How to Draw Cartoons

So, you want to draw cartoons? Awesome! Cartooning is super fun. It's like having a superpower that lets you create cool characters and tell stories with pictures.

Why Bother Learning to Draw Cartoons?

Good question! Here's why I think it's worth it:

• Get Creative! Cartooning is like a playground for your imagination. You can make anything you dream up!
• Tell Stories: Cartoons can tell stories without words. Think comics or even just funny drawings.
• Better Drawings: Seriously! Cartooning helps you understand how to draw. It makes the hard stuff easier.
• Chill Out: Drawing is relaxing. And cartoons are fun! So it's a win-win.
• Get a Job? Believe it or not, cartooning skills can get you hired. Think games, ads, and more!

What You Need to Get Started

You don't need a lot. Just a few basics:

• Pencils: Get a few different kinds. Some dark, some light.
• Erasers: Mistakes happen! You'll want a couple of erasers.
• Paper: Just plain paper is fine. A sketchbook is cool too.
• Pens: Get some fineliner pens. They're great for outlines. Make sure the ink is waterproof.
• Markers: For color! You can use markers or brush pens.
• Tablet? (Optional) If you want to draw on a computer, you'll need a tablet and drawing software.

Cartoon Drawing: The Basics

Here are a few things to know:

Start with Shapes

Everything can be broken down into shapes. Circles, squares, triangles. Master these! It's the key to drawing anything.

Lines are Your Friend

Play with thick and thin lines. Thick lines can make things stand out. Thin lines are good for details.

Perspective: Making it Look Real

Want your drawings to look 3D? Learn about perspective. It's not as hard as it sounds.

A Little Anatomy

Even cartoons need a little anatomy. Don't worry, you don't need to be a doctor. Just understand the basics.

Shading: Light and Dark

Shading makes your drawings pop! Learn how to use light and shadow to create depth.

Cool Cartooning Tricks

Ready for some fun?

Exaggerate!

This is cartooning! Make things bigger or smaller than they really are. It's funny!

Keep It Simple

Don't try to draw every detail. Simplify! Just capture the basic shapes.

Caricatures: Funny Faces

Want to draw funny portraits? Learn to draw caricatures! It's all about exaggerating features.

Different Styles

There are tons of cartooning styles. Disney, Anime, Comic Books... Find one you like!

Making Cool Characters

Characters are the heart of cartoons. Here's how to make them great:

Give Them a Story

What's your character like? What do they want? Give them a backstory!

Shapes Mean Something

Round characters seem friendly. Sharp characters seem dangerous. Think about the shapes you use.

Play with Size

Big head? Small body? Have fun with proportions!

Use Color Wisely

Color can show feelings. Use colors that fit your character.

Clothes and Stuff

What does your character wear? Clothes and accessories can tell a story too.

Let's Draw! Step-by-Step

Ready to try it out? Here are some easy tutorials:

Drawing a Cartoon Face

1. Draw a circle.
2. Add lines to help you place the features.
3. Draw the eyes, nose, and mouth.
4. Add hair and ears.
5. Clean up the lines and add details.

Drawing a Cartoon Body

1. Start with a simple shape. Like a bean!
2. Add the arms, legs, and head.
3. Clean up the lines and add details.

Drawing a Cartoon Animal

1. Start with circles and ovals.
2. Connect the shapes to make the body.
3. Add the head, legs, and tail.
4. Add details like fur or feathers.

Tips for New Cartoonists

A few more tips to help you succeed:

• Draw Every Day: Even for a few minutes. The more you draw, the better you get!
• Look at the Pros: Study your favorite cartoonists. How do they draw?
• Try New Things: Don't be afraid to experiment! Find your own style.
• Get Feedback: Show your drawings to others and ask for advice.
• Don't Quit! It takes time to learn. Keep practicing!
• Get Inspired! Look around you. Ideas are everywhere!

Where to Learn More

Want to learn even more about cartooning? Here are some good resources:

• Online Classes: Skillshare and Udemy have lots of cartooning classes.
• Books: Look for books on cartooning at your local library or bookstore.
• Websites and Blogs: There are tons of free tutorials online!
• Join a Community: Connect with other artists online or in person.

Go Make Some Cartoons!

Cartooning is a blast! It's all about having fun and letting your imagination run wild. So grab a pencil and start drawing!

Practice, try new things, and most importantly, have fun! With a little effort, you can become a great cartoonist.

This guide is just the start. Look up your favorite artists and try to copy their style. Keep drawing, and you'll be making awesome cartoons in no time!