shape to define the top of the scalp. From this base, draw thick strands of bangs that fall unevenly over the forehead. Her bangs are layered and slightly pointed at the tips, with a few longer strands near the temples. Use curved, flowing lines that follow the natural contours of her head. These lines should cross the forehead and fall across the sides of the face, but avoid covering the eyes unless you are portraying her in motion or with a dramatic effect.
Designing the Flow of the Hair
The rest of Nezuko’s hair flows behind her shoulders and down her back. Begin by drawing thick strands that extend from the crown of the head and curve outward before falling. The outer hairline should form an inverted S shape as it moves away from the face and back inward near the shoulders. Add natural-looking wave patterns to show that her hair has volume and flexibility. Remember that her hair tips fade into an orange color, so leave the lower parts of the hair lighter in preparation for shading or coloring. Avoid making the hair too stiff or symmetrical. Let the strands overlap and vary in size for a more realistic anime effect.
Adding the Ribbon and Muzzle Details
The pink ribbon on Nezuko’s head is tied into a bow on the left side. Draw it just above the ear, behind the layer of hair. The bow should be drawn with two loops and short ends hanging slightly. Add gentle folds to suggest the ribbon’s soft fabric. For the bamboo muzzle, finalize the cylindrical shape by adding subtle horizontal grooves to suggest texture. Ensure the muzzle doesn’t extend too far across the cheeks or chin. Its size should be balanced and aligned with the face. The straps wrap around the cheeks and behind the ears. Use light curves and tension to indicate the straps pulling slightly, as they are snugly tied.
Forming the Neck and Shoulders
From below the ears, sketch two short vertical lines to form the neck. Keep the neck narrow but stable, connecting to the base of the jaw smoothly. The shoulders begin just below the neckline and extend out at a slight slope. Nezuko wears a kimono, so include the basic outline of the collar. The collar folds into a soft V shape at the front and overlaps slightly. Don’t worry about adding patterns or fabric details yet. Focus on getting the shape and position of the collar to flow naturally with the neck and shoulder lines. Make sure all elements maintain a consistent perspective.
Light Cleanup and Refinement
Now that the base sketch is complete, it’s time to go over your lines and refine the important areas. Use a softer pencil to darken the final outlines of the eyes, bangs, muzzle, and ribbon. Erase unnecessary construction lines that clutter the face or hair. Keep your line work clean and fluid. Where possible, use varied line thickness to suggest depth. For example, thicken the outer lines of the hair and muzzle while keeping the facial features fine and detailed. Begin adding light shading to suggest shadows, such as beneath the hairline, along the jaw, and around the muzzle strap. Shading can be done with a soft pencil or lightly smudged graphite using a blending tool.
Observing and Adjusting Proportions
Step back from your drawing and evaluate the overall balance. Check the symmetry of the eyes, the alignment of the nose and muzzle, and the flow of the hair. If anything looks off, make light adjustments before proceeding to more detailed work. Sometimes, flipping the drawing upside down or viewing it in a mirror helps identify inconsistencies. Take your time to ensure the structure is sound. In the next part of the series, we will focus on enhancing facial depth, texturing the hair, defining shadows, and preparing the sketch for inking or coloring.
Analyzing Nezuko’s Character Design
Before starting the actual drawing process, it is essential to study Nezuko Kamado’s unique character design. Observing her allows artists to capture the essence that makes her so distinct in the Demon Slayer series. Nezuko’s face and appearance can change subtly depending on the scene or her emotions, but she maintains some constant features. She has wide, expressive eyes with light pink irises that convey innocence and curiosity. Her slender facial structure is youthful, with soft jawlines and a delicate chin that reflects her gentle personality. Nezuko’s long, flowing black hair with orange-tinted ends adds a signature touch to her design and should be carefully represented to capture her charm.
One of the most defining elements in Nezuko’s design is her bamboo muzzle, which covers her mouth. This accessory is not only symbolic but also adds compositional balance to her facial structure. Her kimono, with its traditional patterns and layered textures, contributes greatly to her overall aesthetic. On her head, she wears a soft pink ribbon tied into a bow, adding to her innocent and delicate appearance. While sketching, it is important to maintain this blend of sweetness and hidden strength that makes Nezuko an unforgettable character.
