Basic Expressions
The basic expression of joy, the smile, lifts the corners of the mouth and firms up the cheeks. It’s an expression that communicates good will, a sense of security and an absence of animosity.
▶ Symbolic expressions
▶ Flow of expression
A smiling face can depict a smile or a laugh. Refer to the explanation “The difference between smiling and laughing” in the Discussion on Page 25.
Expressing a smile
A smile is used for communication with other people and conveys an absence of animosity and a sense of security. It can also be said that an open grin works to dispel a conversation partner’s wariness.
Expressing a laugh
If laughter continues, it can become painful and cause an agonized expression. Adding in the movement of the body, such as doubling over with laughter and holding the stomach, renders the expression more effective.
▶ Various expressions of joy
While “joy” is an all-encompassing term for expressions of happiness, it takes various forms. Two examples are “a slowly lifting mood” and “a brave smile.”
A slowly lifting mood
This smile expresses the pause of a few seconds between a happy occurrence and recognition that it has occurred.
A brave smile
This smile is an expression of self-confidence while looking someone squarely in the eye as a display of power.
SmilingA smile is an expression that creates a light, gentle impression. Of all the expressions that indicate joy, it is one of the more emotionally low-key. It is a go-to choice of expression for depicting parental affection or when a character doesn’t want to cause discomfort or difficulty.
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Create a gentle appearance by not making the mouth and eyes too big. As it is a smiling expression, the cheeks lift together with the corners of the mouth and the lower eyelids lift also, making the eyes slightly narrow. A smile can also be expressed with the eyes and mouth closed in a happy grin.
Enjoyment and DelightEnjoyment and delight have more subtle registers, revealing themselves slightly as facial expressions. They are used in illustration for expressions of unrestrained joy such as the pleasure and delight experienced when good friends are hanging out together or when a goal has been achieved.
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In the moment of encountering something pleasurable or experiencing delight, the eyebrows lift and the eyes open as they would when surprised. Afterward, the expression changes to a happy smile and the cheeks flush with pleasure, depending on the exact moment to be captured. Lifting the corners of the mouth to make it open wider is a standard method of creating an innocent expression.
Variations
▶ Anticipation
This expression conveys the expectation of something positive happening. The characters are imagining that something enjoyable is about to happen, so their eyes are sparkling and they are smiling.
▶ In high spirits
This expression is used when something enjoyable happens or something makes characters happy to the point that they grin uncontrollably. It evokes a heart full to the brim with emotion.
Expression Ideas Scrapbook: Joy
LaughterWe all know the various scenarios where laughter breaks out, rippling through an audience watching a funny movie or isolated in pockets among large gatherings of friends. No matter what prompts it, all manga artists need to master drawing faces twisted and contorted with joy.
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One of the basics for conveying laughter is depicting an open mouth. The shape of the eyebrows changes depending on the intensity of the laugh. The more enthusiastic the laughter, the lower the ends of the brows get, resembling the brows on a troubled face. On a regular laughing face, the brows are raised up, while on a kind laughing face, they form a gentle curve.
Variations
▶ Stifling a laugh
These expressions indicate stifling laughter in situations that call for quiet or where it would be rude to laugh. The brows and cheeks are taut from restraint while the mouth loosens to form the expression of laughter. Adding a shaking effect also works well to indicate the effort to stifle the laugh.
▶ Laughter escaping
This expression shows what happens when laughter can no longer be contained. Drawing the mouth slightly open evokes the image of air—and laughter—escaping from tightly closed lips.
▶ Suggestive laughter
This type of unconscious laughter emanates from thoughts about one’s own (evil) schemes. Even when no scheming is involved, a grin may be used as a bluff.
References: Plotting (Page 162)
DISCUSSION The Relationship Between a Character’s Personality and Expressions
Although “laughter” is a universal expression, it manifests differently depending on the character’s personality. Energetic characters laugh with their mouths wide open; subdued characters laugh quietly without opening their mouths wide, meaning that characters’ personalities can be conveyed via their expressions. Furthermore, cool characters may laugh using expressions other than that of traditional “laughter.”
