How to Draw Caricatures
Drawing caricatures is the perfect way to bring out the humor in any subject and show their true essence in an over-exaggerated, but still recognisable, way. If you have ever wanted to flex your drawing skills to capture the comedic anatomy of your favourite characters, here’s the essential guide to get you started on your caricature journey.
A Good Sense of Humor
More than just great drawing techniques, drawing caricatures also requires an eye for humor. An effective caricature should draw out the most comical elements in someone’s face and physique. To get started, it’s important to become familiar with the features and anatomy of your subject. Look closely at their facial features and the quirks that make up their character.
Choose the Right Subjects
The best caricature subjects are people with unique and identifiable features. The most prominent features to exaggerate routinely include the eyes, nose, mouth, and chin. Depending on the subject, they may also have unique hair, tattoos, and clothing that can be used to enhance the drawing. You may want to draw caricatures of your friends and family members before moving on to more public figures.
Pay Attention To Proportions
When exaggerating your subject’s features, it’s important to pay attention to proportions. You don’t want to end up with a cartoon figure that doesn’t look like the original subject. It’s essential to stay accurate to the ratio of the subject’s facial features and body parts. To do this, draw the outline of your subject first and then begin to exaggerate the features within the outline.
Find the Right Balance
The perfect caricature should walk the line between being a respectful exaggeration and an offensive caricature. Too much exaggeration will come off as cruel and disrespectful, while too little will not convey the desired comic effect. With practice, you should be able to find the perfect balance to bring out the most comical features in your caricature without crossing the line.
Experiment with Different Styles
There are many ways to draw a caricature, so feel free to experiment with different styles and approaches. Start by practicing the standard “big head, small body” style, but once you get more comfortable with the process, try adding more layers of humour. You could add props like hats, sunglasses, or even food items to bring more personality to your caricature.
Don’t Forget the Background
Adding a simple background to your caricature can make all the difference by providing the comedic context for your drawing. Think about the facial expressions and the situations that could add to the joke and provide the perfect setup to take it to the next level.
Have Fun With It!
Most importantly, caricatures should be fun to draw and even more fun to share. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes, as they can become part of your caricature’s charm. Let your creativity guide you and have fun with it!
