Step-by-step illustration: how to create expressions with only 3 lines

Did you know that you can convey emotions with just a few strokes?

Step 1: Draw a base face.
Start with a simple face shape: it can be a circle, an oval or a basic silhouette. You don't need to add details, the important thing is that you have a neutral template where you can try different expressions.
Tip: leave enough space to place eyebrows, eyes and mouth.

Step 2: Draw two straight eyebrows.
Draw two horizontal lines on top of the face shape. These lines represent the eyebrows, and their position or inclination will begin to suggest emotions.
You can try long, short, straight or angled strokes.

Step 3: Modify the inclination of the eyebrows.
Eyebrows slanted up in the center usually express worry or sadness. Tilted downward in the center, they generate feelings of anger, effort or concentration.
Make various combinations and observe how the emotion conveyed by the face changes.

Step 4: Add eyes and a line for the mouth.
Add two dots or single strokes for the eyes and a curved line for the mouth. No more is needed for your character to start expressing clear emotions.
A curved line upwards can indicate joy. Downward, sadness. A straight line can communicate neutrality, seriousness or even discomfort.

Step 5: Compare results.
Make several versions of the face changing only the shape and position of the three lines (eyebrows and mouth). Compare and classify according to the emotion you perceive: anger, doubt, enthusiasm, tiredness, surprise, among many others.
This exercise allows you to see how, with minimal elements, you can communicate a lot.

Do you want to keep exploring?
Master more techniques of expression, portrait or character design with the illustration courses at Domestika.