Drawing cartoons is easy and fun because you can draw without many limitations compared to other realistic and drawing styles. Here are the basic steps used in almost all types of cartoons. Enjoy!
Step
Method 1 of 3: Basic Cartoon
![Draw a Cartoon Step 1 Draw a Cartoon Step 1](https://i.how-what-advice.com/images/004/image-11425-1-j.webp)
Step 1. Gather the necessary tools such as pencils, pens, and coloring tools
Before you start drawing, drawing tools are a must have. Coloring tools that you can use in cartoons can be crayons, colored pencils, watercolors, and much more.
![Draw a Cartoon Step 2 Draw a Cartoon Step 2](https://i.how-what-advice.com/images/004/image-11425-2-j.webp)
Step 2. Sketch the design lines
The first thing to do in a cartoon is to design a character illustration using a pencil, preferably an HB pencil. The design contains the main shapes of the cartoon character's body and clothes, positions, expressions and hair.
![Draw a Cartoon Step 3 Draw a Cartoon Step 3](https://i.how-what-advice.com/images/004/image-11425-3-j.webp)
Step 3. Draw a cartoon character using a pen
A drawing pen is the recommended pen for use on paper as it gives you a wide range of options. What's more, the drawing pen is easy to use and produces cleaner images.
![Draw a Cartoon Step 4 Draw a Cartoon Step 4](https://i.how-what-advice.com/images/004/image-11425-4-j.webp)
Step 4. Erase pencil marks using an eraser
![Draw a Cartoon Step 5 Draw a Cartoon Step 5](https://i.how-what-advice.com/images/004/image-11425-5-j.webp)
Step 5. Color as you like
You can use any medium you like and you can color it the way you want.
Method 2 of 3: Background
![Draw a Cartoon Step 6 Draw a Cartoon Step 6](https://i.how-what-advice.com/images/004/image-11425-6-j.webp)
Step 1. First, draw the basic design of the background
Use simple shapes and lines.
![Draw a Cartoon Step 7 Draw a Cartoon Step 7](https://i.how-what-advice.com/images/004/image-11425-7-j.webp)
Step 2. Add more details to the background which will make it more interesting
![Draw a Cartoon Step 8 Draw a Cartoon Step 8](https://i.how-what-advice.com/images/004/image-11425-8-j.webp)
Step 3. Draw the background using the pen
![Draw a Cartoon Step 9 Draw a Cartoon Step 9](https://i.how-what-advice.com/images/004/image-11425-9-j.webp)
Step 4. Erase pencil marks
![Draw a Cartoon Step 10 Draw a Cartoon Step 10](https://i.how-what-advice.com/images/004/image-11425-10-j.webp)
Step 5. Add more details and shadows
Shadows can be done using a pen by drawing lines as shown below.
![Draw a Cartoon Step 11 Draw a Cartoon Step 11](https://i.how-what-advice.com/images/004/image-11425-11-j.webp)
Step 6. Color as you like
![Draw a Cartoon Step 12 Draw a Cartoon Step 12](https://i.how-what-advice.com/images/004/image-11425-12-j.webp)
Step 7. You can also combine the characters with the background
This can be done using a combination of the two.
Method 3 of 3: Alternative Way
![Things need Step 1 Things need Step 1](https://i.how-what-advice.com/images/004/image-11425-13-j.webp)
Step 1. Before you start, you need to get everything ready
For all the equipment you need, check the things you need. (below this)
![Think of theme Step 2 Think of theme Step 2](https://i.how-what-advice.com/images/004/image-11425-14-j.webp)
Step 2. Second, get an idea what you want to be about, like crocodile hunting, politics, your views on new things, ducks, endangered species, etc
This will help you get a good idea of what you will be drawing in the background and in the foreground.
![Sketch Step 3 Sketch Step 3](https://i.how-what-advice.com/images/004/image-11425-15-j.webp)
Step 3. Third, you will need some characters, so practice drawing the characters on a spare sheet of paper
Start by drawing random shapes. This can be anything. A circle, a square, DSB. Also you need to brainstorm what the character will feel. Try making an expression in the mirror and then copying it. You can also demonstrate what your cartoon character will do. Try to describe how it looks. *If you need to, you can look at the pictures you find in magazines, books, posters, and the internet, but don't copy them! Your copywriting will be messed up!
![Background Step 4 Background Step 4](https://i.how-what-advice.com/images/004/image-11425-16-j.webp)
Step 4. Fourth, you need to practice drawing properties, scenery, etc
All you need to practice this is to draw a characterless landscape. Draw objects that you need or don't need.
![Try cartoon Step 5 Try cartoon Step 5](https://i.how-what-advice.com/images/004/image-11425-17-j.webp)
Step 5. Fifth, you need to practice drawing cartoon strips, or just cartoons
To do this, draw several panels with straight outlines. (best try with a ruler)
![Color cartoon Step 6 Color cartoon Step 6](https://i.how-what-advice.com/images/004/image-11425-18-j.webp)
Step 6. Sixth, start drawing the finished cartoon
Remember, draw the outlines first, THEN color them with colored pencils, markers, crayons, paints, glitter, etc. You may want to draw how big your cartoon is; like 11' 4', 3' 5', etc.
![Cut Step 7 Cut Step 7](https://i.how-what-advice.com/images/004/image-11425-19-j.webp)
Step 7. If your cartoon doesn't cover the entire paper, then cut it
You can bind it, glue it, staple it, DSB. Wherever you want!
![Show your friends Step 8 Show your friends Step 8](https://i.how-what-advice.com/images/004/image-11425-20-j.webp)
Step 8. Once you are completely done with your cartoon, you can show it to your family and friends
![How to draw a cartoon Intro How to draw a cartoon Intro](https://i.how-what-advice.com/images/004/image-11425-21-j.webp)
Step 9. Done
Tips
- Get a good idea before drawing. If you don't know what you're drawing you could end up ruining your cartoon!
- Keep a small notebook and drawing kit with you at all times. That way if you have a great idea for a cartoon, then you can write it! Or… you can buy a recorder. Unfortunately, this costs a lot of money so I prefer notebooks.
- Draw the outlines with a pencil first. That way if you don't like it you can always go back and change it.
Warning
- Don't pay attention to people who insult your drawing skills… I've learned that.
- Draw the outline first. If you don't you will waste a LOT of paper.