Draw with Precision
Drawing Sonic the Hedgehog can be daunting, as any dedicated artist will tell you. After all, how can you recreate such an iconic character with accuracy and finesse? Fear not, for you can create a stunning Sonic illustration with just a few helpful tips! Let’s dive right in and start sketching the supersonic hero.
Begin by creating a basic outline of Sonic. Using bold, sweeping strokes, sketch out a head, body and long spindly legs in a few pencil strokes. Don’t worry too much if your silhouette doesn’t look quite right yet; the details come next!
Next, concentrate on Sonic’s distinguishing features. First, draw two triangular ears, which taper until they become flush with Sonic’s head. Then, draw his quills: three tufts of spikey hair that start at the center of his head and fan outward. Don’t forget to draw Sonic’s eyes – two large black circles – and his trademark gloves and sneakers.
Now for the small stuff! Sonic’s teeth are tiny triangular shapes, and his mouth should be upside-down U. Add a few details to Sonic’s hands and feet to give them more realistic proportions. Using light pencil strokes, add wrinkles to the gloves and a few wrinkles to the soles of his sneakers.
Details are what make Sonic so recognizable and unique. Don’t be afraid to draw without referencing any reference material or existing artwork – but don’t be afraid to consult a few pictures along the way. Your Sonic illustration will be one-of-a-kind, after all!
Color with Confidence
Now that you’ve sketched out your illustration, it’s time to add some color! Forget muted, pastel colors – Sonic needs bright colors to bring him to life.
Start with Sonic’s skin. Using a creamy yellow shade, fill in the character with a smooth coat of paint. Be sure to leave the details – such as gloves, eyes and teeth – white. Next, color Sonic’s shoes a deep blue and his gloves a bright red.
Finally, it’s time to add texture. Sketch out Sonic’s signature stripe with a white pencil and then smudge the shade in places to give it a more blended finish. Smudge Sonic’s spines with a white pencil to give them a softer, more fluffy appearance. Now let’s move onto Sonic’s eyes and teeth.
Using a black brush, fill in Sonic’s eyes and teeth with a dark shade of black. You can also add a bit of sparkle to Sonic’s eyes using a lighter shade of white or shimmering silver. If you’d like, you can also smudge the blue and red of his shoes and gloves to give them a bit of texture.
Once you’re finished, you’ll have a Sonic illustration you can be proud to show off!
Create Sonic on a Computer
Not all Sonic illustrations need to be hand drawn – you can also use a digital painting program to create the hedgehog! When you’re working with a tablet, begin by creating an outline for sonic’s body. Sketch out his limbs and then fill in with black paint.
Once you have your outline, use the ‘paintbucket’ tool to fill in the character with his signature colors. Be sure to keep the details – such as eyes, mouth and spines – white. Next, complete the details, such as fur and stripes, by hand.
Using the same black paint, you can also add texture to Sonic’s quills and outline his shoes and gloves. When you’re finished, you’ll have a digital piece of art that looks just as great as a traditional illustration!
Get Creative with Your Sonic illustrations
Don’t be afraid to think outside the box with your Sonic illustrations. Add creative details, such as a cape or a signature graphic on his shoes. Try to create a unique outfit for Sonic, or a different color scheme. You can also make your own version of the popular Super Sonic character.
Sonic is a character with a lot of history, which means you have plenty of freedom to get creative. Try to give him a new look – perhaps one inspired by a movie, toy or even a videogame. Use your imagination and you may end up creating something truly special!
Final Touches
When you’re finished sketching your Sonic illustration, add a few final touches to make your art pop. If you’reworking with a traditional illustration, use markers or colored pencils to add shadows and highlights. Digital illustrators can add texture and blur effects to give their character a unique look.
No matter which medium you choose, adding a few personal touches can take your Sonic illustration to the next level. Don’t be afraid to experiment and explore – after all, your art is unique, just like Sonic himself!
