How to Draw Dolls

Some artists make the mistake of drawing a doll like they would a human. This makes the doll look too real, and the meaning of the drawing doesn't translate to the viewer. Here are some tips to make a doll look like a doll in your drawing.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. 
    
   Doll Leg

   Draw the limbs floppy. Dolls have no muscles or bones to hold their limbs in expected poses. This is especially true when you are drawing rag dolls. Floppiness can be indicated by drawing wavy lines for the limbs.

2. 
    
   Awkward Arm

   Draw the dolls in awkward positions. Drawing a doll sitting perfectly will make it look too human. Dolls tend to fall over, their joints look crooked sometimes and their necks have trouble holding up their heads. Make sure to include these qualities in your drawing.

3. 
    
   Stitches

   Add stitches. This is a very effective way to make a doll look like a doll. Stitches can be achieved by drawing dash marks around joint areas and areas where fabric may have been sewn, like the inner area of limbs.

4. 
    
   Face

   Give the doll a blank stare. This can be achieved by placing the pupils in the center of the eye, so that it looks like the doll is staring straight ahead.

5. Simplify the hands. Many dolls have very simple hands. The fingers often look like tubes of fabric or plastic. Some dolls have stumps with drawn-on hands. Some have only four fingers. Make sure to stay true to the type of doll you are drawing.

Tips & Warnings

• Adding too much detail to your doll will make it look like a human baby.