Stranger Things gives us a unique and exciting world to explore, but it can be difficult to know where to start when it comes to drawing it. It takes a lot of practice and patience to draw the characters and objects from the show, and having a few techniques at your disposal can make the process much easier.
From the show’s signature stars and stripes design to more complex illustrations of the Byers family home, here’s how to draw Stranger Things.
Getting Started With Lines and Shapes
Before jumping into draftsmanship, it’s important to understand the basics of lines and shapes. Drawing Stranger Things characters and objects requires the ability to draw simple geometric shapes, like squares and circles, as well as straight lines, curved lines, and diagonal lines.
When drawing, it’s important to take a slow and steady approach. Begin by lightly sketching the basic shapes, then fill in the details and shading. Looking at reference photos can be helpful when drawing, especially when attempting to draw something realistic.
Creating a Uniform Look for Characters
One of the defining features of Stranger Things is its consistent style. The iconic ‘Upside Down’ characters have a uniform, cartoonish appearance, which is achieved through simple yet effective draftsmanship.
To begin, draw the head in an oval shape, with oversized eyes, eyebrows and mouths. Then, draw a scruffy body shape, with large hands and feet. Draw simple geometric shapes — like a square for the body, and circles for the hands and feet — and add details like arms, legs, and clothing.
For the signature ‘stars and stripes’ design, draw two angled lines intersecting in the center, with a star in the center. Then draw the stars and stripes along the outside of the shape.
Realistic Drawings of the Byers Family Home
In order to draw a realistic version of the Byers family home, it’s important to pay attention to light and shadows. The two-storey house is covered in wooden clapboard, and the walls are painted in a pale yellow hue.
Start by drawing the structure of the house – the walls, windows, and doors. Then draw the small details, like the picket fence, shrubs, and flowers. To make the house look more realistic, add shading and highlights to give it a sense of depth and texture.
Nailing the Color Palette
Stranger Things has a distinct color palette, and recreating it on paper can be tricky. Start with a base color, like pale blue or pale yellow. Then use light colors to shade the object or character, and darker colors to highlight the object or character.
Mix colors to create new shades, and don’t be afraid to experiment – the colors don’t need to be realistic, and a vibrant, animated style can often be more visually appealing.
Intricate Details, Finishing Touches, and Final Touches
Now that the outline and colors are finished, it’s time to move onto the intricate details. Pay attention to the small details and add features like wrinkles, buttons, and patterns.
Once the details are finished, go over the drawing with a black pen to add in the outlines. Don’t be afraid to add shadows or texture to make the drawing pop, and don’t forget the signature ‘stars and stripes’ design.
Tricks and Tips
Drawing Stranger Things requires patience and practice. It’s important to take a slow and steady approach, and to look at reference photos for inspiration. Begin by lightly sketching the outlines, then fill in the details and shading. Use a vibrant yet uniform color palette, and don’t forget the signature ‘stars and stripes’ design.
Advanced Techniques
Once the basics of drawing Stranger Things characters and objects have been mastered, there are plenty of advanced techniques to explore. To add texture, use a combination of shading and hatching, and to add more depth, use light and dark shadowing. For something more realistic and detailed, add tiny details like wrinkles and wrinkles to clothing.
Inspiration and Styles
Look at other Stranger Things fan art for inspiration. Pop culture art and comics can be inspiring, and graffiti art can be a great way to explore color and texture. It’s also a good idea to experiment with different drawing styles – use line art, watercolor, and oil paints to create unique and interesting pieces.
