How to Draw Cute Pokemon: Tips and Techniques for Beginners

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 10 July 2023 7 min read

For those who have always admired cute Pokemon drawings and wondered how to replicate such creativity, you're in for a treat! This guide will walk you through the exciting world of Pokemon artistry. Designed to equip beginners with the necessary skills to draw adorable Pokemon, we'll start by getting you familiar with Pokemon designs, and then gently guide you through the intricate process of creating your own cute Pokemon drawings. So buckle up, grab your sketching tools, and let's get started!

1. Get Familiar with Pokemon Designs

Before you can start creating your own cute Pokemon drawings, it's important to understand the basic designs of these charming creatures. This involves knowing your Pokemon well, observing the characteristics that make each Pokemon unique, and studying the different Pokemon types. Let's break it down:

Know Your Pokemon

First off, getting to know your Pokemon is as important as knowing the difference between a circle and a square in drawing. Each Pokemon has its unique features and attributes that set it apart. For instance, Pikachu, one of the most recognized Pokemon, is known for its short, chubby physique, large pointed ears with black tips, and its iconic lightning bolt-shaped tail. On the other hand, Jigglypuff is famous for its round body, big blue eyes, and curled tuft of fur on its forehead. Understanding these distinctive features will help you capture the essence of the Pokemon you wish to draw.

Observe Pokemon Characteristics

Observation is your best friend when it comes to cute Pokemon drawings. Take note of the Pokemon's physical characteristics, its color patterns, and even its typical postures. For example, Bulbasaur has a distinct pattern of darker patches on its body and a bulb on its back, while Charmander stands out with its fiery tail. Paying attention to these details will make your drawings more authentic and recognizable.

Study Different Pokemon Types

Last but certainly not least, study the different types of Pokemon. From Water, Fire, Electric, to Psychic and many more, each Pokemon belongs to one or two of these types. These types often influence the Pokemon's appearance. For example, Water-type Pokemon like Squirtle often have blue in their color scheme and aquatic features, while Grass-type Pokemon like Bulbasaur might have plant-based elements in their design. By studying these types, you'll gain a deeper understanding of the Pokemon universe, aiding you in creating accurate and cute Pokemon drawings.

2. Start with Basic Shapes

Once you're familiar with Pokemon designs, it's time to move on to the actual drawing. But don't worry, we're not diving into complex illustrations just yet. We'll start with basic shapes. Believe it or not, every Pokemon—no matter how intricate—begins with simple forms like circles, ovals, and lines. Let's explore how to use these shapes to sketch your favorite Pokemon:

Use Circles for Body and Head

Circles are a great starting point for cute Pokemon drawings. Why, you ask? Well, a lot of Pokemon have a roundish body structure, and circles are perfect for capturing this. Draw a circle for Pikachu's head and another for its body. Do the same for Jigglypuff's spherical body. Remember, these circles don't have to be perfect—they're just initial guides that you'll refine later on.

Employ Ovals for Eyes and Structure

Next up are ovals! Ovals come in handy when sketching the eyes and structure of your Pokemon. Squirtle's shell, for example, can be drawn as an elongated oval. And those adorable eyes on most Pokemon? You guessed it: they're often oval-shaped! So grab your pencil and start practicing your ovals—they'll be a big part of your cute Pokemon drawings journey.

Utilize Lines for Limbs and Tails

Last in our toolbox of basic shapes are lines. Lines are versatile and can be used to sketch out a variety of features. Pikachu's pointy ears and lightning bolt tail? Just a couple of lines. Charmander's slender limbs? More lines! Don't underestimate the power of a simple line—it can bring your Pokemon to life!

Starting with basic shapes might seem elementary, but it's a tried-and-true technique used by professional artists worldwide. It's all about breaking complex objects into manageable components, making it easier for you to draw. So practice these shapes, and before you know it, you'll be ready to add details to your Pokemon!

3. Add Details to the Design

With your basic shapes in place, it's time to add some personality to your cute Pokemon drawings. This stage is all about the details—the facial features, body outlines, patterns, and textures that make each Pokemon unique. Ready to level up your drawing skills? Let's get to it:

Sketch Facial Features

The first step in adding details is sketching out the facial features. This is where your Pokemon starts to come alive. Start with the eyes and mouth. Pikachu's eyes, for instance, are round with a little sparkle, and its mouth is a simple curved line. Jigglypuff's large, innocent eyes and tiny mouth make it one of the most endearing Pokemon. Remember, facial expressions can convey a lot about a Pokemon's character, so take your time with this step.