Tools You Will Need
To achieve an accurate and clean sketch of Nezuko Kamado, selecting the right drawing tools is crucial. Begin with a smooth, high-quality sketchpad or drawing paper that can handle erasing and shading without tearing. A 2H or HB pencil is ideal for drawing initial guidelines and construction shapes since these pencils leave light, easily adjustable lines. For deeper details, such as Nezuko’s eyes, eyelashes, and hair strands, switch to a 2B or 4B pencil that offers darker, more defined strokes. If you prefer extra precision, a mechanical pencil can help in adding fine details, especially when working on her ribbon, bamboo muzzle, or kimono textures.
A kneaded eraser is excellent for gently lifting graphite from the paper without damaging it, making it useful for lightening areas during adjustments. A blending stump or tortillon can be used to soften shadows or transitions in the hair and facial shading. Though this guide focuses on traditional drawing techniques, those using digital platforms can simulate these materials with similar brush and layer settings to achieve comparable results.
Constructing the Base Head Shape
Start the sketch by establishing Nezuko’s base head shape. Draw a light circle to form the top of the skull, making sure it is centered and proportional to the size you want for your overall drawing. Mark a vertical guideline straight down the middle of the circle to ensure facial symmetry. From the bottom of the circle, sketch two gently angled lines that narrow into a rounded chin, reflecting Nezuko’s soft and youthful face shape. Her face should be slightly elongated but not overly sharp, maintaining the gentle curves typical of anime characters.
Divide the face horizontally into equal sections. The top section will determine the placement of the eyes, while the lower sections help position the nose and mouth. Nezuko’s eyes fall just below the midpoint line of the circle. These construction lines are temporary but essential for keeping the facial features balanced as you build the drawing.
Placing Nezuko’s Eyes and Eyebrows
Nezuko’s eyes are perhaps the most expressive part of her face and deserve careful attention. Begin by sketching two large almond-shaped ovals positioned evenly on each side of the vertical guideline. The space between them should be roughly the width of one eye. The top eyelid curves should be slightly thicker and more prominent, indicating her distinctive eyelashes. Draw a lighter curve for the lower eyelid, giving her eyes softness without making them look too wide or surprised.
Inside each eye, add a large circle to represent the iris, filling most of the eye’s interior space. Within the iris, draw a smaller circle for the pupil. To capture her gentle expression, make sure the pupils remain wide and soft. Above each eye, lightly sketch thin, curved eyebrows. Nezuko’s eyebrows are delicate and sit comfortably above the eye without excessive arching. Depending on the desired expression, you can adjust their angle, but for a neutral or gentle look, keep them slightly curved downward at the outer ends.
Drawing the Nose and Mouth
The nose in anime characters like Nezuko is minimalistic, but must still align with the facial proportions. Start by placing a short vertical line along the center guideline, slightly below the eye line, to indicate the nose’s bridge. Lower down, add a small curved mark or dot to suggest the nose tip. Avoid excessive detailing here, as Nezuko’s nose is meant to remain subtle.
For the mouth, decide whether to draw Nezuko with or without her bamboo muzzle. If you choose to depict her without the muzzle, sketch a gentle curve just below the nose area to suggest her small mouth. For the more iconic version, draw the cylindrical bamboo muzzle. This piece should sit horizontally across the lower face, curving slightly to follow the roundness of her cheeks. Add thin straps that extend back towards the ears, making sure they are even on both sides. These straps help secure the muzzle and should look lightly stretched, suggesting tension without tightness.
Outlining the Face and Ears
Refine the outline of Nezuko’s face using smooth, flowing lines to emphasize her soft features. The cheeks should have a slight curve outward before gently tapering into the chin. Avoid sharp angles or overly straight lines, as these can make her face appear too rigid.
Add the ears on each side of the head. They should align between the upper eyelid and the bottom of the nose. While the ears are mostly hidden by her hair, sketching them helps maintain proper head structure and positions the bamboo muzzle straps accurately. Use simple curved lines for the ears without detailing the inner structures, since these areas will likely be obscured by hair or shading in the finished drawing.
Sketching the Hairline and Bangs
Nezuko’s hair plays a vital role in defining her silhouette. Begin the hairline slightly above the top horizontal guideline on the forehead. Draw a gently curved shape that represents the natural rise of the scalp. From this base, sketch thick, tapered bangs that fall over the forehead. These bangs are layered and irregular, with varying lengths to create a dynamic and realistic appearance.
