Sukuna, the King of Curses from Jujutsu Kaisen, is one of the most iconic anime villains in recent memory. His unique look, complete with intense eyes, sharp features, and mysterious tattoos, makes him a favourite subject for anime artists and fans alike. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced illustrator, this easy-to-follow drawing guide will help you master the art of drawing Sukuna. From his face and expressions to his robes and full-body poses, you’ll learn step by step how to capture Sukuna’s intimidating aura on paper or screen.
Why Draw Sukuna?
Ryomen Sukuna, the malevolent spirit who resides within Yuji Itadori, is one of the standout characters in Jujutsu Kaisen. His cold, arrogant smile and signature markings set him apart visually from other anime antagonists. Artists are drawn to him not just because of his fearsome personality, but because his design is complex, dynamic, and incredibly satisfying to recreate. If you’ve ever wanted to learn how to draw Sukuna in his true form, this tutorial is for you.
Understanding Sukuna’s Iconic Look
Before putting pencil to paper, let’s break down Sukuna’s main design elements:
- Hair: Spiked, swept up and slightly wild. His hairline follows a natural arch.
- Face: Piercing eyes with dark under-eye marks and a smug or sinister expression.
- Tattoos: Black line tattoos run across his forehead, nose, and both cheeks.
- Torso: Muscular upper body with symmetrical curved markings on his shoulders, chest, and arms.
- Clothing: Usually wears a traditional Japanese robe with a modern twist—loose, dark, and flowing.
Drawing Sukuna’s Face Step-by-Step
Step 1: Basic Head Shape
Start with a soft oval or angular shape, slightly pointed at the chin. Add a light horizontal line halfway down the face to position the eyes, and a vertical center line for symmetry.
Step 2: Eyes and Eyebrows
Draw Sukuna’s eyes slightly slanted for that intense glare. His eyebrows are thick, slightly arched, and sit low on the face to emphasise his sinister look.
Step 3: Nose and Mouth
The nose is narrow with a subtle bridge. His mouth is one of the most expressive parts—try drawing it in a smug smirk or twisted grin. That expression says it all.
Step 4: Hair Structure
Use upward, jagged strokes for his spiky hair. The spikes should follow the natural curve of the head but extend outward to make it look voluminous and aggressive.
Step 5: Add the Cursed Marks
The signature facial markings include a thick vertical line down the forehead, crossing with a horizontal one just above the eyebrows, and curving down across the cheeks. Use references for accuracy, as these marks are crucial to Sukuna’s identity.
Step 6: Final Touches
Clean your lines, refine the hair spikes, and make sure the expression is sharp. This step brings your Sukuna face drawing to life.
Drawing Sukuna’s Upper Body
Step 1: Torso and Neck
Sketch a V-shaped torso—broad shoulders, a muscular chest, and a well-defined neck. His physique is lean but powerful.
Step 2: Robe Details
Draw the open collar of his robe, allowing the chest to be exposed. Add folds and layers to the garment to give it depth and realism.
Step 3: Tattooed Chest and Arms
The upper chest has symmetrical curved markings that continue onto his shoulders and biceps. These tattoos are bold and should curve naturally with the muscle lines.
Step 4: Line Refinement
Erase rough lines and strengthen the outlines with ink or a darker pencil. Keep proportions clean and consistent.
Read Also: How Did Sukuna Die?
Full Body Sukuna (Optional)
If you’re feeling confident, take it up a notch by drawing Sukuna’s full stance. Whether seated on a throne or mid-battle, his poses should convey dominance and control. Try a basic standing pose first, then experiment with action poses.
Tips:
- Use dynamic gesture lines to define posture.
- Don’t forget the robes and how they flow with movement.
- Enhance with cursed energy effects or background scribbles.
Colouring Sukuna (Traditional or Digital)
Hair: Pale pink or faded reddish tone.
Skin: Light beige with subtle shadowing.
Tattoos: Jet black.
Eyes: Red or dark crimson with sharp irises.
Clothing: Muted blues, blacks, or deep purples.
For digital art, use layers—one for line art, one for base colours, and several for shadows and highlights. Use a soft brush to blend colours smoothly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Incorrect facial markings: Sukuna’s cursed marks are symmetrical and specific—double-check references.
- Flat expressions: His expressions are always bold and menacing—capture his mood with sharp features.
- Misplaced proportions: Keep the head-to-body ratio realistic; don’t make the shoulders too small.
Drawing Resources and Inspiration
To master your Sukuna drawing, it’s helpful to explore:
- Manga Panels: Particularly from Jujutsu Kaisen Chapter 116 and Chapter 268 for facial references.
- Anime Screenshots: Crisp, animated expressions to study lighting and angles.
- Fan Art Platforms: Check out DeviantArt, Pinterest, and Instagram for fresh style ideas.
Read More: How Old is Sukuna?
Final Thoughts
Drawing Sukuna can be a rewarding challenge, especially if you’re a fan of the Jujutsu Kaisen universe. His fierce design, paired with intricate facial tattoos and bold expressions, makes him a great subject for both beginner and advanced artists. Don’t stress over perfection—what matters most is practising consistently and enjoying the creative process. With time, you’ll be able to recreate Sukuna in any style you want—sketched, inked, or digitally painted.
FAQs About Drawing Sukuna
Q: Can beginners draw Sukuna?
Yes! Start with the face and work your way up. Focus on structure first, then details.
Q: Is digital or traditional drawing better?
Both work well. Digital offers more control and easier editing, while traditional improves precision.
Q: What’s the easiest pose to begin with?
Try a headshot or chest-up portrait with a calm but intimidating expression.
Q: How do I get the tattoos right?
Use official manga panels as reference. Practice them separately until you’re confident.