Draw Outlines for Body

Next, refine the body outline. This is where those basic shapes you drew earlier become more defined. Turn your circle into Bulbasaur's body, complete with its distinct quadrupedal stance. Transform your lines into Pikachu's pointed ears and lightning bolt tail. By drawing clear, defined outlines, you set the stage for a more detailed and accurate Pokemon drawing.

Mark Patterns and Textures

Finally, it's time to mark patterns and textures. This is what sets a Pikachu apart from a Jigglypuff or a Bulbasaur. Pikachu has dark-tipped ears and a pattern on its back, Jigglypuff has a curl on its forehead, and Bulbasaur has a plant bulb. These patterns and textures give each Pokemon its unique charm and make your cute Pokemon drawings more authentic.

Detailing is the step that truly brings your Pokemon to life. It's like putting on the finishing touches to make your Pokemon charming and recognizable. So, keep practicing, and soon you'll be drawing Pokemon that look like they've jumped straight out of the TV screen!

4. Use Colors to Bring Life

Now that you have your Pokemon sketch down, it's time to bring your cute Pokemon drawings to life with colors. Colors add vibrancy and personality to your drawings, making them pop off the page. Let's learn how you can play around with colors to make your Pokemon more lively and dynamic.

Apply Base Colors

Start by applying base colors to your Pokemon. These are the main colors that dominate the Pokemon's appearance. For example, Pikachu is primarily yellow, while Bulbasaur is a mix of turquoise and green. By applying the base colors first, you create a solid foundation to build upon with more detailed coloring later.

Add Shadows and Highlights

To give your Pokemon a three-dimensional appearance, add shadows and highlights. Shadows are darker tones of the base color that you apply in areas where light doesn't directly hit. Highlights, on the other hand, are lighter tones that you add to parts where light shines the brightest. Adding shadows and highlights to your cute Pokemon drawings can dramatically enhance their depth and realism.

Experiment with Color Variations

Finally, don't be afraid to experiment with color variations. Who says a Pikachu can't be blue or a Jigglypuff can't be green? Playing around with different color schemes can result in some truly unique and creative cute Pokemon drawings. Plus, it's a lot of fun!

With your Pokemon now colored and vibrant, you're almost done. But remember, drawing Pokemon isn't just about replicating what you see—it's also about having fun and expressing your creativity in the process. So, don't be afraid to color outside the lines!

5. Practice Regularly and Have Fun

Mastering the art of creating cute Pokemon drawings won't happen overnight. It requires practice and patience. But don't let that discourage you! The process of learning and improving can be an adventure in itself. Remember, the goal isn't just to perfect your drawing skills—it's also to have fun along the way. Let's explore how you can make your drawing practice more enjoyable and fulfilling.

Draw Different Pokemon Everyday

With over 800 Pokemon to choose from, you have a vast array of subjects for your drawing practice. Try drawing a different Pokemon each day. Not only will this help improve your drawing skills, but it will also deepen your understanding of Pokemon designs. Before you know it, you'll have a gallery of cute Pokemon drawings that showcases your progress and creativity.

Try Creating Your Own Pokemon

Once you're comfortable with drawing existing Pokemon, why not try creating your own? This is where you can let your creativity truly shine. Think about what kind of Pokemon you'd like to create. What type would it be? What would it look like? How would it evolve? Designing your own Pokemon can be a fun and rewarding challenge that takes your cute Pokemon drawings to another level.

Don't keep your cute Pokemon drawings to yourself—share them with others! Whether it's with friends, family, or an online community of Pokemon fans, sharing your artwork can be a great way to get feedback and improve your drawing skills. Plus, it can be incredibly fulfilling to see others appreciate and enjoy your creations.

As you continue your journey into the world of Pokemon drawing, remember to enjoy every step of the process. After all, the joy of creating art comes not just from the end result, but also from the journey of creation itself. Happy drawing!

If you're looking to improve your skills in drawing cute Pokémon and expand your artistic abilities, don't miss the workshop titled 'How to Create CUTE Character Design' by Alba. This workshop will provide you with valuable tips and techniques to create adorable characters that everyone will love. Join now and start creating your own unique and cute Pokémon designs!