How I learned to draw better faces in a week

I wanted to finally learn to draw pretty faces, so I sat down and did six days (non consecutively, I need rest ofc) of studies to learn how. I'm surprised at how well this training regime went, so I decided to share it!

The details to recreate my pencil and brush for free is also provided in the Gumroad links. But you can also buy it if you want to support my channel!

00:00 - Intro
00:43 - How my faces look right now
01:12 - Asaro rotation chart
02:21 - Skull rotation
03:24 - Why learn to draw appealing faces?
04:00 - Drawing from reference
04:42 - Eyes
06:50 - Style study - frog
08:12 - Style study - Yoneyama Mai 米山 舞
09:18 - Style study - Mika Pikazo ミカ ピカゾ
10:19 - Style study - 82pigeon
11:13 - Final Drawing

Resources:

Edited by @chashuu0

BGM

[hexproof]

I'm 32 years old... due to certain personal issues, I got a suggestion by my therapist... the idea was to pick an activity I've never done before, hopefully something that appeals to creativity. Well, I chose drawing. It's been 3 amazing weeks! Just found out about your channel and will definetely take a look at all your videos!

[DiceTwenty]

I am absolutely guilty of delaying face studies. I think this is the sign I should stop running from my responsibilities. Thanks Pikat, wish me luck.

[zeeyeds]

We saw pikat become a art god before gta 6

[thederpydude]

"I thought I wasn't able to draw detailed art. Turns out, I just never really tried." ( 12:06 )

That is probably one my favorite things to experience when drawing, or doing anything in life, tbh. I definitely wanna seek that experience more often. It can be easy to get discouraged, especially if you're struggling to define success with your art, but I think it can be so valuable to aim for a positive experience like that.

[AINEET]

The progression on the thumbnail tells me it was worth it

[Rick-rlqq]

One thing I have found from drawing not only from other artists, but from portraits as well is that you will make PERMANENT progress! It might just be one thing or two at the beginning, but as you become more advanced, you'll learn quicker and more. I have found that taking certain elements from the artists you like is a way to boost and build your own style!

[cupley]

I love that you always go out of your way to add your eyebags while still maintaining AND encouraging such a good mindset and outlook on art. It couldn't be more relatable, and I enjoy your videos so much.

[heph]

I instantly recognized the "mysterious frogs" art, I love her art so much!

[Sketchchess]

I’m gonna be completely honest, no matter which channels I watched, I always found that art tips were so inaccessible because they give very broad advice. But I’m a huge fan of your videos because they show the process of improvement and they give the whole journey, not just the high points. Best art channel!

[snivy]

I can't force myself to draw boxes or skulls or a blank face over and over and over again... it's torture for my adhd brain.

[code_Rei]

my adrenaline is going crazy
why is my heart pumping from watching an art tutorial

[Dalln]

I like how this video shows that getting good is about practice and study not just YT art magic tricks

[isa_r]

I am an 12 year old artist about to turn 13, and the skull thing actually helped me a TON, simplified heads now make so much sense in my head that I was like, in disbelief, staring at the model on the screen as everything clicked lol. But thanks for the tip !

[trasher]

I hope i did not sound weird but i love the way pikat speaks, she sounds really sweet

[Stigmatikk]

Are you me lol

82pigeon is my biggest inspo for anime art and actually reignited my interest in the style. I have done many a style study based off her work.

I also had an issue not drawing the eyes fully in perspective and when I finally figured that out, it was the epiphany I needed to level up my art.

[TaurusVibez]

Here are a couple things I've learned on what can make faces more appealing: (note: appeal can vary from person to person. I'm sharing what I've learned.)

1. Analyze the space between each section of the face (hairline to brow, brow to nose, nose to chin). I learned the "cat theory" from Zeronis in his Class 101 class where he highlighted the proportions of a cat (large forehead to nose area, smaller nose to chin) and applied it to a human face. It resulted in a more appealing face.
2. Analyze the size of the facial features relative to each other. For example, in anime, the eyes are LARGE and the rest of the facial features are small. In more realistic faces, the facial features are pretty much the same size.
3. Analyze the ways facial features are simplified. I don't know what it is, but simplifying things just has a certain appeal to it. When looking at different styles, the more realistic the subject, the more information is indicated such as structure, form, perspective, details, etc. For more stylized work, it's often a lot simpler and shape design driven.

I hope this helps! 😄

[mechabunnyzilla]

As someone who had a strong burn out from illustrating in general, I appreciate so so so much you sharing your learning process. It's not only motivating but also a learning experience! I just went to follow the artists you mentioned in here and I got a lot of practice to do!
Amazing progress btw, keep it up!

[Rumplitschka]

You're right to be proud, this is amazing very wholesome to see your progress, as someone who is just getting back into drawing i appreciate the insight on your style analysis immensly. 😊

[Neonlit_stage]

My ass never actually properly studied anatomy out of stubbornness, making it so I instead would mostly only draw sonic stuff
which my shading, and artistic eye/observation skills improved, I'm definitely struggling with perspective and intricate anatomy
getting to watch your video made me think about what I could do to improve a lot so I gotta thank you for it!

[ripcoil]

1:23 I know that head!! That's my buddy and I had no idea he got scanned, and to my surprise to see a familiar face, and head, in this video! Great video too!!!