How To Draw Tim Burton Style
Drawing in a Tim Burton-style isn’t as complicated as you’d think! The playful and eccentric aesthetic that Burton utilizes in the majority of his art and movies is something that is simple to master if you just apply the right tips. Whether you’re an experienced artist or an amateur growing into their own, taking Burton’s signature look and adding it to your art is something that’s well within reach.
Choose an Aesthetic
When attempting to recreate the whimsical and otherworldly illustrations of Tim Burton, your first instinct is to just pick up a pencil and start sketching. Not so fast! One of the most important steps in drawing in a Burton style is to actually decide on which interpretation of the art you’d like to replicate. Try to pick a theme such as ‘Gothic’ or ‘Romantic’ and focus on drawing that well. It’s vastly more useful to master a specific style than try to aimlessly throw elements of Burton together.
Pay Attention to the Small Details
Once you’ve chosen a theme, that’s where the interesting bits start coming into play. The signature style of Tim Burton is that you have to pay attention to the small details in order to fully get the full effect of the illustration. Features like swooping eyes, large flared teeth, extremely long faces and defined arms are all trademarks of classic Burton art. Additionally, be sure to draw fashion pieces to fit the characters you’re drawing. His designs often feature loose clothing, tails and high collars that separate his characters from the common designs.
Dynamic Minimalism
A classic feature of Tim Burton’s illustrations that is often overlooked is the blend of dynamic minimalism. His illustrations often seem complex and jumbled, yet you can feel the atmosphere of simplicity with each stroke. This often comes through by simplifying intricate landscapes with just a few bold strokes of an art tool, adding detail such as trees and clouds with a few swoops of the brush, or by avoiding detailing items that don’t really contribute to the final product.
Fine-Tune with Shadow and Light
The defining feature of Burton’s art lies in its recognition that illustration doesn’t merely contain an object, but also a sentiment. The play on light and shadow is a classic way to bring out the emotion displayed in any image, and Burton’s art is no exception. His images often have hard shadows around the eyes, sharp lines between light and shadow, and abstract shapes of light that move around the scene.
Experiment with the Color Palette
Another element that adds charm to Burton’s illustrations is the contrast between color and tone. His pieces feature a lot of striking whites, muted blues and blacks, and faded pinks and oranges. There’s a stark difference between the lighting brought by the signature black and white visuals and the pastel tones used in his art. A contrast like this helps bring that classic Burton look to any drawing.
Print and Package Your Piece
Finally, what separates Tim Burton’s art from that of a beginner’s is the way it’s presented. A large number of Burton’s drawings feature strongly-defined borders, rushed notes handwritten at the top, and large negative space left blank. Presentation is key and adding these features to your drawings can make the difference between a Burton piece and a copycat.
By following these tips and tricks, embracing the signature elements of Burton’s work, and exploring different takes on his aesthetic, you’ll be drawing whimsical yet strangely spiny characters, enchanting landscapes, and creative layouts in no time. Don’t be afraid to experiment with your art and embrace a style that’s totally your own!
