How to Draw Kawaii Animals: Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 10 July 2023 7 min read

Have you ever wanted to bring the adorable world of kawaii animals to life on paper? Well, you're in the right place. This step-by-step guide on how to draw kawaii animals is perfect for beginners who are looking to explore this delightful art form. Whether you're sketching for fun, or looking to impress your friends with your newfound skills, this guide will walk you through the process. So, let's embark on this fun-filled artistic journey to create your very own kawaii animal drawings.

1. Get Your Materials Ready

Before we dive into the world of kawaii animal drawing, it's important to prepare all your materials. Having the right tools at hand will not only make the process smoother but also enhance the outcome of your artwork. Let's take a look at what you need to get started:

Choose the Right Drawing Tools

First and foremost, you need to select your drawing tools. For kawaii animal drawings, you don't need a wide array of professional-grade materials. A simple set of drawing pencils, an eraser, and a sketchbook will do just fine. Here's a quick rundown:

Pencils: Opt for a set of drawing pencils of varying hardness. This will allow you to create different lines and shading effects. A good starter set might include H, HB, and B pencils.
Eraser: A high-quality eraser is important for correcting mistakes and creating white spaces. Consider getting a kneaded eraser. It's soft, flexible, and perfect for lightening lines without causing damage to the paper.
Sketchbook: Go for a sketchbook with medium-weight paper that can handle both light and heavy pencil strokes. The size of the sketchbook is up to you, but a medium size (around 9x12 inches) is a good start. It's large enough for detailed drawings, yet compact enough to carry around.

Set Up Your Drawing Space

Now that you have your tools, let's talk about setting up your drawing space. When learning how to draw kawaii animals, having a comfortable and well-lit space can make a significant difference. Here's how you can set up your space:

Lighting: Good lighting is key to seeing your work clearly. Natural light is the best, but if that's not available, a desk lamp with a daylight bulb will do the trick.
Table and Chair: Choose a table and chair that are comfortable for you. Your table should be large enough to hold all your drawing tools and your sketchbook, while your chair should support good posture.

Select Your Kawaii Animal

Finally, it's time to choose the star of your drawing—the kawaii animal. This could be anything from a cuddly bear to a cute little bunny. Don't worry about complexity at this point. The goal is to have fun and enjoy the process of learning how to draw kawaii animals. Just keep in mind, the simpler the animal, the easier it will be to draw. So, for beginners, starting with a kawaii bunny or a cute kitty might be a good idea.

2. Start with Basic Shapes

Now that you have your materials ready and have chosen your kawaii animal, it's time to start drawing. One of the secrets to learning how to draw kawaii animals is to start with basic shapes. This helps to break down complex forms into simpler elements, making the drawing process a whole lot easier. So, let's begin:

Draw the Body

Start by sketching the body of your kawaii animal using simple shapes. For instance, if you're drawing a bunny, the body can be represented as an oval or a rounded rectangle. Try to keep the lines light at this point, as you will be refining them later. Remember, it's perfectly okay if your shapes aren't perfect. Practice makes perfect!

Add the Head

Next, it's time to draw the head. In kawaii art, the head is often larger than the body, which gives the animal its signature cute look. Depending on the animal you're drawing, the head could be a circle (for a bunny or a bear) or a rounded triangle (for a cat). Position the head so that it's slightly overlapping the body—this creates the effect of the head being tucked into the body, increasing the cuteness factor.

Outline the Limbs

Moving on, let's add the limbs. Just like the body and the head, the limbs are also drawn using simple shapes. For a bunny, you might draw elongated ovals for the legs and smaller ovals for the arms. For a bear, the arms and legs could be represented as rounded rectangles. Try to keep the limbs short and thick—this is another characteristic feature of kawaii animals that adds to their adorability.

By now, you should have a basic outline of your kawaii animal. The next step is to bring your drawing to life with cute details.

3. Add the Cute Details

Now that you've got the basic outline of your kawaii animal, it's time to add some adorable details. These will transform your simple shapes into a recognizable, cute character. And remember, when it comes to learning how to draw kawaii animals, it's all about the details.

