Beginner's Guide: Cute Outline Drawings Tips

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 10 July 2023 7 min read

So, you've decided to embark on a delightful journey into the world of cute outline drawings. As a beginner, it's essential to have a strong foundation, and that's what this guide is here for! We'll start with the basics, get a grip on the tools, move through the process step by step, and before you know it, you'll be creating adorable artworks that bring a smile to everyone's face.

1. Get Comfortable with Your Tools

Just like a master chef knows their way around the kitchen, a great artist knows their tools. Getting familiar with your drawing tools is the first step towards creating amazing cute outline drawings. So, let's dive in and learn about pencils, erasers and why the type of paper you use matters.

Know Your Pencils

Not all pencils are created equal. When it comes to drawing, you have a range of options, from soft lead pencils that create dark, thick lines to hard lead pencils for lighter, more precise lines. Here's a quick rundown:

HB: This is your standard pencil, great for sketching your basic shapes.
B Series: Soft lead pencils (B, 2B, 3B, etc.) are perfect for darker outlines and shading.
H Series: Hard lead pencils (H, 2H, 3H, etc.) are best for fine details and light lines.

Experiment with different pencils to see what works best for your cute outline drawings.

Understanding Erasers

You might think an eraser is just an eraser, but there's more to it than that. Different types of erasers are designed for specific tasks:

Rubber Erasers: Ideal for removing large areas of pencil.
Kneaded Erasers: These can be shaped into a point for erasing small, precise areas - great for refining your cute outline drawings.
Vinyl Erasers: These white erasers are excellent for removing darker lines without leaving smudges.

Paper Matters

Last but not least, let's talk about paper. Trust me, it can make a huge difference in your drawings. Smooth paper is great for detailed work, while textured paper can add a nice touch to your shading. When you're just starting, a good quality sketchbook is a great investment for your cute outline drawings journey. Plus, it keeps all your work in one place so you can see your progress!

2. Start with Basic Shapes

Now that you're comfortable with your tools, let's get down to the fun part - actually drawing! But before you start creating cute outline drawings, it's important to start with the basics. And that means understanding how to draw basic shapes.

Circles and Ovals

Many cute outline drawings start with simple shapes; circles and ovals being the most common. These shapes form the base of many adorable characters and objects. Learning to draw a perfect circle or oval might take some practice, but don't worry, it's all part of the process. Remember, it's not about perfection, but progress.

Rectangles and Squares

Rectangles and squares are other basic shapes that you'll frequently use in your cute outline drawings. They can form the body of cute little robots or the building blocks of a charming house. A tip to draw a perfect square or rectangle is to ensure all the sides are equal and the angles right. A ruler can be handy for this, especially when you're just starting out.

Connecting Shapes

Once you've mastered circles, ovals, rectangles, and squares, the next step is to learn how to combine these shapes to create more complex forms. This is where your cute outline drawings really start to come to life. For example, you can combine two circles and a triangle to create an adorable face. Isn't it amazing how a few simple shapes can create something so cute?

So, keep practicing these basic shapes, and soon you'll be able to use them to create an endless variety of cute outline drawings. And remember, every great artist started from the basics, just like you.

3. Master Outline Drawing

Alright, you're getting the hang of this! Now that we’ve covered the basic shapes, let's move onto the next step: mastering the art of outline drawing. This is a key skill in creating those cute outline drawings you're aiming for.

Sketching the Outline

First things first, you need to sketch the basic outline of your drawing. Use your knowledge of basic shapes to guide you. For example, if you're drawing a cute bunny, start with an oval for the body, a circle for the head, and don't forget those long ovals for the ears! Remember, these are just rough sketches, so don't stress about getting them perfect. The main goal is to get the general shape and proportions right.

Refining the Outline

Now that you have your basic outline, it's time to refine it. This involves smoothing out your lines and adding more detail. For instance, you might add fur to the outline of your bunny, give it a cute little button nose, or add some detail to the ears. This is where your drawing starts to look less like a bunch of shapes and more like a cute outline drawing.