Hearty LaughterHearty laughter spills out when someone is unable to control or contain her amusement. Of all the expressions of joy, it’s the boldest or most obvious, and is often used to express an exaggerated, uncontrollable reaction.
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When depicting an outbreak of uncontrollable, hearty laughter, troubled brows play a key role. This is laughter that can’t be restrained, and the more intense it gets, the more difficult it is to draw breath, leading to the tautening of the brows so that they appear troubled. Adding tears around the eyes increases the appearance of pain from laughing.
Variations
▶ Crying from laughter
This expression depicts tears forming from laughing too hard, with a smiling face as the base to which lowered brows are added. When laughing to an extreme, the face uses different muscles from a typical run-of-the-mill laugh, which can cause tears to form in the same way as they may when yawning. Adding tears makes it easy to convey the intensity of the character’s laughter.
DISCUSSION Using the Body to Express Emotion
Using not only the face but the whole body is effective for depicting expression. Build up your understanding of this by watching situations in movies or TV shows where the actors are laughing. The following examples show overreactions, where tears emphasize the magnitude of the laughter.
DISCUSSION The Difference Between Smiling and Laughing
Facial expressions can be created intentionally in order to communicate with others or appear as the result of emotions welling up. Let’s look at the overall facial expression of smiling as an example. This expression can be divided broadly into smiling and laughing.
▶ A smile
A smile is a facial expression that one summons to communicate a positive feeling to others, showing that no harm is intended and that a feeling of familiarity is desired. Even for those who are not studying acting, a smile is a facial expression that should be easy to conjure. In the same way as using language, a smile is an expression created in order to communicate with others, made of one’s own volition.
▶ A laugh
Have you ever laughed so hard that you became short of breath? It can get so bad that the muscles stiffen and cause you to fall over. A laugh happens as a reaction to something amusing, such as watching a comedian or a skit. Within the range of emotions and expressions, some can be controlled and others cannot. Sometimes it’s not possible to control laughter. Keep these points in mind when drawing expressions.
Anger is a threat and an emotion that is directed at others. It is often emphasized by being depicted through distortion or symbolic expression, in order to make the emotion easier to read.
▶ Distorted expressions
▶ Flow of expression
▶ Depicting expressions in different situations
There are various ways to depict anger depending on the situation. Here, we use caricaturized eyes and symbolic expression as examples.
IrritationIrritation often accompanies other negative emotions, such as anger, panic and unease, swirling around in the mind before manifesting themselves physically. If no other person is present in the situation, it may resemble an annoyed expression, while if others are present it may come across as a slight glare.
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The basic expression involves wrinkles forming between the brows and the eyes and the brows drawing closer together in a frown. Anger is being stored up, with the jaw clenching unconsciously and tension forming around the mouth.
Variations
▶ Getting into a huff
This expression of discomfort appears only for an instant after hearing or seeing something that provokes anger.
▶ Laughing while angry
This expression shows a laughing or smiling face being taken over by pent-up anger. It is often used as a humorous device.
Expression Ideas Scrapbook: Anger
RageAn expression of rage can contain an edge of threat to it. In order to convey that sense of aggression, the expression is often drawn in an overly exaggerated manner. In some cases, the expression turns inward, if the character is displeased or angry with himself.
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Raising the brows and eyes is a standard expression of rage. The severity or intensity of the rage varies depending on how wide the mouth is open. Creating the look of a slightly clenched jaw evokes the impression of anger that is still but barely being suppressed.
Variations
▶ Fuming
This is used as a comical expression to convey milder, low-grade anger. The puffed-out cheeks make for an expression that is angry yet still soft.
▶ Tears of anger
This expression depicts rage building to the point of tears. Some people simply cry, while others fume and start crying the more angry they get.
▶ Quiet rage
This expresses anger building inside while looking down and away from someone who there is no need to threaten, or facing someone whom isn’t worth worrying about.
▶ Glaring
This expression shows a gaze directed straight at the other party. It is often used as an expression of rage, but can be used to indicate other emotions too.
