10 Cool and Simple Things to Draw for Beginners

Published on 21 June 2023 9 min read

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Are you a beginner artist looking for some cool things to draw? Look no further! Here's a list of 10 simple yet interesting ideas to help you get started on your artistic journey. From geometric shapes to cute animals, these drawing ideas are perfect for beginners and will surely keep you engaged and inspired. So grab your sketchbook and let's start drawing!

1. Geometric Shapes

Geometric shapes are not only easy to draw but also offer a solid foundation for beginners. Experimenting with different shapes can help you understand proportions, lines, and angles. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Triangles - Draw equilateral, isosceles, and scalene triangles to explore their unique properties.
Squares and Rectangles - Practice drawing squares and rectangles with different sizes and orientations.
Circles and Ovals - Use a compass or freehand to draw perfect circles and ovals, and try creating variations like ellipses.
Polygons - Challenge yourself by drawing polygons with more sides, like pentagons, hexagons, and octagons.

Once you're comfortable with basic shapes, you can combine them to create more complex designs. By mastering geometric shapes, you'll be well on your way to discovering even more cool things to draw.

2. Cute Animals

Who doesn't love cute animals? They're not only fun to draw but also help you practice various shapes, textures, and expressions. Here are some adorable animals you can start with:

Penguins - With their simple body shape and contrasting colors, penguins are a great starting point for drawing cute animals.
Owls - Practice drawing round shapes and big expressive eyes with these wise creatures.
Kittens - Capture the playful nature of kittens by focusing on their fluffy fur, small ears, and curious expressions.
Bunnies - Experiment with different poses and fluffy tails to create adorable bunny illustrations.

Remember, the key to drawing cute animals is to keep their features exaggerated and their proportions slightly off. This will give your drawings a charming, whimsical quality that's perfect for capturing the essence of these adorable creatures. Plus, it's another example of cool things to draw that will impress your friends and family!

3. Nature Scenes

Nature scenes are a fantastic way to practice various drawing techniques while creating beautiful and relaxing art. Here are some ideas for nature scenes that are both cool things to draw and perfect for beginners:

Trees - Start with simple shapes, like circles for the foliage, and experiment with different types of tree bark, leaves, and branches.
Mountains - Practice using lines and shading to create the illusion of depth and distance in your mountain drawings.
Flowers - Explore the world of botanical art by drawing flowers of different shapes, sizes, and colors. This can also help you practice blending and shading techniques.
Sunsets - Capture the beauty of a sunset by using various shades of warm colors to create a stunning sky and landscape.

When drawing nature scenes, pay attention to the details, like the texture of tree bark or the way light reflects on water. This will not only make your drawings more realistic but also add depth and interest to your artwork. So, grab your sketchbook and head outdoors for some inspiration — there's a whole world of cool things to draw out there!

4. Food Items

Food items are not only delicious but also make for some really fun and cool things to draw. They are great for beginners because they come in various shapes, sizes, and textures, allowing you to practice different techniques. Here are a few food-related drawing ideas:

Fruits - From a simple apple to a more complex pineapple, drawing fruits can help you practice shapes, shading, and textures.
Vegetables - Try your hand at drawing vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, and tomatoes to work on your skills with different shapes and colors.
Bakery items - Cupcakes, cookies, and donuts are not only mouth-watering but also excellent subjects for practicing your shading and detailing techniques.
Fast food - Drawing fast food items like burgers, pizzas, and fries can be a fun way to experiment with different textures and layers in your artwork.

Remember, when drawing food items, it's essential to focus on the details that make each item unique, like the seeds on a strawberry or the flaky layers of a croissant. So, the next time you're craving a snack, why not grab your sketchbook and draw something delicious instead?

5. Zentangle Patterns

Zentangle patterns are a fantastic way for beginners to dive into the world of drawing. These intricate designs are made up of simple, repetitive patterns that can be both relaxing and rewarding to create. Plus, they're among the cool things to draw when you want to challenge yourself with something different. Here are some tips for getting started with Zentangle patterns:

Start with basic shapes - Begin by drawing a simple shape, like a circle or square, and then fill it with a repetitive pattern using lines, dots, or swirls.
Experiment with variations - Once you've mastered the basics, try adding variations to your patterns by changing the size, direction, or spacing of your lines and shapes.
Combine multiple patterns - To create a more intricate Zentangle, combine different patterns in a single drawing. This can add depth and interest to your artwork.
Focus on the process - Zentangle is meant to be a meditative and relaxing art form, so don't worry too much about the finished product. Instead, focus on enjoying the process of creating your patterns.

As you practice drawing Zentangle patterns, you'll not only improve your overall drawing skills but also discover a new way to unwind and express your creativity. So, why not give it a try and see what beautiful patterns you can create?

6. Simple Cartoon Characters

Another way to explore the world of drawing is by trying your hand at simple cartoon characters. These adorable, easy-to-draw characters are perfect for beginners, and they're definitely cool things to draw when you're in the mood for something fun and lighthearted. Here are some tips for drawing simple cartoon characters:

Start with basic shapes - Like with Zentangle patterns, begin by drawing simple shapes such as circles, squares, or ovals to form the head and body of your character.
Keep facial features simple - For a beginner-friendly approach, use basic shapes and lines for eyes, noses, and mouths. You can even add a few simple expressions to your character, like a smile or a frown.
Experiment with accessories - Give your character a personal touch with accessories like hats, glasses, or scarves. These small details can make a big difference in bringing your cartoon character to life.
Practice with different characters - To improve your skills and explore different styles, try drawing a variety of characters, from animals to people. You can even create your own original characters for a truly unique drawing experience.

