Easy Step-by-Step Guide to Drawing Your Own Superhero

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 10 July 2023 7 min read

Superheroes have always held a special place in the hearts of both children and adults alike. They inspire us with their courage, captivate us with their abilities, and give us hope with their stories. Whether you're a seasoned artist or a beginner looking for an easy to draw superhero, this guide is a perfect place to start. Today, we'll take you through the process step-by-step, from finding inspiration to bringing your superhero to life. So, grab your sketchbook, and let's get started.

1. Find Your Inspiration

Before you can put pencil to paper, you need to decide what kind of superhero you want to draw. This is your chance to tap into your creativity and think about what kind of hero resonates with you the most. Here are a few places where you can find inspiration.

Explore Comic Books

Comic books are the birthplace of many iconic superheroes. By exploring different comic books, you can gain a wealth of ideas about costume design, character personality, and even superpowers. Marvel and DC Comics have a vast arsenal of characters that could inspire your easy to draw superhero. Don't limit yourself to just the well-known characters; deep dive into the universe of superheroes. The more diverse your reading, the richer your creation will be.

Watch Superhero Movies

Superhero movies offer a dynamic perspective on these characters. They provide you with a visual representation of how superheroes move, fight, and interact with their environment. For instance, the fluid movement of Spiderman, the powerful punches of Wonder Woman, or the mysterious aura of Batman, all paint a vivid picture that still images cannot capture. By watching these movies, you'll not only enjoy an exciting story but also get a more tangible feel for your own superhero design.

Read Heroic Literature

Heroic literature is not limited to comic books and graphic novels. Classic literature is also filled with heroic characters and epic adventures. Books like "The Odyssey," "Beowulf," or even modern fantasy series like "Harry Potter" can help shape your concept of a hero. They can help you think more deeply about your character's motivations, struggles, and triumphs, making your superhero more compelling and relatable. Remember, a good superhero isn't just about the flashy costume or cool powers; it's about the character's journey and growth.

2. Sketch Your Superhero

Now that you've got your inspiration, it's time to start creating your superhero. Sketching is the foundation of your design and it's easier than you might think. Here's an easy to draw superhero approach that anyone can follow.

Begin with Basic Shapes

Every superhero starts with basic shapes. Squares, circles, and triangles are the building blocks for your character's body and face. Start by drawing a circle for the head, rectangles for the torso and limbs, and connecting them with lines for the joints. This might look a little strange now, but these shapes will guide you as you refine your sketch into a full-blown superhero.

Add in Details

Once you have your basic shapes, it's time to add in the details. Start by sketching the face. Eyes, nose, mouth, and ears can all be broken down into simpler shapes. For the body, think about where your character's muscles would be and use curved lines to suggest their shape. Remember, superheroes are often larger than life, so don't be afraid to exaggerate a bit! Finally, add features like capes, boots, gloves, or even a utility belt. These small details can make your superhero unique and memorable.

Use a Drawing Tablet

While traditional pencil and paper are great, a drawing tablet can take your superhero sketches to the next level. Tablets like the Wacom Intuos or the iPad with Procreate app allow you to easily edit, tweak, and perfect your drawings. You can erase mistakes with a simple swipe, experiment with different brushes, and even use layers to try out different designs without messing up your original sketch. Plus, with a drawing tablet, you can easily share your superhero designs online!

3. Design Your Superhero Outfit

Sketching your superhero is only the beginning. Now, let's shift our focus to crafting a stunning outfit for your character. An iconic outfit can make your superhero stand out from the crowd and be easily recognized by fans. What would Superman be without his cape, or Wonder Woman without her tiara? Let's explore how to design an easy to draw superhero outfit that's both visually compelling and practical.

Consider Color and Symbolism

Color plays a crucial role in your superhero's outfit. It can convey your character's personality, powers, or backstory. For example, green often symbolizes nature or magic, while red can represent strength or passion. Think about what colors suit your superhero. Additionally, consider adding symbols or logos to your character's outfit. They can be a powerful visual representation of your superhero's identity or mission—like Batman's iconic bat emblem.