References: Jealousy (Page 96)
DISCUSSION Rage in a Character with Droopy Eyes
Often, it is not only the brows but also the eyes that are raised to express rage. However, in characters with droopy eyes, care must be taken as simply raising the eyes may change the appearance of the face to the extent that they no longer look like themselves. Of course, raising the eyes does create an angrier expression, so this method may be used depending on the situation.
FuryFury is the expression of rage mounting to the point of explosion, with screaming, sputtering, venting and other behavior that lets off steam. It is the transformation of rage, which is intended to be threatening, to a “couldn’t care less” attitude strongly taken out on the other person.
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Bringing the wrinkles between the brows firmly together strongly expresses fury. The mouth is open wide to complain, yell or otherwise make noise. All sense of calm has been lost along with the ability to reason and consider others. Drawing the brows and eyes pulled firmly up in a slightly exaggerated way makes for a stronger expression of rage.
Maybe your character’s pondering a tragic situation or has just received bad news. Maybe she just got fired! Devastation sets in, an expression of sadness creeping into the eyes and edging into the rest of the face. Unless your characters have the gift of eternal bliss, it’s essential to know the nuances of sadness.
▶ Distorted expressions
▶ Flow of expression
▶ Depicting expressions in different situations
When something unfortunate has happened
This expression incorporates the stylized downhearted eyebrows that symbolize sadness. Of all the expressions of sadness, this is one that shows it to a lesser degree. It is an expression of slight emotion used for communication when someone else is present. Exaggerated expressions do not form when alone.
Expression after hearing of a sad occurrence
Sad occurrences are never wished for. Sometimes, the expression of accepting the truth resembles a reaction of surprise. In the stage before emotions overflow, the expression does not reflect forbearance, but rather shows the negative feelings being processed as the character absorbs the impact of the news.
The expression of anguish as tears start to fall
This expression shows emotion building and tears falling. Once emotion overflows, it’s difficult to hold back. Trying to stop sobbing doesn’t work, resulting in an expression of anguish.
When emotions can’t be held back
This expression shows emotion building to the point where it can no longer be held back and tears cannot be stopped. Once sobbing starts and tears start to fall, they cannot be stopped for a while. Continued crying is followed by a feeling of relaxation and, once the tears stop, a feeling of release.
DepressionDepression’s accompanying lack of vitality causes spirits to sink, with negative emotions such as sadness, loneliness and uncertainty all weighing on the mind. Getting at the source of your character’s emotional discomfort will help you to fine-tune the expression.
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Lowering the brows and corners of the mouth and casting the eyes down creates the look of negative feelings. Using symbols such as sighs and sweat can also be effective.
Sadness and LonelinessLoneliness is an expression that forms when sadness and isolation begin to surface. Tears do not form, but a subtle sense of solitary suffering is clearly communicated.
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The standard way to depict this expression is to lower the brows and slightly narrow the eyes to convey that they are not bright and clear. Firmly closing the mouth is also effective for creating the expression of trying to endure sadness and loneliness.
CryingAs sadness mounts, tears well up in the eyes and the “waterworks” start. Sadness is the emotion that obviously triggers tears, but various other feelings may come into play to result in tears of regret, tears of happiness and so on. Here, we will mainly be looking at tears of sadness.
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When spirits are low, the brows, eyes and corners of the mouth turn down. The greater the tension between the brows and around the mouth, the stronger the feeling of sadness appears. Teardrops forming in the outer corners of the eyes and lines of tears running down the face are standard ways to depict tears.
Variations
▶ Crying from happiness
Tears do not form only in times of sadness. There are many scenarios where they can be used, such as passing an exam, receiving a positive response to a declaration of affection, or welcoming a loved one back unharmed.
References: Being Moved to Tears (Page 50)/Being Moved (Page 144)
▶ A trail of tears
Tears running down the cheek in a single line can make an attractive impression. Sobbing is audible, with emotion used to plead one’s case. However, even when patiently bearing and suppressing emotion, it can be impossible to control a trail of tears. As they can be perceived as tears not intended for public display, they are particularly moving.
DISCUSSION Loss of Spirit
This expression depicts the stage beyond sadness when motivation has been lost. The eyes appear empty and the facial features are all downcast.
