Intro
It might sound complicated and intimidating to draw the United States, but it doesn’t have to be. With a few tricks and tips, you can become a pro at creating an accurate and detailed rendering of the US. Whether you want to draw a realistic or stylized version, with a bit of practice you can create a beautiful representation of the nation that shows plenty of detail. Here are some tips on how to draw the United States.
Lay Out the Grid
The best way to start your drawing is by planning it out on the page. This involves using a few simple steps to create the grid that will be the direct reference for the drawing. You can use a ruler to draw a grid pattern on the page, making sure that each single square is proportionally the same size. Now you have a frame that will be your foundation and can be used as a reference when you start detailing your map.
Add the Outline
Now that you have the design you’re ready for the main part: adding the outline of the United States to the grid you created. This can be done by either starting from the bottom and working your way up, top to bottom, left to right, or by making the outline from the center and slowly moving outward. Either way start by slowly and Lightly sketching the major regions (each state and bordering country) until you get a good outline with the desired level of detail you need.
Fill in the States
Now you can begin to add details to your drawing. To do this you can start by filling in the states that you outlined. You can fill in the states with a pen, marker, or pencil and pay attention to the colors you choose. When it comes to coloring in the states don’t forget to add the colors of each region, both the state and the bordering country. Pay attention to what colors to use and don’t forget to keep it consistent across the board.
Add Landmarks and Natural Features
Now that you’ve filled in the states, you can start giving more life to your drawing by adding in a few natural features like coastlines, lakes, rivers, valleys, and mountains. Pick a few points like major cities, state borders, and geographical features, then draw them in with the same detail you gave to the states. This can be done with a ruler for straight lines, or with a brush for a more organic and freehand 6ook. Add in as many details as you want and keep in mind that less can be more.
Final Touches
Once the outline and the features look good you’re almost done. All that’s left to do is to add some final touches. This can be anything from adding a few more words like the names of the states, to finalizing the background colors. Play around with what works best for you and don’t forget to make your drawing as accurate and detailed as possible – that’s the goal afterall!
