Some Advice to Fix Eyes

More than likely I'm not going to continue this drawing, kinda want to leave it where it's at but I did want some advice on how to fix the eyes in my drawing.

I adopted a character that a friend made through MapleStory's assets (she likes to make adopts) and randomly I've gotten motivation to draw this character. Her eyes look weird to me and I'm not sure on how to fix it, I wanted to show a gentle but empty-statue-like look to her eyes but can't seem to get it right. I was going more stylized for her eyes, kind of like S H I N O N's eyes or Peacchip's on instagram.

Advice is much appreciated! Thanks in advance!

https://imgur.com/a/Gx6zDzS

Oh, this looks good! I actually don't think the eyes are totally the issue here; I think the one that's further away may just be a little squished (I do this a lot myself). Eyes in 3/4 views like this are usually about the same height as each other, with the one further away being narrower (if that makes sense; I'm on mobile but can't find the simple guide I'm thinking of).

I looked at the artists you mentioned and I see the issue here, but I think you're close - you're drawing these features fairly realistically (and good job! That nose is seriously impressive), while, like you said, both of them are more stylized.

Peacchip's eyes in particular have very clear shapes to them (does that make sense), and I think both draw them a bit larger. In both cases, the rest of the face plays a role, too! Both of them draw simpler noses and mouths, and I think have more dramatic line weight differences (thicker upper eyelash, thinner lower eyelash, a more "anime" shape, less detailed folds). I also think pushing the eyebrows and mouth will help achieve the expression you want. You know the rules, but you aren't quite breaking them yet.

I don't think you have to do much to get where you want here - you're really close! Good luck! I'd also suggest checking out some Satoshi Kon movies for another style that's fairly close.

Edit: Sorry for bringing up stylization, I'm a bit sleep deprived and missed that you had already mentioned that.

Aw, thanks!! From how you're describing the shaping and measurements, it makes sense and I'll apply it when I do some eye studies later this week!

And I see what you're talking about with the shape of Peacchips and S H I N O N's works with their eyes having more shape language to them. I'll be sure to add Satoshi Kon's movies to my watchlist!

You just opened up my third eye with "You know the rules, but you aren't quite breaking them yet." and makes a ton of sense with the art I've made.

Happy to help!

Ahhh I've been looking at this art like "I don't think the size is what makes the eyes look off." I couldn't put my finger on it, but just like you, did agree it didn't look entirely right, even though I really like the rest of the drawing.

However, I just realized it's the eye shape - the outer corner of the eyes specfically don't line up.

This is just a quick sketchy version of what I mean because I think it's easier to see what I mean when illustrated, I hope that's alright.

[img]https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0781/1055/6489/files/loa_eyes.png?v=1731147672[/img]