Drawing simple cartoon characters can be a fun and rewarding way to boost your confidence in your artistic abilities. Plus, it's a great opportunity to let your imagination run wild and create charming characters that make you—and others—smile.

7. Mandalas

Mandalas are intricate, circular designs that are both mesmerizing and relaxing to create. They're considered cool things to draw because of their unique patterns and the sense of accomplishment you'll feel once you've completed one. Even if you're a beginner, you can still create beautiful mandalas by following these simple guidelines:

Start with a circle - First, draw a large, perfectly round circle to serve as the base of your mandala. You can use a compass or any round object as a template.
Divide the circle into sections - To create a symmetrical design, divide your circle into equal sections. You can use a ruler and a protractor to measure and draw lines, or simply eyeball it if you prefer a more organic look.
Experiment with patterns - Inside each section, use various shapes, lines, and patterns to fill the space. The key is to repeat the same pattern in each section, creating a harmonious design.
Start small and build outward - Begin your design at the center of the circle and work your way outwards. This will help you maintain a balanced and cohesive design throughout your mandala.
Embrace imperfections - Remember, your mandala doesn't have to be perfect. In fact, small imperfections can add character and charm to your design. So, don't stress too much about making everything flawless—just enjoy the process!

Creating mandalas can be a therapeutic and satisfying way to express yourself through art. As you gain more confidence in your drawing skills, you can experiment with more complex designs and patterns, making each mandala an exciting new challenge.

8. Still Life

Still life drawings are a classic and cool way to build your drawing skills while capturing the beauty of everyday objects. These drawings focus on arranging and illustrating inanimate objects, such as fruits, flowers, or household items. For beginners, still life drawings offer a great opportunity to practice observation and develop shading techniques. Here's how you can get started with your own still life drawings:

Choose your subject - Pick a few objects that interest you and arrange them in a visually pleasing composition. This could be a bowl of fruit, a vase of flowers, or even your favorite coffee mug.
Consider lighting - Lighting plays a significant role in bringing your still life to life. Experiment with placing a single light source at different angles to create interesting shadows and highlights on your objects.
Start with simple shapes - Break down each object into basic shapes like circles, rectangles, and triangles. This will make it easier to draw the overall structure of your composition before adding details.
Focus on proportions - Pay close attention to the size and position of each object in relation to one another. It's essential to maintain accurate proportions to create a realistic still life drawing.
Practice shading techniques - Use various shading techniques, such as hatching or cross-hatching, to add depth and dimension to your still life. This will make your drawing appear more three-dimensional and lifelike.

As you practice and improve, you can tackle more complex subjects and compositions, turning ordinary objects into extraordinary works of art. Remember, the key to mastering still life drawing is patience and practice — so keep your sketchbook handy and have fun exploring the world of still life!

9. Abstract Art

Abstract art is an exciting and imaginative way to dive into the world of drawing, allowing you to express your creativity without the constraints of realistic subjects. It's one of those cool things to draw that can be as simple or as complex as you want it to be, making it perfect for beginners. Here are some tips to help you get started with abstract art:

Loosen up - Abstract art is all about freedom and self-expression, so let go of any preconceived notions of what art should look like. Embrace your inner artist and allow your hand to move freely on the paper.
Experiment with shapes and lines - Start by playing around with different shapes, lines, and patterns. Combine and layer these elements in unexpected ways to create unique compositions.
Play with color - Color is a powerful tool in abstract art, so don't be afraid to get bold and vibrant. Experiment with different color combinations and see how they interact with one another.
Find inspiration - Look for inspiration in the world around you, whether it's a specific emotion, a piece of music, or even a texture. Use these inspirations as a starting point for your abstract creations.
Trust your instincts - Abstract art is highly personal, so trust your instincts and let your intuition guide you. There's no right or wrong way to create abstract art, so enjoy the process and see where it takes you.

As you explore the realm of abstract art, you'll find endless possibilities for cool things to draw that challenge and inspire you. Remember, the most important aspect of abstract art is to have fun and let your creativity flow freely — happy doodling!

10. Calligraphy

Calligraphy is the art of beautiful handwriting and can be an incredibly satisfying and calming activity for beginners. It's a cool thing to draw because it allows you to express yourself through words while also honing your drawing skills. Here are some tips to help you get started with calligraphy:

Choose the right tools - To begin your calligraphy journey, you'll need a calligraphy pen or brush and some ink. You can also use a calligraphy marker if you want a more convenient option.
Learn the basics - Start by learning the basic strokes and letterforms of calligraphy. There are many different calligraphy styles, such as italic, gothic, and modern, so choose one that appeals to you and practice its fundamentals.
Practice consistency - Consistency is key in calligraphy. Focus on maintaining consistent stroke widths, angles, and letter spacing as you write. The more you practice, the more comfortable you'll become with your chosen style.
Experiment with different techniques - Once you've mastered the basics, try experimenting with different techniques, like flourishing, which involves adding decorative elements to your letters, or blending colors for a unique look.
Be patient - Calligraphy is an art form that takes time and practice to master. Be patient with yourself and enjoy the process of learning and improving.

Calligraphy is a fantastic way to add a personal touch to cards, invitations, or even your everyday handwriting. As you explore this elegant art form, you'll discover countless cool things to draw and new ways to express your creativity. So pick up your pen and start practicing — who knows what beautiful creations you'll come up with!

If you're eager to improve your character design skills, don't miss the workshop 'How to Draw Beautiful Character Designs from Scratch' by Trey Zimmerman. This workshop will guide you through the process of creating stunning and unique character designs, providing you with the techniques and inspiration you need to bring your characters to life.