“What would I look like as an anime character?” — it’s one of the most Googled questions about anime art and AI. The answer used to require hiring an artist or spending hours in Photoshop. Now it takes about 10 seconds.
This guide shows you exactly how to turn yourself into anime, which styles look best for different face types, and how to get a result you’ll actually want to use as your profile picture.
How to Anime Yourself in 3 Steps
Step 1: Pick a Good Selfie
The quality of your anime version depends on the source photo. Here’s what works best:
- Clear face — no sunglasses, no hats covering your forehead
- Good lighting — natural daylight or soft indoor light, avoid heavy shadows
- Face the camera — front-facing or a slight angle works best
- Higher resolution — more detail = better anime conversion
If your best selfie is a bit low-res, you can upscale it first before converting.
Step 2: Upload to Drawever’s Anime Tool
Go to drawever.com/ai/photo-to-anime and drag your selfie into the upload area. No account needed to start — you get 10 free credits instantly.
Choose from 6 anime styles:
| Style | Best For |
|---|---|
| Anime | Classic anime look — works on almost everyone |
| Ghibli | Warm, hand-painted Ghibli aesthetic |
| Manga | Black-and-white ink style with dramatic shading |
| Comic | Bold, western comic book style |
| 3D | Pixar-like volumetric rendering — great for profile pics |
| Realistic | Subtle anime touch that keeps you very recognizable |
Step 3: Adjust, Edit, and Download
Use the intensity slider to control how “anime” you look:
- 20-30% — You still look like yourself with an anime tint
- 50% — The sweet spot for most people
- 80-100% — Full anime character transformation
Not perfect? Hit the Edit button and type what you want changed: “Make the eyes bigger,” “Add a smile,” or “Change the background to a sunset.” The AI applies your edit in seconds.
Download your anime self in high resolution.
Which Anime Style Should You Choose?
The best style depends on what you want:
Want to look like a real anime character? → Go with Anime. It’s the classic look with big expressive eyes, clean linework, and vibrant colors. Most people start here.
Want a cozy, artistic vibe? → Ghibli gives you the warm, hand-painted aesthetic from Studio Ghibli films. Softer edges, earth tones, and that nostalgic atmosphere.
Want something dramatic? → Manga converts you into black-and-white manga art with ink shading and detailed crosshatching. Perfect if you want to look like a manga panel.
Want maximum realism? → Realistic keeps most of your actual features while adding subtle anime styling. Ideal if you want to stay recognizable but with an anime edge.
Want a gaming avatar? → 3D renders you as a 3D character, similar to a Pixar or modern game cutscene. Popular for Discord avatars and gaming profiles.
Anime Me for Different Occasions
Profile Pictures
Convert your selfie at 50-70% intensity with the Anime or 3D style. Download it and crop it to fit your platform — Discord, Instagram, Twitter/X, TikTok, or gaming profiles. Want a perfect crop? Check our guide on making anime PFPs.
Couples and Friends
Upload photos of you and your partner or friend group. Each person gets the anime treatment, and the AI preserves the composition. Makes for memorable shared profile pictures or custom gifts.
Family Photos
Turn family portraits into anime art for a unique wall print or holiday card. The Ghibli style works especially well for family photos — warm and gentle.
Professional / LinkedIn (Seriously)
The Realistic style at low intensity (20-30%) creates a subtly stylized version of your headshot that stands out without being unprofessional. Some creators use this as their brand image.
Tips for the Best “Anime Me” Results
Try every style. The same selfie looks completely different across all 6 styles. Don’t stop at the first one — you might discover that Manga or 3D suits you better than classic Anime.
Experiment with intensity. The slider is your best friend. Too anime? Dial it back. Too subtle? Push it up. Most people find their sweet spot between 40-60%.
Use the Edit button. After conversion, you can refine specific details. “Make the hair longer,” “Add freckles,” “Change the eye color to green” — the AI handles these refinements naturally.
Try different source photos. A serious selfie and a smiling selfie produce very different anime characters. Your expression, angle, and even your outfit all affect the result.
Turn it into a video. Once you have your anime self, you can turn it into a 5-second talking video with AI-generated audio. Great for TikTok or Instagram Reels content.
”Anime Me” vs. Hiring an Artist
| AI Anime Conversion | Commission an Artist | |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | 10-15 seconds | Days to weeks |
| Cost | Free (10 credits) to $0.03/image | $30-200+ per piece |
| Style options | 6 styles, instant switching | 1 style per commission |
| Edits | Instant with text prompts | Revision rounds, extra cost |
| Quality | Very good, improving monthly | Depends on the artist |
AI won’t replace custom commissions for complex, highly personalized work. But for turning yourself into anime quickly and affordably? It’s not even close.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I anime myself for free? Yes. Drawever gives you 10 free credits on signup — no credit card required. Each conversion costs 1 credit, so that’s 10 free anime versions of yourself.
What would I look like as an anime character? Upload a clear selfie and the AI shows you in about 10 seconds. Your anime version keeps your facial features — eye shape, face shape, expression — while redrawing you in full anime style.
Can I turn myself into an anime character for free? Yes. Upload your selfie, pick a style, and download your anime character version. 10 free tries, no download needed.
Which app turns you into anime? Drawever works directly in your browser — no app download needed. Go to drawever.com/ai/photo-to-anime from any device.
Does it work with group photos? Yes. Upload a photo with multiple people and the AI converts everyone. Great for friend groups and family photos.
Can I make an anime version of my pet? Absolutely. Pets convert beautifully, especially in the Anime and Ghibli styles. Dogs and cats get adorable anime treatments.
Turn Yourself into Anime Now
The whole process takes under a minute. Upload a selfie, pick a style, and see your anime self. No downloads, no complex tools, no waiting.