Some of the bangs should slightly touch the sides of her face, while others fall closer to the center of the forehead. Make sure the bangs curve naturally rather than falling straight down, following the head’s contour. Longer strands near the temples frame her face beautifully and should be drawn with subtle curves that reflect her gentle character.
Designing the Flow of the Hair
Nezuko’s long hair cascades behind her shoulders and down her back. To draw this effectively, extend thick hair strands from the crown of her head outward before curving them downward. The outermost strands can form an elegant S-shaped curve that gives the hair a sense of movement and flow.
Within this shape, add additional layers of hair to show thickness and depth. These inner strands should overlap slightly, creating a more natural appearance rather than a flat or uniform shape. Remember that the hair tips are orange in color, so leave these areas open for future shading or coloring work. When sketching the hair, vary the thickness of the strands to prevent the drawing from appearing too stiff or artificial.
Adding the Ribbon and Muzzle Details
The pink ribbon tied in Nezuko’s hair adds charm and uniqueness to her design. Position the ribbon above her left ear, slightly hidden by the upper layer of hair. Draw the bow with two rounded loops and short trailing ends that hang gently. Add folds and curves within the loops to give the ribbon a soft and realistic texture.
For the bamboo muzzle, finalize its cylindrical shape by adding horizontal lines that suggest surface grooves. These subtle details make the muzzle appear three-dimensional without overwhelming the face. Ensure that the muzzle’s proportions remain balanced with the rest of the facial features. The straps should wrap around the cheeks and pass behind the ears smoothly. Avoid making them too thick or overly detailed to maintain focus on Nezuko’s gentle expression.
Forming the Neck and Shoulders
From beneath the jawline, sketch two short, gentle lines downward to create the neck. Nezuko’s neck is slender and should connect naturally with the base of the head. Extend the shoulders outward with a gentle downward slope, maintaining proportion with the head and neck.
Sketch the basic outline of her kimono collar. The collar forms a V shape at the front and overlaps at the chest. The lines should be smooth and flowing, indicating the softness of the fabric. Do not add patterns or decorations at this stage; focus on the simple form to ensure that the clothing sits naturally on her body. Make sure the shoulders are not too wide, as this can make her figure look less delicate.
Light Cleanup and Refinement
At this stage, go over your drawing and refine the main lines. Use a softer, darker pencil to emphasize the outlines of the eyes, muzzle, hairline, and ribbon. Carefully erase the construction guidelines that are no longer needed, such as the center and horizontal face lines. Smooth out rough edges and adjust any lines that appear uneven or inconsistent.
Use varied line thickness to add depth. For example, the outer contour of the hair and the bamboo muzzle can be slightly thicker, while the facial features remain delicate. Begin light shading under the bangs, along the neck, and around the jawline to suggest subtle shadows. If using a blending tool, softly smudge these areas for smooth transitions. Keep the shading light to avoid overwhelming the sketch at this early stage.
Observing and Adjusting Proportions
Finally, take a moment to review the entire drawing. Check that both eyes are symmetrical and properly aligned, the muzzle sits evenly across the face, and the hair flows naturally. If any element feels unbalanced, make gentle adjustments. Looking at the sketch in a mirror or rotating it can help spot proportion issues that are not immediately obvious.
Be patient with this process, as correcting mistakes early will make the next stages easier and the final result more polished. In the following part of this tutorial series, we will explore how to add texture, refine shadows, and prepare the drawing for inking or color application to bring Nezuko Kamado to life with greater realism and charm.
Enhancing Facial Depth and Expression
Once the basic structure of Nezuko Kamado’s face is in place, the next step is to enhance the sense of depth and emotional expression in the drawing. Nezuko’s charm comes not only from her physical features but also from the subtle emotions reflected in her eyes, eyebrows, and mouth. Start by refining the eyes further, as they are the focal point of her face. Use a softer pencil to gently darken the upper eyelid and thicken the lashes to emphasize her expressive gaze. Keep the line under the eye thinner to maintain her delicate look.
