Step One: Begin by Sketching
When learning how to draw a caterpillar, the first step is always to sketch a basic shape. Start with a curved line that will form the body of the caterpillar, then draw two small lines at the top that make up the head. Next, think of where the legs and antenna will go, and sketch them in too. A good tip here is to draw antennae at the very end of the head, so that you can make the rest of the parts of the caterpillar distinct from it.
Step Two: Put in Details
Now you can start to add in some of the details. Draw in the eyes and the stripes running along the body. Be sure to make your stripes as thin as possible, and don’t be afraid to switch up your line width here. To give the caterpillar character, feel free to make its eyes cutesy or cartoonish.
Step Three: Add the Legs
When drawing the legs, it helps to think of the caterpillar as if it’s in crawling motion. To keep it interesting, make sure some of the legs have different lengths, or stick out in different directions. This will make the caterpillar look a bit more wiggly and will give it a life-like touch.
Step Four: Finish Up with Color
Now that you have the basic shape and details in place, you can bring your caterpillar to life by adding some vibrant color. Traditionally, caterpillars are green and brown, but you can feel free to get creative and use other colors too. Blues, yellows and purples can all work for this!
Step Five: Refine Your Caterpillar
No caterpillar drawing is complete until you’ve filled in the blanks. Using darker and lighter lines, fill in the shapes you’ve already drawn for the caterpillar’s stripes and legs. By doing this, the caterpillar will look more three-dimensional and will add some depth to your drawing.
Step Six: Add Final Touches
To bring the entire drawing together, use a fine-tipped pen to add subtle details like circles or spots to your caterpillar. These will add some texture that regular lines and shapes wouldn’t be able to provide. You can also add some tufts of fur or a few antennae strands to make the caterpillar look softer and more life-like.
Step Seven: Finish with a Background
To really make your caterpillar drawing stand out, add a background using different types of textures. You can find great inspiration in nature or in photographs. The addition of a background can bring your caterpillar to life and make it appear to be in its natural environment.