Expressions when unmotivated
Sometimes a loss of spirit brings emotions to the face involuntarily. Regardless of the expression, the eyes appear hollow and the gaze does not settle.
SobbingSobbing is an expression of being unable to stop an overflow of sadness, such as being unable to hold back tears, giving up on holding back tears or feeling relieved after releasing tears. It’s often used to show the force of a character’s emotions in situations such as venting to someone or crying in public.
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Often, when trying to hold back tears, the face is turned down in order to conceal the expression, but when vocalizing as happens when someone is sobbing, the chin is raised. The wide-open mouth, tense brow area and tightly squeezed or narrowed eyes scrunch up the face. Some people’s faces also turn red when they are worked up.
Variations
▶ Crying from anger
Once anger peaks, tears may form due to the heightening of emotion.
▶ Being moved to tears
People shed tears when they are moved. Adding tears to the expression of being moved emphasizes the depth of emotion.
References: Crying from Happiness (Page 46)/Being Moved (Page 144)
Expression Ideas Scrapbook: Sadness
Surprise is an expression in reaction to something unexpected happening. When surprised, it is as if the facial features elongate and the eyes and mouth open wide. Raising the eyebrows makes for a realistic look.
▶ Distorted expressions
▶ Flow of expression
▶ Expressions preceding surprise
Dazed expression
This expression appears at the stage when trying to process a lot of information to understand what has happened. At this point when the brain is struggling to get up to speed with sudden events, the eyes open up wide.
Recognizing a dangerous situation
This is the expression created at the moment of vocalizing surprise (“huh?” “eh?” etc). Breath is inhaled inadvertently when uttering noises, so draw the mouth to appear rigidly set in order to communicate surprise.
▶ Distorted expressions of surprise
Slightly distorted expression
Allowing the essential elements of each facial feature to remain but drawing them to be much larger creates an expression of surprise. Making the irises smaller is also effective.
Significantly distorted expression
Facial features are stretched vertically, far beyond their original form. As for the expression of anger “exploding with rage” (Page 27), making the irises mere pinpricks results in a comic effect.
AstonishmentThis expression appears only fleetingly. Apart from being used for reactions to unforeseen events, it can also be used alongside expressions of fear in heart-pounding or mysterious scenarios.
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Raised brows, wide-open eyes and a wide-open mouth are the basics of this expression. The body may shift up or backward when surprised, so keep this in mind to reinforce the expression. Use of symbolic expressions such as those for sweat or being startled is also effective.
TremblingTrembling occurs when someone is shaken up or jolted by an intense experience. It’s often used to indicate being unable to remain calm, such as in situations where one’s secret is about to be uncovered or when someone guesses exactly what one is thinking.
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While in some cases the eyes open wide in an expression similar to surprise and it’s obvious that the character is shaken up, trembling can also be rendered so that the character appears quite calm but is panicking on the inside. It’s an expression that can be quite different depending on the character’s personality and situation.
Variations
▶ Being startled
This expression is one of realization. Adding focus lines and symbols of surprise to an expression of astonishment makes it clearer.
▶ Heart skipping a beat/being alarmed
This expression captures the moment when something shameful or embarrassing is revealed or the character is being singled out. It is similar to the expression of being startled, but differentiation can be achieved by adding symbols for sweat or turning pale to indicate the shock of being found out.
▶ Becoming flustered
This expression conveys being unable to settle down after a sudden event. An open mouth indicates a flustered state, with sweat symbols also being effective.
DISCUSSION An Expression Changing from Surprise to Concern
Sometimes an expression changes from one of being surprised by something to one of panic or worry.
ShockSurprise, rage and sadness combine to form the expression of shock. From a momentary expression of surprise, the expression changes, modulating as the reaction to the shock is absorbed and processed.
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When the emotion mixed with shock is one of anger, the brows lift, while if it is one of sadness, the brows lower. It is common to express the degree of shock via the number of lines that depict turning pale or the amount of shadow on the face.
Variations
▶ “Oh, my goodness!”
This is also an expression of shock with exaggerated movement and facial features.