Within the iris, add gradient shading around the upper edges to give the eyes more depth. This can be achieved by gently applying graphite near the top of the iris and blending it downward, leaving the lower part lighter. Carefully darken the pupil and place a small white highlight in the upper region to make her eyes appear lively and moist. Adjust the eyebrows by reinforcing their curve and thickness, depending on the expression you want to convey. A gentle arch with slightly lowered outer ends can suggest sadness or concern, while a straighter line gives her a neutral or calm appearance.
For the mouth area, if you are drawing her without the bamboo muzzle, slightly curve the lips upward or downward based on the mood you wish to capture. When including the bamboo muzzle, enhance its cylindrical form by shading along the sides, creating a subtle gradient that suggests roundness. These adjustments will add depth to her face and make her expression more engaging and realistic.
Texturing Nezuko’s Hair
Nezuko’s long flowing hair is one of her most striking features and requires careful attention to texture and movement. Begin by reinforcing the main strands you sketched earlier. Use curved lines that vary in thickness to create the illusion of hair volume and flow. Thicker lines can define the outermost sections of the hair, while thinner strokes can be used within these areas to suggest individual strands.
To avoid making the hair appear flat, add gentle shading along the hair’s curves. Concentrate darker tones near the scalp and under overlapping layers of hair to create contrast. The sections where the hair folds or curves inward should also receive darker shading, while areas that catch light, such as the top of the head or outer strands, should remain lighter. Keep the flow natural and avoid overly straight or parallel lines, as these can make the hair look rigid.
Nezuko’s hair tips fade into an orange hue, so if you plan to color the drawing later, leave these regions lightly shaded to preserve the space for coloring. You can also use a kneaded eraser to lift some graphite from the ends of the hair, creating a gradual transition that mimics the ombre effect even in black-and-white sketches.
Defining the Bamboo Muzzle and Ribbon
Next, focus on detailing Nezuko’s bamboo muzzle and hair ribbon. The bamboo muzzle should have a clear cylindrical form with visible grooves running horizontally across its surface. These grooves help suggest the material’s texture and shape. Shade lightly between the grooves to enhance the three-dimensional appearance of the bamboo. Avoid heavy shading, as this can overpower the face’s delicate features.
The straps holding the muzzle in place should follow the contours of her cheeks and wrap around to the back of her ears. These straps require light tension lines that curve naturally with the face. Use soft shading along the edges of the straps to suggest depth without drawing attention away from the main features.
The pink ribbon in Nezuko’s hair can be brought to life with gentle folds and creases that indicate soft fabric. Define the loops and ends of the bow with curved lines that suggest motion and volume. Shading along the inner curves of the loops adds depth and prevents the ribbon from looking flat. Make sure the ribbon’s size remains proportional to the head and does not cover too much of the ear or hair unless you are drawing her from a dramatic angle.
Adding Details to the Kimono Collar
Nezuko’s traditional kimono contributes to the character’s gentle and graceful appearance. While the detailed patterns and textures are added later, it is important to define the collar properly at this stage. The collar forms a soft V shape at the front, overlapping slightly near the center of her chest. Use smooth, flowing lines to draw the folds where the fabric overlaps.
Indicate the thickness of the fabric by adding a second line along the edge of the collar. This line should run parallel to the main outline but remain light to suggest the folded material. Shade lightly along the underside of the collar to imply shadow and volume. If part of the kimono’s sleeve or shoulder is visible in your drawing, sketch simple lines that follow the natural drape of the fabric, avoiding sharp angles or unnatural stiffness.
Creating Light and Shadow
With the structure and details established, begin adding light and shadow to create a sense of volume and depth. Determine the light source direction for your drawing. For example, if the light is coming from the top left, the shadows will fall on the right side of Nezuko’s face, neck, and hair.
Start shading under the hairline where the bangs meet the forehead. Use gentle strokes to create a gradient from dark to light, blending as needed for a smooth transition. Add shadow along the sides of the nose, under the bamboo muzzle, and below the jawline to enhance the three-dimensional form of the face. The neck should have shading under the chin and along the sides to suggest its cylindrical shape.
In the hair, darken the areas behind the ears and under the layers that fall over the shoulders. Use curved strokes that follow the hair’s direction to maintain texture. The kimono collar can also benefit from shading along the folds and under the overlapping sections to imply depth.
