How to Draw Simple Cartoon Animals
Learn to use a framework that will allow you to draw any cartoon animal you like. Learn to use reference in conjunction with your imagination to add accuracy to your drawings. Drawing is a great outlet for creativity and a great way to use your imagination.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Pencils
- Fine-liner or ballpoint pen
- Plain white paper
- Felt-tip pens, crayons or paints
- Eraser
- Pencil sharpener
Instructions
-
Reference and Framework
-
1
Find images of the animal you want to draw by browsing magazines and the Internet. Find images from different angles, and ones with different poses, so you can pick the best one.
-
2
Draw a small circle near the top of your page to act as the animal's head and a larger circle an inch or so underneath it that will act as the body. Draw a vertical line down the center of the animal`s head and body, which will act as a guideline. Keep your pencil lines faint.
-
-
3
Draw two small circles on either side of the central horizontal line at the top of the body and two small circles at the bottom left and right of the body. These circles will act as the shoulders and the feet, respectively. This is the framework for a seated animal.
-
4
Draw straight lines from each shoulder down to the feet to act as arms and small circles on the ends of these lines to act as hands. Draw a horizontal line across the center of the head. Your framework will be complete. Keep your pencil lines faint and erase any mistakes as you go.
Sketching
-
5
Using your reference image, start to flesh out the forms of your animal. Add features such as eyes and a nose and a mouth to the face. It is best to draw the eyes along the horizontal line on either side of the vertical line on the head. Circles work well for eyes, triangles for noses and "U" shapes for mouths.
-
6
Draw the body with more detail and definition and add tube shapes for the neck and arms. If your animal has paws, draw three vertical lines on the "feet" and "hands."
-
7
If your animal has other details such as whiskers, markings, a mane or a tail, then add these also, using your reference image to keep the drawing accurate. With this your sketch should be complete. Keep your pencil lines faint throughout.
Line work and Coloring
-
8
Take your fine-liner or ballpoint pen and draw over the pencil lines you wish to keep, taking care to stay on the lines. Allow the pen ink to dry for a few moments to avoid any smudges, then erase the pencil lines underneath.
-
9
Take a moment to look over your work and see if there is anything missing or anything you want to add. If so, draw the addition in faint pencil before using the pen.
-
10
Color in your creation using your reference image for accuracy.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Try using a mechanical pencil to create clean lines.
Cartoons are based in reality, so use as many reference images as you can.
Don't erase your lines too often or the paper will weaken and become messy.
Pens can leak so be aware.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit hase image by Ewe Degiampietro from Fotolia.com