Think about Practicality

While it's fun to design flashy outfits, remember that your superhero needs to move in their costume. Think about the practical aspects of the design. If your superhero is meant to be speedy, a lengthy cape might not be the best choice. On the other hand, if your superhero operates in colder climates, a fur-lined suit could be a smart addition. It's all about balancing style and substance.

Use Fashion Design Software

Once you've drafted your superhero outfit, consider using fashion design software to refine it. Programs like Adobe Illustrator or CLO 3D can help you visualize your design in 3D, experiment with different colors and textures, and even simulate how the outfit would move on your superhero. Plus, using digital tools can make it easy to tweak and perfect your designs without having to redraw them from scratch.

4. Create Your Superhero Backstory

Now that we've designed an incredible outfit for our superhero, let's give them a compelling story. A well-thought-out backstory can make your superhero more relatable and interesting. It's what transforms a character from a two-dimensional sketch into a three-dimensional figure with depth, emotions, and motivations. So, how do you create an engaging backstory for your easy to draw superhero?

Focus on Character Development

Start with the basics. What's your superhero's real name? Where do they come from? What are their strengths, weaknesses, and quirks? From there, you can explore their past experiences and how they've shaped your hero's present. Did a tragic event push them to become a superhero? Or maybe they discovered their powers accidentally and decided to use them for good. You can also think about their relationships with others—friends, enemies, or perhaps a sidekick. Remember, the more developed your character is, the more engaging they'll be to your audience.

Add in Conflicts and Challenges

A superhero without challenges is like a story without a plot—it's simply not engaging. Your superhero needs obstacles to overcome, enemies to fight, or personal challenges to deal with. These conflicts can stem from their backstory or their daily life. Maybe there's a villain who's always one step ahead, or perhaps your superhero struggles to balance their mundane job with their crime-fighting duties. Conflicts can add tension and make your superhero's journey more exciting.

Write in New York City

Setting can play a big role in your superhero's story. Think about it—would Spiderman be the same if he wasn't swinging through the skyscrapers of New York City? When creating your superhero's backstory, consider setting it in a real or fictional place that complements their character. New York City, with its bustling streets and iconic skyline, could be the perfect stage for your superhero's adventures. Plus, drawing recognizable landmarks can make your superhero feel more grounded in reality.

5. Bring Your Superhero to Life

You've brainstormed, sketched, designed, and written. Now, it's time to take all those elements and bring your easy to draw superhero to life. Here's how you can do it.

Use Digital Illustration Tools

Digital tools can be a game-changer in giving your superhero a polished, professional look. One such tool is Adobe Illustrator, known for its precision and versatility. You can use it to refine your sketch, add colors, and even create special effects for your superhero. Similarly, Procreate is another excellent tool that provides a more natural drawing experience, especially for those using an iPad. Remember, practice makes perfect, so don't worry if your first few attempts don't look quite right. Keep trying, and soon, you'll be creating digital art like a pro.

Create a Comic Strip

Once you're comfortable with your digital drawing skills, why not put your superhero into action? Creating a comic strip is a fun way to showcase your superhero's powers and personality. You could illustrate a heroic rescue, a fierce battle, or even a day in the life of your superhero. Not only will this give your character more depth, but it's also a fantastic way to practice sequential storytelling and visual pacing—important skills for any aspiring comic artist.

Finally, don't forget to share your easy to draw superhero with the world. Social media platforms like Instagram, Twitter, or Pinterest are great places to showcase your work and connect with other artists and superhero fans. You might even get some constructive feedback that can help you improve. Remember, art is meant to be seen, so don't be shy about showing off your superhero!

If you enjoyed our 'Easy Step-by-Step Guide to Drawing Your Own Superhero' blog post, we highly recommend checking out Ruby Elliot's workshop, '1-2-3 Comics'. This workshop will take you further into the world of comics and help you develop your own unique superhero characters and stories. Don't miss this chance to enhance your comic-drawing skills!