How do I Draw People in Cartoons?
Whether it's Homer Simpson's bald dome or Calvin's (from the comic strip Calvin & Hobbes) spiky hair, drawing people in cartoons often depends on the personalities of the characters. From wide mouths to small lines, or wide eyes to squinty ones, drawing each feature of a cartoon character often visually displays their character and idiosyncrasies to the reader. Drawing people in cartoons is simple, once the basic lines and parts of the body have been mastered.
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Symmetry and Proportion
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Cartoon characters need to be somewhat in proportion if they represent a human being. Use a guide, such as a stick figure, to practice drawing different sized individuals proportionally.
Head and Facial Features
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A person's head is always round or oval in cartoons. It should be in proportion to the stick figure that's the basis of the cartoon. Divide the head into three parts, drawing horizontal lines perpendicular to the body. The top line in the head is where you place the eyes; the bottom line is for the mouth and in between is the nose. Ears generally run from the eyes to the bottom of the nose. Hair can be added, as well as other facial features, such as beards.
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Hands and Feet
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Draw small circles for the size of the palms you want at the end of the stick figure arms. Place an oval shape on the bottom of the legs for the feet and shoes. For bare feet, draw lines at the ends of the ovals to represent toes.
Body
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Fill out the body of the stick figure, making the waist thin or rotund. Draw the clothing you want on the torso, arms and legs. Here you can lengthen or shorten body parts. Add shading to the body if desired.
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References
- Photo Credit Patrick Ryan/Lifesize/Getty Images