Adding Details

The final step in mastering outline drawing is adding the details. This is the fun part where you get to bring your cute outline drawings to life! Add eyes, a mouth, and any other features your character or object might have. Remember, the details don't have to be complex. Sometimes, the simplest details are the cutest!

So, grab your tools and start practicing. Before you know it, you'll be creating all kinds of cute outline drawings with ease!

4. Practice Shading

Okay, you've got the hang of outline drawing, now let's add some depth to your cute outline drawings with shading. Shading isn't as scary as it sounds — it's all about playing with light and dark areas to give your drawings a three-dimensional look.

Understanding Light and Shade

First things first: understanding how light and shade work. Imagine a light source shining on your drawing. The areas that are directly hit by the light will be the lightest, while the ones hidden from the light will be the darkest. This is a basic rule that can instantly bring more depth to your cute outline drawings.

Shading Techniques

Now, let's talk about some shading techniques. Simple cross-hatching — making intersecting sets of parallel lines — is a great place to start. Try different distances and angles between the lines to create different shades. Another technique is called smudging, which is exactly what it sounds like. Use your finger or a special tool called a stump to smudge the pencil marks and create smooth gradients of shade.

Shading Cute Objects

Finally, let's apply these shading techniques to cute objects. For instance, if you're drawing a cute apple, remember to consider where the light source is. The part of the apple facing the light might be bright and shiny, while the opposite side might be darker. Shading is all about practice, so grab your pencil and get shading!

With a little practice and patience, you'll be adding depth and dimension to your cute outline drawings in no time. So, what are you waiting for?

5. Explore Cute Characters

Now that we've got our tools, shapes, and shading under our belt, let's move on to the fun part — cute characters! You'll find that creating cute outline drawings of characters is a rewarding and enjoyable process. Whether you're sketching a chubby little puppy or a plump, cheerful human, let's dive in, shall we?

Drawing Cute Animals

Animals are a popular choice when it comes to cute outline drawings. Remember, it's all about the big eyes and exaggerated features. A kitten, for example, would have larger than life eyes and a tiny little nose. The same goes for a cute little bunny. Remember to keep the lines soft and rounded for that extra dose of cuteness.

Drawing Cute People

When drawing cute people, think about what makes a person look adorable. Is it their big round eyes, or their tiny little hands? Or maybe it's their chubby cheeks? Play around with these elements in your cute outline drawings. And remember, it's not about getting every little detail perfect. It's about capturing the essence of cuteness.

Drawing Cute Objects

But it's not just living things that can be cute. Objects can be just as adorable. A cupcake with a smiley face, a happy little sunflower, a whimsical teapot — all these can make for some delightful cute outline drawings. Just remember to keep the lines simple and clean, and let the cuteness shine through.

Well, aren't you excited to add some cute characters to your repertoire? So, what's your first project going to be?

6. Get Creative

Alright, you've made it to the final stage of our journey — unlocking your creativity. With all the basics in place, it's time to bring your cute outline drawings to life with a splash of individuality. Let's see how.

Adding Accessories

Accessories can add a touch of personality and depth to your cute outline drawings. A hat on your bunny? Why not! Glasses on your kitten? Absolutely! Even a simple bow or ribbon can make a world of difference. Think of them as the finishing touches that make your characters uniquely yours.

Drawing Unique Poses

Poses are another great way to express character. A slouching panda could be tired, while one standing on its hind feet could be reaching for some yummy bamboo. Experimenting with poses not only makes your characters more dynamic, but it also makes your cute outline drawings more engaging.

Playing with Colors

While we're primarily focusing on outlines, colors can add a whole new dimension to your drawings. Warm, bright colors can make your characters appear more lively and endearing. So, don't shy away from adding a bit of color to your cute outline drawings. And remember, it's all about having fun!

And there you have it! You're now equipped with all the tips and tricks you need to start creating your own cute outline drawings. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your pencils and let's get drawing!

If you're looking to improve your skills in creating cute outline drawings, don't miss the workshop 'How to Create CUTE Character Design' by Alba. This workshop will teach you the techniques and tricks to design adorable characters that will make your artwork stand out. So, what are you waiting for? Join the workshop and elevate your cute drawing game!