Draw the Eyes

Start with the eyes. Kawaii eyes are typically big and shiny, which gives the animal an innocent, youthful look. Draw two large circles for the eyes and fill them in, leaving a smaller circle or two within each eye blank. These will serve as the highlight or "shine" in the eyes, giving them a sparkling effect.

Sketch the Nose and Mouth

Next, let's move on to the nose and mouth. The nose can be a simple dot or a small triangle, depending on the animal you're drawing. The mouth, typically placed right below the nose, is often a curved line, a small 'w', or even a simple dot. Remember, the simpler, the cuter!

Add the Ears and Tail

Finally, complete your kawaii animal by adding the ears and tail. The shape of these will depend on the animal you're drawing. For example, a kawaii bunny would have long, rounded ears and a small fluffy tail, while a kawaii cat might have pointy ears and a long, curvy tail. Again, keep these elements simple and stylized.

Now your kawaii animal is really starting to take shape! You've got the basic outline and the adorable details. But there's still one more step to bring your artwork to life—color!

4. Color Your Kawaii Animal

Adding color to your kawaii animal brings it to life, making it pop off the page and into the hearts of those who see it. But choosing the right colors and applying them effectively can make a big difference in how your kawaii animal turns out. So let's explore how to add color to your kawaii animal in a way that's both fun and effective.

Choose Your Colors

First off, decide on a color scheme. Kawaii animals are usually colored in soft, pastel tones. Think light blues, pinks, and purples or soft yellows, greens, and oranges. But don't limit yourself—feel free to experiment with whatever colors you love. Just remember to keep it light and bright.

Fill in the Base Color

Once you have your colors picked out, start by filling in the base color of your animal. This is the main color of your animal's body. For example, if you're drawing a kawaii bunny, you might choose a light gray or brown as the base color. Use a light touch when applying the color—you can always add more later.

Add Shading and Highlights

Next, add some depth to your kawaii animal with shading and highlights. This might sound complicated, but it's really just a matter of adding a slightly darker shade of your base color to one side of your animal for shading, and a slightly lighter shade (or even white) on the other side for highlights. This gives your kawaii animal a three-dimensional look, making it look more lifelike and cuddly.

With these coloring techniques, your kawaii animal should be looking pretty darn cute by now. But remember, practice makes perfect. So don't be afraid to experiment and try drawing different animals. The more you draw, the better you'll get at capturing the kawaii style.

5. Practice and Experiment

Now that you've learned the basics of how to draw kawaii animals, it's time to put your skills to the test. Remember, every artist has their own unique style and it's important to develop yours. Practice and experimentation are the keys to unlocking your potential, so let's dive into some ways you can do just that.

Try Different Animals

When you're starting out, it can be a good idea to stick to a few simple animals, like a bunny or a cat. But as you get more comfortable with the kawaii style, don't hesitate to branch out. Try drawing a kawaii panda, a koala, or even a dinosaur. Each animal will challenge you in new ways and help you hone your skills.

Experiment with Colors and Shapes

One of the great things about kawaii art is its simplicity. But that doesn't mean you can't shake things up. Try experimenting with different colors and shapes. For instance, what if your kawaii bunny was blue? Or what if it had heart-shaped ears? Don't be afraid to get creative and push the boundaries of what's considered "kawaii".

Finally, once you've created a kawaii masterpiece, why not share it with the world? Show your friends and family, post it on social media, or even join a local art group. Not only is it a great way to receive constructive feedback, but it's also a chance to inspire others with your work.

Learning how to draw kawaii animals is a fun and rewarding hobby. With a little practice and a lot of creativity, you can create adorable characters that will brighten anyone's day. So grab your drawing tools and start sketching—your kawaii adventure awaits!

If you've enjoyed learning how to draw kawaii animals and would like to expand your skills in drawing animals, don't miss the workshop 'Basic Animal Anatomy for Artists' by Viktoria. This workshop will teach you the fundamentals of animal anatomy, helping you create more accurate and lifelike animal illustrations. Give it a try and take your animal drawing skills to the next level!