How to Draw a Cartoon

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Last Updated: September 28, 2023

Drawing a cartoon is easy and fun since you get to really draw without many limits compared to realistic and other types of drawings. Here’s the basic steps used in almost all types of cartoons. Enjoy!

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Basic Cartooning

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Before you can start drawing, drawing materials are the things you need to have. Coloring materials you can use in cartooning can be crayons, color pencils, watercolors, and many more.
The first thing to do in cartooning is to make the draft illustration of the character using a pencil, preferably an HB pencil. The draft consists of the main shapes of the cartoon character’s body and clothes, the position, the expression, and the hair.

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A drawing pen is the preferred pen to use in papers since it provides you a variety of choices of width. Moreover, drawing pens are easy to use and produces cleaner drawing.
You can use any medium you like and you can color it the way you want.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Backgrounds

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Use simple shapes and lines.
Shadowing can be done using a pen by drawing lines like what is shown below.
It can be done using a combined method of both.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Alternative Method

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For all the materials that you'll need, check the things you'll need. (below)
Secondly, get an idea of what it is going to be about, such as crocodile hunting, politics, your view of new items, ducks, endangered species, etc. This will help you get a good idea of what you'll need to draw in the background and in the foreground.
Start by drawing a random shape. It can be anything. A circle, square, ETC. Also, you'll need to brainstorm how the character is going to feel. Try making expressions into the mirror and then copying them down. You can also act out what your cartoon character is going to do. Try picturing how he/she/it looks like. *If you need too, you can look at drawings you find in magazines, books, posters, and the internet, but DO NOT copy them! You'll get into a copywriting mess!
All you need to do to practice this is to draw scenes without characters. draw objects that you'll need or don't need.
To do this draw a couple panels with a straightedge. (at best try a ruler)
Just remember, draw outlines first, THEN color with colored pencils, markers, crayons, paint, glitter, etc. You might want to draw how big you're making the cartoon; such as " 11' 4', 3' 5', etc.
You can tape it, glue it, staple it, ETC. anywhere you want!

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How do I do a cartoon of the big bang?

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You can start out by researching pictures of galaxies and space on the internet. Read some descriptions of the event, too. After that, you can start out with some sketches and see where the drawing takes you.

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What kind of paint should I use?

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It is best to use acrylic paint, as it will not bleed through your paper or your drawn lines.

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What if I don't have a pen?

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You could also darken and make it more bold by pressing the pencil harder.

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Tips

Get a good idea before drawing. If you don't know what you're drawing you might end up ruining your cartoon!

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Draw outlines in pencil first. That way if you don't like it you can always go back and change it.

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Always keep a little notebook and writing utensil with you at all times. That way if you have a good idea for a cartoon then you can write it down! Or... you can buy a tape recorder. Unfortunately, this costs a lot so I would just go with the notebook.

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Warnings

Draw outlines first. If you don't you'll waste a TON of paper.

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Do not pay attention to people that insult you about your drawing skills.

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