How To Draw A Cartoon Body
Some of us dream of expressing ourselves through art – like curling our own brushstroke and refining a cartoon body from pencil and paper. But to draw a cartoon body and make it look realistic can be quite a challenge. Don’t get overwhelmed though, there’s no need to throw a cartoon-sized tantrum. The good news is this, with the right guidance and some practice, you can eventually turn your pencil into a cartoon magic wand! Follow these steps and you’ll soon learn how to create a cartoon body in no time.
1. Get acquainted with the anatomy
The first step to drawing a cartoon body is to understand the basic anatomy of a human body. Humans are unique shapes and so the structure of a body determines the way we move and how our features appear. You don’t need to be a medical illustrator, but with a basic knowledge, you can create proportionate bodies that look realistic. Pay attention to the muscle and bones to understand the body framework and then get creative with clothing, clothing styles, and even exaggerations for comedy.
2. Practice basic shapes
Before you dive headfirst into drawing a cartoon body, it’s important to get comfortable with the basics. Start out with basic shapes such as circles, ovals, triangles, parallelograms, and squares. Draw and practice blending these shapes together to form figures. Also, look at multiple angles by turning your body one way and then the other – it’ll give you a better idea of how the body works.
3. Refine your shapes
Now the fun part! Once you’re confortable with the basic shapes, it’s time to refine your cartoon body. Start by drawing the off-centered circles for the shoulder and the knee, then use proportionate shapes for the torso and leg size, as well as the arms and neck. As you refine, practice expressions like a stern face, eyebrows, and mouth until you reach the desired facial expressions. With practice, you’ll get better and better.
4. Add more details
With the basic structure done, it’s time to give your cartoon body more detail. Add the hands and then define the facial features. Instead of sketching with linear strokes, blend the lines to give your body more texture and depth. Next, move on to the clothing, such as jeans, shirt, and even a hat. Bags and other items can bring more life to your cartoon arsenal. Also think about adding in different poses to make them come alive.
5. Finish with the finer details
Your cartoon body is now ready to be polished up. The real challenge here is too add the finer details and to make them look real. This can be done by adding shadows and reflections to your body. Additionally, adjust body details such as the texture, colour, and the eyes for a realistic feel. Even small adjustments will make your cartoon body look like it’s actually alive!
6. Refine and practice
Now you know the basics of drawing a cartoon body. But to get better, you need to practice. It’s also important to refine as you go. When you find yourself stuck, put down your pencil and switch to another medium such as markers. This allows you to use different strokes instead of getting stuck in a linear drawing mode. You can even copy the work of the master cartoonists to get a feel for their techniques.
7. Have Fun!
Above all, drawing a cartoon body is all about having fun. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself. Even simple artwork can look incredibly beautiful if you put your heart into it. Lastly, take your time and enjoy the process – it’s what makes the final piece a masterpiece. Good luck!