Refining the Hair Flow and Movement
To make Nezuko’s hair appear more dynamic, refine the flow and movement of the strands. Add extra lines that branch off from the main hair sections, suggesting smaller clumps of hair that move independently. These extra lines can curl, twist, or wave gently, depending on the pose you are drawing.
Ensure that the hair frames her face naturally, with strands crossing over the cheeks or falling beside the neck without covering important features like the eyes or muzzle. When hair overlaps other elements, such as the ribbon or kimono collar, adjust the line thickness to maintain clarity and separation between layers.
The ends of Nezuko’s hair should look soft and slightly feathery, not blunt or cut off. Use quick, light strokes to taper the tips and add a sense of natural flow. If you are planning to add color later, keep these tips free of heavy shading to preserve the area for orange tinting.
Enhancing the Eyes for Greater Impact
The eyes remain the centerpiece of Nezuko’s expression and deserve further refinement. Darken the outer rim of the iris to create a strong boundary that draws attention. Inside the iris, add subtle shading that radiates from the pupil outward, giving the eye more dimension.
Place additional highlights within the iris to simulate the reflection of light. Multiple highlights can suggest a glossy or moist appearance, which is common in anime art styles. Keep the sclera, or white part of the eye, mostly clean, but add a slight shadow near the top to imply the upper eyelid’s shadow falling over it.
Carefully adjust the eyelashes to make them look natural and not overly thick. The upper lashes can have small extensions that flare out slightly, while the lower lashes remain minimal or even absent, depending on the expression.
Finalizing the Muzzle and Facial Accessories
Before moving on to the next phase, ensure the bamboo muzzle and its accessories are polished. The grooves in the bamboo should be evenly spaced and follow the curve of the cylinder. Add light shadowing on the lower side of the muzzle to suggest roundness.
Check the muzzle straps for consistency in thickness and curvature. They should not look flat or disconnected from the face. Add slight shading along their length to enhance their presence without distracting from the facial features.
For the ribbon, make sure the loops and tails of the bow are clearly defined and shaded appropriately to suggest soft fabric folds. The inner portions of the loops can have slightly darker tones to create depth.
Reviewing the Overall Composition
Take a step back and review the entire drawing for balance and harmony. Check that Nezuko’s eyes are symmetrical and properly aligned. Ensure the bamboo muzzle sits evenly across the face and the hair flows naturally around the head and shoulders. Look for any awkward gaps or overlapping lines that may need correction.
Evaluate the distribution of shading and contrast. Make sure no single area is too dark or too light compared to the rest of the drawing. The composition should feel unified, with all elements contributing to the overall portrayal of Nezuko’s gentle yet strong character.
If necessary, make light adjustments to improve the flow of the hair, the position of the facial features, or the shape of the accessories. Small corrections at this stage can greatly enhance the final result.
Preparing for Inking or Coloring
Once you are satisfied with the refined sketch, you can begin preparing for inking or coloring in the next phase. If you plan to ink the drawing, ensure that all necessary lines are clear and intentional. Remove any remaining construction lines or smudges that could interfere with the inking process.
If you are coloring, make note of areas that will require special attention, such as the orange-tipped hair, the pale pink ribbon, and the subtle blush often seen on Nezuko’s cheeks. Ensure that your shading supports these color transitions by maintaining appropriate light and dark regions.
In the final part of this tutorial series, we will focus on the inking process, adding fine details, and applying color to complete your Nezuko Kamado illustration with vibrancy and depth.
Introduction to Inking Techniques
With the refined sketch of Nezuko Kamado complete, the next step involves inking the drawing to solidify the outlines and prepare the artwork for final detailing and coloring. Inking is essential because it defines the form of the character clearly and sets the foundation for the finishing stages of the illustration. Start by selecting an appropriate inking tool, such as a fine-tipped pen or a brush pen, depending on the style you want to achieve. A fine liner is useful for clean and sharp lines, while a brush pen allows for variation in line thickness and a more dynamic appearance.
Before applying ink to the main drawing, practice your strokes on a separate sheet to warm up and adjust to the pen’s pressure sensitivity. When inking Nezuko’s face, begin with the outer contours and major features such as the eyes, eyebrows, nose, and mouth, or the bamboo muzzle. Use slow, steady motions to ensure smooth lines without shaky edges. Vary the pressure to create thicker lines on the outer edges and finer lines for inner details to add depth and focus.
