How To Draw Mortal Kombat Characters
Mortal Kombat often brings to mind iconic character designs and distinctive fighting styles. But despite being a go-to for fans of fighting games, creating a recognizable Mortal Kombat character can be daunting for many artists. Thankfully, there are a few simple steps you can take to get your Mortal Kombat fan art on point. With a little bit of practice and study, you can learn to recreate your favorite characters in no time.
Know the Character
It may seem obvious, but knowing your character is the first—and most important—step to drawing any Mortal Kombat character accurately. Study the movement and pose of your character; pay close attention to their facial features and clothing. Get to know everything about your character, from the exact shape of the eyes to their individual fighting moves. Knowing how your character looks, moves, and feel is key to accurately reproducing them on paper.
Becoming familiar with your chosen character could even mean taking a look back at the history of Mortal Kombat. Knowing the story of each character and where they fit into the larger universe of Mortal Kombat can give you an edge in truly expressing the character on paper.
Reference Image
Nothing can give you the same level of detail and accuracy as an official reference image. Look for high-resolution images of your character—these can come from official art or fan art. These will become your go-to when looking for the exact details about your character, from the individual stitches of the outfit to a particular eye shape. A reference image can ensure your Mortal Kombat fan art look spot on.
Draw, Refine, and Repeat
Having your reference image ready and your knowledge about the character intact, the next step is to start drawing. Don’t worry if your first attempt doesn’t perfectly capture your favorite character; it’s natural for it to look too disproportioned or flatter than intended. It’s recommended that you make a few experimental sketches, try different poses and angles, to eventually arrive at the desired result.
When you’re satisfied with your basic drawing, try to refine and improve your sketch by comparing it with your reference image. Make small corrections, adjust facial features, and keep on refining and improving until you have the perfect drawing of your character.
Coloring and Finishing
Although adding colors can add a lot of detail and vibrancy to your drawing, it is often the finishing touches that truly brings a character to life. Pay close attention to the shadows, textures, and other small details that together can entirely transform a flat figure into an iconic character. Enhance the facial features, use layer styling for clothing, and background elements for an overall dynamic presentation. Using these simple finishing touches can give you a fully realized, professional-looking artwork.
Exercise and Experimentation
Sometimes adding your own creative touch to the character design can fulfill your creative vision and make your drawing truly stand out. Try to add an extra flourish or a subtle tilt to the neck and shoulders. Incorporate the style of another Mortal Kombat character into your design. Just like the fight moves, practice and experimentation of your own drawing will make your artwork more dynamic and unique.
Have Fun and Be Creative
Above all else, remember to enjoy the process of creating art. There’s no need to limit yourself to a single artistic style. Draw in whatever manner works for you, such as digital drawings or sketchbooks. Making art can be tricky, but having fun and letting your creativity flow will make your Mortal Kombat fan art come alive.
The Right Tool For the Job
Having the right tools to draw your favorite Mortal Kombat characters can be the difference between an average sketch and a professional-looking artwork. Pens with different thickness, markers, and different shades of pencils, brushes, and various types of paper will help you take your art to the next level. With a range of mediums and tools at your disposal, you can easily create vibrant and lifelike Mortal Kombat fan art.
Pay Attention to the Details
Molding a Mortal Kombat character requires painstaking attention to detail. Even the tiniest of details, from the unique hairstyle to the jewelry around the neck, can make your artwork memorable. So take the time to consult your reference image and make the most of each feature. That way, you can ensure that your fan art does justice to the character you are drawing.
Study the Martial Arts
Drawing Mortal Kombat characters also requires you to know the basics of martial arts. Pay attention to the unique fighting style of each character, including the subtle stance and footwork. Through studying basic martial arts techniques, you can accurately reproduce the fight scenes of your favorite characters that look absolutely authentic.
Know When to Step Back
Sometimes, taking a step back and re-examining your artwork is essential to getting the desired results. Therefore, it’s important to take a break and come back to the drawing later—with a fresh set of eyes. This will help you identify any errors or any further refinements needed to ensure you produce amazing work.
