Bunny ears

What bunny ears bring to a character

Rabbits suggest softness, shyness and energy at the same time, so bunny ears suit characters who are gentle, easily startled or full of bounce. Because the ears are long, they exaggerate every head movement, which makes them very expressive in animation.

As an accessory, bunny ears appear with pajamas, hoodies, spring and Easter themes and Year of the Rabbit designs.

Bunny ear styles

• Upright: both ears straight up, alert and lively.
• One ear bent: one ear folds over at the middle, playful and casual.
• Lop ears: both ears hang down beside the face, gentle and sleepy.
• Hood ears: long, soft ears sewn on a hoodie or onesie hood, often droopy.
• Wired headband: ears can be bent into any angle and hold the shape.
• Ribbon-style ears: a large bow tied on the head with long, ear-like loops.

How to draw bunny ears

Bunny ears are long ovals, narrow at the base, widest a little past the middle and rounded at the tip. Draw them as slightly curved, thick shapes rather than flat strips, with a shallow inner hollow in a lighter or pinker colour.

Attach them at the top of the head, closer together than cat ears. Their length makes them follow motion: when the character runs or jumps, the ears trail behind and bend; when she tilts her head, they swing to one side. Lop ears hang from the top of the head and rest on the hair, so draw a small bend where they turn downward. Keep the ear length consistent between drawings; it is easy to let them grow or shrink.

Wearing and posing with bunny ears

For cosplayers, wired ears let you add a bend for a softer look, and matching the headband to the wig helps it blend. Tall ears can catch on doors and be cropped in photos, so plan extra headroom in each frame.

Bunny-themed poses: hands curled near the chest like front paws, a small hop, peeking out from behind a corner or holding a carrot plush. Pastel backgrounds, spring flowers and soft daylight suit the style.