We all have lots to learn — and through the learning process… we also all have lots to teach. So hopefully, I can offer some new tips and tricks along the way. And on that note… Here are a few things to keep in mind about learning how to draw, and the cartoon drawing lessons here on this site — before you start drawing. Please know that all of the lessons here on the site are completely free.
Just draw and enjoy! I do my best to categorize each lesson accordingly, but really… I understand that everyone learn how to draw at a different pace. My best advice to you? And also, go with the categories and themes that you most enjoy. I love drawing animals, dragons, monsters — and also… Creating my own unique cartoon characters. Perhaps the most important factor when it comes to drawing and anything! And for sure, this is exactly how it should be!
Do what you love and love what you do! So for sure, I recommend you do the same. Or maybe even like walking through a forest. I like to begin each lesson by encouraging you to draw, what I like to call — a framework. Always do what works best for you. Quite simply, the eyes are the windows to the soul , and so — by drawing them first… It can really help to establish life and character in your drawing, early on — and It can often make the rest of the process that much easier and more enjoyable!
Do what works for you. Framework and head in place, the rest of the lesson takes place in series of very-easy-to-follow steps. Cartoon drawing isn't that different from figure drawing; you need to focus on the overall shape and proportion of the character while exaggerating certain parts to make it more interesting. To draw cartoon characters, draw an oval to represent each character's head, a small cylinder for its neck, and an oval or rectangle beneath it to form its body.
Next, add a rectangle beneath that to symbolize the character's pants. Then, use cylinders to represent the character's limbs, and start filling in the face with oval eyes, a mouth, and hair. Finally, erase any lines that don't fit your character and color everything in. Keep reading to learn how to draw specific styles of cartoons, like the ones you see on South Park!
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Create an account. Edit this Article. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. By using our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Cookie Settings. Learn why people trust wikiHow. Download Article Explore this Article methods. Related Articles. Article Summary. Method 1. All rights reserved. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. Start by creating a head for the cartoon. The person's head can be a circle, a flat top with a curve underneath, pear-shaped, oblong-shaped, or any number of other shapes.
For a simple shape, start with a rounded square that you adapt as you add details to your drawing. It should have noticeable sides, but the corners should be rounded. Create an outline for the rest of your person. Use ovals, circles, and lines to create a rough sketch of the person. For instance, you might use 2 overlapping circles or ovals to create the chest and stomach area. You might exaggerate the belly on a heavyset person or the chest on someone with large muscles.
Add lines for limbs, placing ovals where the elbows and hands should be. If you're having trouble, look at a photograph of a person standing in a similar position. However, keep in mind that in cartoons, some areas may be exaggerated while others are underplayed. Incorporate a line of action along at least one side of the body. A line of action doesn't necessarily refer to movement.
Rather, it's a curvy line you incorporate into the figure to give it a sense of dimension. Typically, the line curves in starting at the top of the head, then out around the body, then in again at the bottom.
Draw this line on at least one side of your person, using it to guide the details you add in. Add in guidelines for different parts of the body. Guidelines help you decide how to cover the body and fill in details. Add vertical center lines to the face shape and torso shapes. However, depending on how the person is standing, the center line may be a curved arc pushing out slightly to the left or right.
The curve helps you add dimension to the drawing, as people aren't flat figures but 3D. For instance, you may draw a horizontal guideline across their face to determine the eye and nose placement. Fill in details for the head, starting with the eyes.
Consider what you want your character to express and use their face to create that emotion. Set the eyes on the horizontal guideline and the nose close to the crossing point between the horizontal and vertical lines. The mouth should be below the main horizontal guideline. Use circles or ovals for the eyes, a small hook or curve for the nose, and a curve up or down for the mouth. Add hair with straight or curvy lines, bringing it in around the head. Big eyes that are ever-so-slightly cross-eyed can make a character seem cute and innocent.
If you want a character to look surprised, try lifting the eyebrows a little higher in an arc and use wide-open eyes. Sketch in the torso and the limbs. Round out the limbs using straight lines for the upper arms and round lines for the lower arms. Try straight lines for the thighs, and if the calves are exposed, round lines for the calves. Add in basic details for the hands, like a closed fist: a rectangle with 3 lines in it to create the fingers, along with a thumb out to the side.
If you want a character with lots of muscles, try an inverted pear shape. Add the finishing touches like clothes and shoes. These don't have to be elaborate. You can just add a line halfway down the arm to create a sleeve, then make the fabric come out a little bit around the arm at the top. Use a curved line for a basic collar. Then, draw a line curving down around the waist for where the shirt ends and the pants or skirt begins.
Make a basic shape for the pants, skirt, or shorts by adding horizontal lines on the legs then making the shape expand slightly outside the leg line. Fill in the sketch with a pen or marker. Once you're happy with what you have, color the lines with a dark pen. Be careful, as these lines will be permanent. Once you've added them and the marker is completely dry, erase your guidelines and other pencil marks. Method 2. Find a picture of the character online. It's easiest to copy a cartoon character if you have something to work with!
Look up a detailed picture of your favorite character, and use that to guide your drawing. Start with the basic shape in pencil.
Sketch in circles, ovals, and rectangles to help get the figure in the correct perspective. Look closely at the face, for instance, to see if it's more of a circle or oval, then sketch that into place. Maybe the torso is more of an oval shape, so make a light sketch for that.
Add rectangles for the limbs, including ovals or circles for the arms. Add in the hands, ears, and feet. If your character has unusual ears, such as Mickey Mouse's round ears, sketch those in.
Similarly, add in ovals or circles for the hands, depending on what the character's hands look like. Put in guidelines for the face and torso. Add a curving center line for the face, going vertically. The line should curve in the direction the character is facing. If the character is looking straight ahead, it can go straight down the face.
Similarly, add a vertical line along the character's torso, curving the direction the character is turning.
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