5 Tips for Creating Heart-Melting Kawaii Cartoons

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 10 July 2023 6 min read

If you have found yourself captivated by the charm and appeal of kawaii cartoons and yearn to create your own adorable characters, this guide is for you. We'll walk you through the process of creating your own heart-melting kawaii cartoons. Let's get started!

1. Choose Your Style

One of the first steps in creating adorable kawaii cartoons is to define your artistic style. This involves researching, experimenting, and ultimately, refining your approach until you find a style that truly resonates with you. Let's break this down.

Study Different Kawaii Styles

Start by exploring the wide spectrum of kawaii styles. From the cute and simple characters of Sanrio's Hello Kitty, to the more detailed and expressive figures in Pokémon, kawaii cartoons come in all shapes and sizes. Pay attention to the lines, shapes, and colors that are used. Immersing yourself in these styles can help you understand the essence of kawaii and inspire you to develop your own unique take.

Pick Your Favorites

After studying various kawaii styles, identify your favorites. You might be drawn to the soft pastel shades of Little Twin Stars, or the more saturated, vibrant colors of Pokémon characters. Maybe you love the simplicity of Totoro's design, or the intricate details in the characters of Studio Ghibli's other films. Whatever styles you prefer, make a mental (or even physical) note of them—these will serve as your guide and inspiration as you create your own kawaii cartoon style.

Experiment with Styles

Now it's time for the fun part—experimentation! Take the elements you love from your favorite kawaii cartoons and start playing with them. Try drawing the large, expressive eyes of My Melody, or the small, simple bodies of Rilakkuma. Mix and match different aspects, and don't be afraid to add your own personal touch. Remember, the goal is not to create a carbon copy of an existing style, but to develop your own unique kawaii cartoon style.

2. Develop Your Characters

Once you have found your unique style, it's time to bring your kawaii cartoon characters to life. This process involves defining their personalities, designing their looks, and practicing drawing them consistently.

Define Character Personalities

Every great kawaii cartoon character starts with a personality. Is your character playful like Pikachu? Or perhaps they're reserved and mysterious like Luna from Sailor Moon? By defining your character's personality, you give them depth and make them more relatable for the audience. For example, Cinnamoroll, the adorable white puppy from Sanrio, is known for his kind heart and love for adventures. This makes Cinnamoroll more than just a cute face—it makes him a character that people can connect with.

Design Character Looks

With your character's personality defined, you can now focus on their physical design. This involves deciding on their shape, size, color, and other physical features. For instance, in the creation of Hello Kitty, the designers at Sanrio decided to keep her design simple with minimal colors and no mouth, to make her emotions universal and relatable. What features will make your kawaii cartoon unique? A fluffy tail? Sparkling eyes? The possibilities are endless!

Practice Drawing Characters

As the old saying goes, practice makes perfect. To become proficient at drawing your kawaii cartoon character, you need to practice consistently. Try drawing your character in different poses, expressions, and situations. This will not only improve your drawing skills but will also help ensure your character's design remains consistent, which is key to making your kawaii cartoon recognizable and memorable.

3. Use the Right Tools

With your characters developed, it's time to ensure you're equipped with the right tools to bring them to life. This involves choosing the right drawing tools, learning digital art software, and investing in quality materials.

Choose Proper Drawing Tools

Whether you're sketching on paper or a digital device, the right drawing tools can make all the difference. A well-known brand like Faber-Castell provides a range of quality pencils that are perfect for sketching. For digital art, a graphics tablet from Wacom can offer the precision and control you need for detailed work. Remember, the pen (or stylus) is mightier than the sword when it comes to creating captivating kawaii cartoons.

Learn Digital Art Software

When it comes to kawaii cartoon art, software can be your best friend. Programs like Adobe Illustrator, Procreate, or Clip Studio Paint offer a variety of tools and features that can enhance your artwork and make the drawing process more efficient. For example, Adobe Illustrator offers vector-based tools that are perfect for creating crisp, clean lines and scalable artwork. The more you learn about these tools, the more magical your cartoons can become.

Invest in Quality Materials

Quality materials can enhance your art and make the process more enjoyable. If you're using traditional methods, acid-free paper and high-pigment inks can preserve the vibrancy of your kawaii cartoons for years to come. For digital artists, a high-resolution monitor can ensure you're seeing your work at its best. As you invest in your tools, you invest in the quality of your kawaii cartoons.

4. Learn Color Theory

Color is a powerful tool in the realm of kawaii cartoons. It can set the mood, highlight a character's personality, and make your artwork pop. To harness the power of color, we need to understand color theory, how to apply colors to characters, and the fun part - experimenting with color palettes.

Understand Basic Color Theory

Color theory is the science and art of using color. It explains how colors mix, match, and contrast. It’s the guidebook for understanding color and using it effectively. For example, do you know why a tiny, red heart looks so striking on a kawaii cartoon with pastel colors? That’s color contrast at work. The more you understand color theory, the better you can use color to enhance your kawaii cartoons.

Apply Colors to Characters

Applying the right colors to your characters can bring them to life. If your character is a bubbly, energetic bunny, try using bright and warm colors. If your character is a cool, mysterious cat, perhaps a palette of cooler, darker shades would work better. Remember, the colors you choose can tell a story about your characters just as much as their design and personality.

Experiment with Color Palettes

Finally, feel free to experiment with different color palettes. Maybe pastel shades are your style, or perhaps you prefer bold, primary colors. There’s a whole spectrum out there to explore. Mixing and matching colors can lead to unexpected and delightful results. Who knows, your next kawaii cartoon could redefine color trends!

5. Practice and Improve

Improving your kawaii cartoon drawing skills is a journey, not a destination. You can always learn something new, refine a technique, or explore different styles. To continually improve, it's critical to sketch regularly, seek feedback, and learn from others.

Sketch Regularly

Just like your favorite sport or musical instrument, practice makes perfect in the world of kawaii cartoon drawing. The more you draw, the more comfortable you'll become with your style and techniques. Try setting aside a little time each day for sketching. You might be surprised at how quickly you see improvements.

Seek Feedback

As an artist, it's easy to become attached to your work and overlook areas for improvement. That's where feedback comes in. Show your kawaii cartoons to friends, family, or other artists. Their fresh perspective can help you spot anything you might have missed and give you new ideas to try. Remember, constructive criticism is a gift that helps you grow as an artist.

Learn from Others

Finally, never stop learning. There are many talented kawaii cartoon artists out there, each with their unique style and techniques. Study their work, learn what you love about it, and try to incorporate those elements into your art. You can even attend workshops or online courses to learn new skills. The world of kawaii cartoons is vast and diverse — there's always something new to discover!

If you're eager to learn more about creating adorable kawaii cartoons, don't miss out on Alba's workshop, 'How to Create CUTE Character Design'. This workshop will help you master the art of designing irresistibly cute characters that will melt your audience's hearts. Join now and level up your kawaii cartoon skills!