DISCUSSION Depicting the Pupils
Human pupils contract in bright situations and dilate in darkness. However, they also contract and dilate depending on emotions, dilating in frightening, exciting or surprising situations. This is true of real life, but when creating manga, anime and other such illustrations, it’s common to make the pupils smaller to express surprise, for reasons such as:
• It depicts pupils getting smaller in reaction to light being allowed in when the eyes are open wide.
• The tendency is to draw the irises to be smaller in expressions where the eyes are open wide, with the result that the pupils within the irises are also smaller.
There may be other reasons too, but regardless, it seems to be widely accepted that the pupils should be made small in expressions of surprise. In pictures and illustrations, it’s possible to express things that cannot happen in reality. For example, substituting hearts for eyes when a character is in love, completely leaving out the pupils and irises. Don’t get too weighed down by reality, but rather feel free to express your own ideas in your drawing.
Expression Ideas Scrapbook: Surprise
Dislike can be seen as the flip side of relief. Letting dislike show on the face is a sign that there is no risk or danger present. The area between the brows tenses, but unlike in the expression of anger, the emotion does not take over the face.
▶ Distorted expressions
▶ Flow of expression
▶ Depicting expressions in different situations
Concealing repulsion
Although hiding one’s true emotions, the feeling of disgust is not entirely concealed in this expression. If aversion is not revealed in a troubled look, it tends to manifest itself in a misshapen smile.
Tolerating feelings of repulsion
When it’s not possible to escape a repulsive situation, an expression of forbearance forms.
Screaming from repulsion
As the object of disgust draws nearer, the character screams in an effort to attract help. If the character doesn’t even want to see the object of disgust, the eyes will be squeezed tightly shut.
Troubled by something repulsive
When it’s not possible to fend off the object of disgust, a troubled expression forms on the face. Try using easily understandable symbols to express this.
TroubledA troubled expression is the state one step before repulsion takes hold, so if it’s overdone, this expression begins to resemble repulsion instead. It’s best used to capture the state of confusion at receiving sudden and unsettling news.
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Lowered brows and lowered corners of the mouth are the fundamentals of this expression. Altering some facial features enables the expression of complicated emotions, such as raising the brows to indicate distrust and forcing the mouth into a fake smile to express repulsion.
RepulsionRepulsion is an open expression of dislike. It’s ideal for situations that require unpleasant emotion to be clearly communicated, such as when feeling abhorrence or awkwardness.
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Wrinkles of tension between the brows are the foundation for this expression. It is usual to narrow the eyes, creating tension between the brows, and when also expressing rage, the gaze can be rendered as a fierce glare directed toward another party.
LoathingSomething like a mix of repulsion and rage forms an expression of loathing. The sources of loathing are varied—resentment, jealousy and humiliation, to name a few—and its subtle registers require practice to get it just right.
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The basic expression of loathing involves wrinkles of tension forming between the brows, muscles straining around the eyes and directing a glare at the other party. Adding shadow in the face and lines resembling bags under the eyes allow the degree of loathing to be emphasized.
Variations
▶ Instinctive dislike
This expression conveys a physiological dislike, expressed by the brows and mouth twisted out of shape.
▶ Murderous intentions
Repulsion and loathing mix to create the expression of murderous intentions. Strongly focused eyes reinforce the sense of animosity and hatred.
DISCUSSION Using the Brush to Draw Background Digital Effects
Various types of brushes can be selected from the Decoration Tool to add crosshatching and other effects.
Feelings of fear can stem from negative experiences in the past, or be triggered by witnessing or experiencing something frightening. When faced with something for the first time, the expression takes on a look of uncertainty, the person unsure whether to be scared or not.
▶ Distorted expressions
▶ Flow of expression
▶ Depicting expressions in different situations
A frozen smile
Incomprehensible fear dulls the body’s responses, making it difficult to properly express emotion.
Feelings of fear and animosity
This expression shows the character fighting back fear and threatening the other party. The brows and mouth stiffen and do not alter much in shape, contrasting with the wide-open eyes.
Distorted expression of fear
Vertical blue lines representing turning pale are effective in depicting negative emotions such as feelings of fear. They can also be incorporated into expressions in reaction to something being off color, so simply adding them to a troubled face can be effective.
