How to Draw a Superhero

A Superhero Illustration by the Author

Drawing a superhero isn't as hard as it may sound. All you need is knowledge of the human form and how to exaggerate it to fit your needs. Then, you just need to come up with a snazzy outfit. These tips will show you how make a superhero you can be proud of.

Things You'll Need

• Pencil
• Paper
• Practice

Instructions

1. Decide how your superhero's powers will look in drawn form. Make several sketches to get the kinks worked out.

2. 

   Decide on your superhero's costume. Consider if it will be tight-fitting spandex or loose robes. As you can see from the illustration of the mage, even if you choose robes you will still have to draw a certain amount of muscle mass. Muscle mass under clothing can be expressed with ball like forms that are cut in half.Masks are also an important part of drawing a super hero. They should not be used to cover facial details that are "too hard." In the example picture, the mask has just as much detail as the superhero's face. Notice how it curves with the shape of the face.

3. 

   Superheros are usually drawn with longer-than-normal arms, legs and torso, so keep that in mind as you plan your drawing. Most humans are around six head lengths tall. Superheros are drawn as seven head lengths tall.

4. 

   In comic-style drawings, facial features are minimized to simple shapes and lines. More focuses is given to the mask, body language and and costume.

Tips & Warnings

• Traditionally, female superheros are drawn with wider upper proportions (breasts) and narrower lower proportions (hips).

• Be careful not to go overboard with muscles and breasts. There is a difference between superhuman and unnatural.