How Do You Draw Anime Wings?

By Rick Feathers

Anime wings are one of the most versatile things to draw because it is all fantasy and whatever you can imagine with your creative mind will work but having a foundation of wing design is essential.

The best way to draw wings is to first observe and study the wings on birds, bats and insects. Like the human anatomy wings have a certain structure and dynamics. For example, the end of a birds wing always flair out into one long feather while near the body they are layered like shingles on a roof.

Start practicing by drawing just wings of birds from a book, focus on the way they spread out and how they gather next to the body. Use tracing paper as a tool to help you understand the pattern and feather transition.

The secret of wings and feathers is the pattern and how they layer on each other.

Think of the wings as though you are writing your name in script or cursive. There is a certain flow that takes place. Wings are the same, once you understand the flow which is mainly loops, hooks and plenty of curves layering on each other (like drawing a bunch of swords from one pivoting point), then it's just a matter of shading to add texture and dimensional depth.

Also look at the wing structure of a bat, which is easier because it's only skin connected to a skeletal structure. They are basically just simple shapes that are smooth and gather like leather or thick clothe when closed.

Insects, the butterfly for example, they come in various shapes, colors and designs. These are great for designing fairy wings. Take time to look at biology books and study the wings of a grasshopper, beetle and other insects that fly.

Your manga drawings have a certain style and character attitude so design a set of wings that will fit the characters personality. This is a chance to be creative it’s not limited to any other drawing.

The trick is to not be overwhelmed by the idea of fancy and pretty wings but to follow the basic structure and design of how a wing is formed.