How To Draw Kobe Bryant
Fans around the world know Kobe Bryant for the embodiment of greatness that brought basketball fans to their feet, time and time again. But what about those of us who are inspired to recreate the iconic moments in basketball and beyond? If you’re feeling up for the challenge, then let’s dive into how to draw Kobe Bryant.
The first step to make sure you’re accurately drawing Kobe is to gather a few referenced images of him. You don’t have to stick to only one – use recreations of several of his most memorable shots to make sure you capture the right angles and exact anatomy. You could use images of him in action or anytime he was displaying a signature pose or emotion. As you look through multiple photos, it’s easy to see how much of an impact body language has on passion and intensity, which is why this step is so important.
As you start sketching out your piece, it will likely come to life with basic shapes. Begin with a circle for his head, then bring in more defining shapes for his torso and limbs. From here, use your photos as a guide for muscle structure, facial features like his inquisitive eyes and stoic jaw, and the twists and turns of his body as he excelled on the court. If you want to take this to the next level, pay attention to where shadows may have fallen and tweak your sketch to be on point and replicate said images.
Now your sketch is ready and you’re all set to get drawing the final piece! What to use? A pencil can be your best friend at this point – try varying hard and soft strokes to bring out the details and elements you want to accentuate. Make sure to erase areas where needed if lines feel out of place and run along with the flow of the sketch you made beforehand. If you’re confident in your piece, you can use to a Sharpie to really make it pop. As you look again, you may find you need some extra tweaks here and there to finalize the picture.
Bring all the subtle details in with extra shading, light pencil lines and reference points. If all else fails, revisit your photos for inspiration and embrace the tricky angles. Even if it feels difficult at first, Kobe’s part of the game involves continually coming back and challenging yourself, much like he did when draining game winners from deep range! If all else fails and you’re still stuck, internet tutorials are a great way to take a detour and ensure your piece looks it’s best.
The Final Details
Once your piece is complete, you’re ready to add the finishing touches. Color can bring out specific elements and moods, so decide which colors are the right fit for your drawing. Experiment and get creative! If you’re drawing a digital version, use Photoshop or GIMP building blocks to really give it a professional look. Don’t forget to bring some excitement with added typography and titles, or you can make it more dynamic with a splash of glitter or bits of paper cutouts with scissors. Most importantly, take pride in your piece and show off your talents!
Turning Up the Heat
When it comes to bringing Kobe to life, there’s no doubt you’ve already been pushed out of your comfort zone. Maybe you’re feeling a bit brave and want to recreate another one of his legendary moves? If you want to take your artwork up a notch, stick with his most famous moves like the iconic dunk or his player exclusive fadeaway. Go the extra mile and represent a similarly empowered transition for the background to help draw out the synergy between him and the court.
Alternatively, you could get more abstract and visually communicate Kobe’s passion. Come up with a concept that creates vivid impressions and images of what playing the game means to him. This can let your imagination soar and your own creative expression blossom. You may want to jump outside the box and draw scenes that are characteristic of this great athlete.
The best thing to do is continue studying your inspiration material, his photos, and the curves and structures of his body. Focus in on the small details and then dive into creating those scenes yourself. Again, the important part is to hold the vision and share it with others by promoting it on social media and telling your story of how you created it.
Creating Your Drawing
Drawing Kobe can be a bridge that connects your passion and understanding of basketball to the community. We’ve all felt the fierce energy and commitment that Kobe gave to the game, and now you have the opportunity to share yours as well. Take a deep breath and get ready to craft your own masterpiece – as artists, we all need to express ourselves and to be inspired.
Start by breaking down the moods, ideas and moments that Kobe embodied and communicate that to your own audience. That could be done through any mix of colors, emotions and symbols that encapsulate what made him such an icon. If you’re lost for ideas, come up with slogans or visual statements that honor the godsend of The King himself!
Once your work has been created, it’s time to reflect and appreciate your own accomplishments. Showcase your work and highlight the journey of the development process – you deserve it! Post it on whatever platform you feel comfortable with and don’t be afraid to get feedback from the community. Show them just how much of an impact Kobe had on your life and why it inspired you to make a masterpiece that will never be forgotten.
