Easy Techniques to Draw Monsters Like a Pro

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 11 July 2023 6 min read

Unleashing your creativity in drawing doesn't have to be scary—even when your subjects are! Whether you're an aspiring artist or a doodling hobbyist, learning to easily draw monsters can be an exciting adventure. This guide will walk you through simple, effective techniques to help you bring your own creature creations to life.

1. Get To Know Your Monster

Before you can start drawing, it's important to have a clear image in mind. Your monster can be anything you want it to be, so let's start by finding some inspiration, identifying key characteristics, and adding a splash of personality.

Draw Inspiration from Popular Monster Media

Monsters have been a staple in media for centuries, from ancient mythology to modern day movies. Think about your favorite monsters from books, films, and video games. What do you like about them? Maybe you admire Godzilla's towering size or find Mike Wazowski's single eye intriguing. Use these features to inspire your own creation. Remember, in this stage of easy draw monsters, there are no wrong answers—only endless possibilities.

Identify Key Monster Characteristics

Once you have some inspiration, it's time to get more specific. Does your monster have scales, fur, or slimy skin? How many eyes does it have, and what does its mouth look like? These questions may seem simple, but they're important in defining your monster's visual appeal. If you're stuck, try sketching out a few quick ideas. You might be surprised at what you come up with!

Add Personality to Your Monster

Lastly, don't forget to give your monster some character! Yes, it's a monster, but that doesn't mean it has to be scary. Perhaps your monster is more of a misunderstood creature, or maybe it's even a bit clumsy. Adding personality to your monster not only makes it more interesting, but also more fun to draw. So, let your imagination run wild and give your monster a story of its own.

2. Build The Basic Shape

With a clear idea of your monster, it's time to start drawing. But don't worry, you don't need to be an expert artist to do this. We're going to break it down into manageable steps, starting with building the basic shape of your monster.

Use Basic Shapes for Structure

One of the secrets to easy draw monsters is to start with basic shapes. Circles, squares, and triangles can become the building blocks of your monster. For example, you can use a large circle for the body, smaller circles for the eyes, and triangles for teeth. Remember, these shapes are just a starting point—you'll refine and add details later on.

Understand Proportions and Scaling

While you're sketching your monster, it's important to consider proportions and scaling. This doesn't mean your monster needs to have human-like proportions—after all, it's a monster! Maybe it has a giant head and tiny body, or long arms and short legs. The key is to be consistent. If you decide that your monster's eyes are the same size as its mouth, for example, make sure this is the case from every angle.

Master Aligning and Balancing

Another important step in creating an easy draw monster is learning how to align and balance your shapes. This will make your monster look more three-dimensional and realistic. If your monster has two eyes, they should be level with each other. If it has multiple arms, they should be balanced so the monster doesn't look like it's about to tip over. Again, these are just guidelines—feel free to break the rules if it suits your monster's personality!

3. Add Detail To Your Monster

Now that you've got your basic shape, it's time to start adding details. This is where your monster really starts to come to life. Don't be afraid to get creative! Remember, this is your monster, and there are no wrong choices.

Incorporate Texture and Material

Adding texture can be a great way to make your monster more interesting. Does it have rough, scaly skin or soft, furry hair? Maybe it's covered in slimy tentacles, or hard, shiny armor. Use different types of lines and shading to represent different textures. For example, you can use short, jagged lines for rough textures and smooth, flowing lines for soft ones.

Adding Features and Embellishments

Next, think about your monster's features. Does it have horns, claws, wings, or multiple eyes? Maybe it has a tail with a mind of its own, or a third arm growing out of its back. Don't forget about smaller details, like scars, patterns, or jewelry. These can add a lot of personality to your monster.

Use Light and Shadow to Add Depth

Finally, using light and shadow can give your monster a sense of depth and make it look more three-dimensional. Imagine a light source shining on your monster, and think about how that light would create highlights and shadows. For example, the light might make the top of your monster's head brighter and cast a shadow under its chin. Don't stress about getting this perfect—just a little bit of shading can make a big difference!

4. Color Your Monster

Once you've added all the details to your monster, it's time to bring it to life with some color. Coloring your monster can be a fun and rewarding process, but it can also be a bit tricky. Don't worry though, with a few easy steps, you can make your monster pop off the page.

Choose a Color Palette

Before you start coloring, it's a good idea to choose a color palette. This doesn't mean you can only use those colors, but it can help to have a general idea of the color scheme you want. Maybe your monster is mostly green, with accents of purple and black. Or maybe it's a sunset-colored monster, with shades of red, orange, and yellow. Don't be afraid to get creative!

Apply Base Colors

Once you've chosen your palette, start by applying the base colors. These are the main colors of your monster, not including any shadows or highlights. Try to color evenly and stay within your lines, but don't worry about making it perfect. This is supposed to be fun, after all!

Add Highlights and Shadows

Finally, you can use lighter and darker versions of your base colors to add highlights and shadows. This can make your monster look more three-dimensional and can add a lot of depth to your drawing. Remember the light source you imagined when you were adding details? Use that same light source for your highlights and shadows. And again, don't stress about making it perfect. The most important thing is that you're having fun and creating a monster that you love.

5. Bring Your Monster to Life

Now that you've added color to your monster, it's time to take the final steps to bring your creation to life. Don't fret! These easy steps will have your monster roaring off the page in no time.

Create a Background

First, consider where your monster lives. Is it a swamp creature lurking in the murk, a space alien from a far-off galaxy, or perhaps a mythical beast from an enchanted forest? Sketch out a simple background to give context to your monster. A few trees, some stars, or a patch of fog — a little can go a long way!

Animate Your Monster

Next, consider how your monster moves. Does it lumber along, or maybe it floats ethereally? Maybe it has a peculiar way of twitching its tail or flapping its wings. Visualize your monster in action and add a few lines to show movement. Remember, it's all about making your monster feel alive and part of its world.

Finally, be proud of your monster and share it with others! Show it to your friends, your family, or your art teacher. Post it on your favorite social media platform — remember to use the hashtag #EasyDrawMonsters so others can see your work too. You've put in the effort, and now it's time to show off your creation. Remember, art is all about expressing yourself, and there's no right or wrong way to do it. So, keep drawing, keep creating, and most importantly, keep having fun.

If you're excited to learn more about drawing monsters like a pro, don't miss the workshop 'Inventing Gods & Monsters' by Cat Johnston. This workshop will teach you the intricacies of creating unique and captivating mythical creatures, taking your monster-drawing skills to new heights.