Inking the Facial Features
Focus on the eyes first, as they are the centerpiece of Nezuko’s expression. Use your pen to carefully outline the shape of the eyes, making the upper lash line slightly thicker to emphasize her wide, expressive gaze. Outline the iris and pupils precisely, leaving any highlight areas blank to preserve their brightness when coloring. Carefully ink the eyebrows, keeping their shape soft and natural to match Nezuko’s gentle character. For the nose, a small single line or dot is enough to suggest its presence without overwhelming the delicate facial structure.
If you choose to draw Nezuko with her bamboo muzzle, outline its cylindrical shape smoothly, ensuring the lines are consistent and not too dark to avoid dominating the face. Ink the horizontal grooves on the bamboo gently to suggest texture. The straps holding the muzzle should also be outlined clearly, following the contours of the cheeks and connecting behind the ears with a natural curve. Avoid over-inking these details, as excessive darkness may disrupt the facial harmony.
Refining the Hair with Ink
Nezuko’s flowing hair is a defining feature of her design and requires careful attention during inking. Begin by outlining the main strands, following the curved lines you sketched earlier. Use a combination of thick and thin lines to create the illusion of volume and movement. Thicker lines can define the outer boundaries of the hair, while thinner lines within these sections suggest individual strands and layers. Allow some strands to overlap and vary in length to maintain a natural appearance.
As you progress down the length of the hair, remember to taper the lines toward the tips, especially near the orange-tinted ends. This tapering will help in the coloring stage by preserving the lightness needed for the gradient effect. Use your pen to add subtle texture within the hair by drawing gentle strokes that follow the hair’s flow. Be careful not to overcrowd the space with too many lines, as this can make the hair look stiff or overly complex.
Outlining the Accessories and Kimono
Nezuko’s accessories, including her ribbon and kimono collar, also need to be cleaned and precisely inked. Outline the ribbon carefully, ensuring that the loops and ends retain their soft and folded appearance. Use thin lines to suggest the fabric’s gentle creases and texture. The inner parts of the loops may require slightly darker lines to indicate shadow and depth, but maintain a light touch to keep the ribbon from appearing too heavy.
For the kimono collar, follow the natural curves of the neckline and shoulders. Ink the edges of the fabric with smooth lines, and add a parallel inner line to suggest thickness. If the kimono’s sleeves or shoulder areas are visible, define their shape with flowing lines that reflect the fabric’s drape. Avoid making these lines too rigid or angular, as Nezuko’s clothing should convey softness and movement. Keep the inking consistent with the rest of the figure to maintain a cohesive style.
Erasing Pencil Lines
Once the ink has dried completely, carefully erase all remaining pencil lines from the drawing. Use a soft eraser to avoid damaging the paper or smudging the ink. Removing the construction lines will reveal a clean, sharp illustration ready for shading or coloring. Take your time during this step to ensure that no faint graphite marks remain, especially in areas like the face and hair where clarity is essential.
After erasing, inspect the drawing for any gaps or inconsistencies in the ink lines. Fill in any missing areas or strengthen weak lines where necessary. This final touch-up ensures that the illustration has a polished and professional appearance before moving on to the next stage.
Preparing for Coloring
With the inking complete and the sketch fully erased, the drawing is now ready for coloring. If you are working traditionally with colored pencils, markers, or watercolors, choose a color palette that reflects Nezuko’s original design. Her hair should transition from dark at the roots to a soft orange at the tips. Her eyes are pale pink with a gentle gradient toward the center. The bamboo muzzle is a light green with subtle grooves, and the ribbon is a soft pink. Her kimono features shades of pink, black, and white with a delicate pattern.
Begin coloring the larger areas first, such as the hair and kimono, to establish the base tones. Apply the colors lightly in layers to build depth and avoid streaks or blotches. For the hair, use darker shades near the scalp and gradually blend into lighter orange hues at the tips. Maintain the hair’s natural flow by coloring in the direction of the strands.
When coloring the face, use soft skin tones and add gentle blush to the cheeks to capture Nezuko’s youthful appearance. Avoid harsh shadows on the face to preserve its smooth and delicate look. The eyes should be colored carefully, with attention to the gradient in the irises and the highlights that give them life. The bamboo muzzle requires light green tones with darker accents in the grooves to create a realistic texture.
