How to Draw Cartoon Critters Step-by-Step
Many of the cartoon characters you've seen in animated cartoon films may be referred to as "cartoon critters." That includes many of Disney's stable of cartoon characters, as well as Looney Toons, Pokemon and many other animated features. You can draw your own cartoon critters with the help of simple step-by-step instructions even if you do not have any previous experience or training in drawing. The key to learning to draw cartoons is simplification of the anatomy of the character you want to draw. The easiest way to simplify the drawing is to reduce the cartoon to an initial basic skeleton and then build on it with details and curves.
Instructions
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Draw the outline of the cartoon critter you wish to draw in the simplest geometrical figures to form a basic skeletal sketch. For the head use a circle or oval. For the body use triangle, a rectangle or parallelogram -- whichever is the closest to the body shape of the cartoon you wish to draw. For legs, use either thin triangles or long thin rectangles. This basic skeleton should look like a very rough sketch of the cartoon you propose to draw.
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Draw details over the skeleton (basic) sketch. Step back from the sheet and carefully visualize the cartoon in your mind's eye. Draw curves and add details as required. It is okay if you see pictures/ images of similar cartoons for inspiration. It is important that you "see" the animal you are caricaturizing in your mind's eye. If you cannot visualize well -- do not worry; take one or more pictures of the cartoon and use it for inspiration.
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3
Research cartoon styles and collect as many pictures of the cartoons you want to draw. Visualize what you want it to look like and start from the scratch.
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4
Draw your cartoon using graph paper, a process that is also called as grid method of drawing. The grid method can help you accurately draw a picture if you feel you aren't ready for free-hand drawing. Put the picture over a grid and the copy line by line, square to square. This will take time for sure, but it would give a perfect copy of the cartoon critter you love.
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Draw another cartoon or just practice drawing the cartoon that you had been trying to draw earlier. Try learning to draw as diverse a repertoire of cartoons as you can; and this can be achieved by constant practice.
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Tips & Warnings
You might get some hilarious results initially. Don't get discouraged -- it takes some practice until your hand gets steady with free-hand drawings.