Horror-film style
Opening the mouth wide, dropping the chin and emphasizing that something abnormal is occurring without worrying about how much it alters the character’s appearance makes for a horror-film-like expression. Even in reality, people can change radically in appearance during a frightening experience. Negative emotions tend to alter people’s looks.
AfraidThe feeling of being afraid occurs just before fear, and the facial expression reflects that mounting apprehension. Of all the expressions of fear, this is the most subdued. It’s often used to convey the apprehension that something bad is about to happen.
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Wrinkles gathered between the brows and the searching gaze give the impression of a lack of confidence and of looking for help. Adding downcast movement and sweat symbols is also effective.
Variations
▶ Feeling fainthearted
This expression shows that there is already something to be afraid of. The unsteady gaze and hunched-over stance express trepidation.
▶ Unease
Frightening events or future concerns create an expression of unease. It can also be used when worrying about another person.
Expression Ideas Scrapbook: Afraid
DISCUSSION Changing the Shape of the Brush
The nuance or thickness of the lines used in drawing can alter the feel of the expression. In Clip Studio Paint, the form of lines drawn in the Vector Layer can be readily altered afterward.
Select the lines drawn in the Vector Layer by searching for “Object” in the Tool Palette.
After selecting the lines you want to alter, click on “Brush Shape” in the Tool Properties window and select the brush you want to use from the dropdown menu. You can change the thickness of the line by altering the “Brush Size.”
If you cannot find the brush shape you want from the dropdown menu, select the desired subtool and click on the Subtool Details window to get to Brush Shape and then to Preset Records, where it will be displayed.
PanickedA panicked expression arises from jumbled thoughts when things don’t go as planned. Confusion leads to restless movement and awkwardness, and the character starts to break out in a sweat. It can be used in situations where actions can’t keep pace with thoughts and things are going round in circles without achieving clarity or resolution.
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This expression is often rendered by clustering wrinkles between the brows and opening the mouth as if to say what’s on one’s mind. Using a wavy line for the mouth suggests attempting to say something but being unable to get the words out. Dishevelled hair and trickling, flying drops of sweat build further on the sense of emotion.
TerrorThe expression of terror results in a stiff, cramped-looking face. It’s a good expression to have in your facial toolkit, especially if your character has a brush with the supernatural or, even worse, is facing imminent death.
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Tension forms in the brows and the eyes open wide to prepare for danger in the basic expression of terror. Depicting strain in the mouth and cheeks as well makes it even easier to communicate the air of terror.
Variations
▶ Screaming in terror
A scream from terror is formed by combining expressions of surprise and fear. The mouth opens wide to release the loud scream.
▶ Losing oneself in terror
This expression is used when there are no means of running away from the terror or when stress builds to such a level that thoughts become scrambled in an attempt at escaping from it. The gaze is unsteady and the face takes on a haggard appearance, but extraneous emotions or laughter may also emerge. The brows lift and the eyes open as if the facial muscles are being pulled out and away from the face. Increasing lines around the eyes to form hollows heightens the haggard, crazed look.
References: Madness (Page 160)
EXPERT TIPS
Using Body Parts to Express Emotions
The expression of emotion is not limited to the face. Using the hands, shoulders and other body parts allows for a stronger expression of emotion. The hair can also be used to portray emotion. In reality, hair’s movement is not determined by emotion, but try making use of it as a device unique to illustration and visual storytelling.
▶ Method of expression
Let’s look at the example of “surprise.” The facial expression may be the same, but incorporating hair, hands and shoulders enhances the emotion and adds nuances.
▶ Using the shoulders
Emotion can be emphasized by moving the shoulders up or down, making them stiffen and so on. Here are some examples of how to incorporate shoulders into expressions.
▶ Hand gestures
The entire body is used to convey emotion, not just the face. Some characters “talk with their hands,” using gestures to eloquently express their thoughts and feelings.
▶ Incorporating the hair
The entire body is used to convey emotion, not just the face. Some characters “talk with their hands,” using gestures to eloquently express their thoughts and feelings.