Adding Shading and Highlights
Shading is crucial for creating depth and realism in the colored drawing. Determine the direction of your light source and apply shadows accordingly. For example, if the light is coming from the top left, shade the right side of the face, under the chin, and beneath the hair with slightly darker tones. Use a blending tool or soft pencil to smooth the shading and avoid harsh lines.
Add subtle shadows around the eyes, nose, and mouth area to enhance the three-dimensional form of the face. The neck and shoulders should also have gentle shading to suggest curvature and volume. In the hair, deepen the shadows in areas where strands overlap or curve inward. The ribbon can have shading along the folds and inner loops to emphasize its soft fabric texture.
To create highlights, use a white pencil or gel pen to add small touches of light on the hair, eyes, and bamboo muzzle. These highlights can make the drawing appear more vibrant and lively. Apply highlights sparingly to avoid overloading the illustration with bright spots.
Detailing the Kimono Patterns
Nezuko’s kimono features intricate patterns that contribute to her distinctive appearance. Once the base colors and shading are complete, add the patterns carefully to avoid disrupting the overall harmony of the drawing. Use fine-tipped pens or colored pencils to draw the geometric or floral designs on the kimono’s fabric. Keep the patterns consistent with the original design from the anime, but feel free to simplify them if necessary to suit your style.
Ensure that the patterns follow the contours of the fabric folds and maintain perspective. Patterns that stretch or distort unnaturally can break the illusion of depth and realism. Use lighter or darker shades of the base color to integrate the patterns seamlessly into the kimono.
Final Adjustments and Touch-Ups
With the coloring and detailing complete, review the entire illustration for any areas that need refinement. Check the balance of colors, the consistency of shading, and the clarity of outlines. Make minor adjustments as needed to improve the overall composition. If any areas appear too flat or overly dark, correct them with additional shading or highlights.
Consider adding a light background to frame Nezuko and enhance the overall presentation of the drawing. A simple gradient or soft color wash can make the character stand out without distracting from the main figure. Avoid complex or detailed backgrounds that may compete with the focus on Nezuko herself.
Take a final moment to assess the expression and mood of the illustration. Ensure that Nezuko’s gentle strength and innocence are captured through her facial features, posture, and attire. Small tweaks to the eyes, mouth, or hair flow can make a significant difference in conveying the desired emotion.
Photographing or Scanning the Artwork
If you wish to share your finished Nezuko Kamado drawing online or include it in a portfolio, consider photographing or scanning the artwork for digital use. Use natural lighting or a high-quality scanner to capture the colors and details accurately. Edit the digital image only for clarity, such as adjusting brightness or contrast, without altering the original artwork’s integrity.
Save the digital file in a high-resolution format to preserve quality for printing or display. If sharing on social media or art platforms, prepare a smaller version optimized for web viewing while keeping the original file intact for future use.
Reflecting on the Drawing Process
Completing a detailed drawing of Nezuko Kamado offers valuable lessons in character design, anatomy, expression, and rendering techniques. Reflect on the steps you followed and the challenges you encountered. Consider what aspects of the process you found most enjoyable or difficult, such as capturing facial proportions, rendering hair texture, or achieving smooth shading.
Use this reflection to guide future projects, whether drawing other characters from Demon Slayer or creating original designs. Every completed illustration contributes to artistic growth and confidence. Keep notes on the materials and techniques that worked best for you, and experiment with new approaches in your next drawings.
Final Thoughts
Drawing Nezuko Kamado from Demon Slayer requires patience, observation, and practice. Her unique blend of innocence and strength makes her a rewarding subject for artists seeking to improve their skills in anime character illustration. By following this step-by-step guide, you have learned how to construct her facial structure, refine features, add depth through shading, and bring the character to life with inking and coloring.
Remember that mastery comes with repetition and experimentation. Try drawing Nezuko in different poses, expressions, or styles to expand your understanding of her design. Use references from the anime or manga to explore various angles and lighting conditions. Share your work with other artists for feedback and inspiration.
Above all, enjoy the creative process and celebrate your progress as you continue to develop your artistic abilities. Nezuko’s character, with her grace and quiet power, serves as a perfect muse for honing the craft of anime drawing.