Step-by-Step Beginners Guide: Drawing Cartoon Network Characters

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 10 July 2023 7 min read

Drawing is a fun and creative way to express yourself, and what better way to do it than by learning to draw Cartoon Network characters? From the comical expressions of Gumball to the geometric simplicity of Adventure Time's Finn, these characters offer a rich palette of styles to explore. This step-by-step guide is designed to help beginners learn to draw cartoon network characters with confidence and enjoyment. Let's dive right in!

1. Get Familiar with Cartoon Network Characters

Before you can start drawing, it's important to get to know the characters. This involves watching the shows, identifying key characteristics, and choosing your favorite character to draw.

Watch Cartoon Network Shows

First things first: immerse yourself in the world of Cartoon Network. By watching different shows, you gain an understanding of the unique styles and attributes of each character. Notice how the characters move, their typical expressions, and their distinguishing features. This will give you a solid base when you start to draw cartoon network characters.

Identify Key Characteristics

Once you're familiar with the shows, it's time to focus on the details. Look for recurring themes in the design of the characters. For example, many characters in "The Powerpuff Girls" have large, expressive eyes, while characters in "Adventure Time" often have simple, geometric shapes. Identifying these key characteristics will make it easier for you to capture the essence of each character in your drawings.

Choose Your Favorite Character

Now that you've done your research, pick your favorite character to start with. It could be the brave and mighty Finn from "Adventure Time", the lovable and funny Gumball from "The Amazing World of Gumball", or even the intelligent and quirky Dexter from "Dexter's Laboratory". Choosing a character that you love will make the drawing process more enjoyable and motivating.

2. Gather Your Drawing Tools

Now that you've chosen your character, it's time to gather the tools you'll need to draw cartoon network characters. This doesn't require anything fancy or expensive. A good pencil, an eraser, and some quality drawing paper are all you need to start.

Choose the Right Pencil

A good pencil is key to a good drawing. For beginners, a standard HB pencil is a great starting point. It's not too hard or too soft, which makes it perfect for both sketching and detailing. As you get more comfortable, you can experiment with different pencil grades for different effects. For instance, a 2B pencil is softer and darker, and can be great for shading.

Have an Eraser at Hand

Even the best artists make mistakes, and that's where the eraser comes in. A good quality eraser can remove unwanted lines without smudging your work or tearing your paper. So, keep one close by when you're drawing.

Select Quality Drawing Paper

Finally, choosing the right paper can make a big difference in your drawing. A smooth, heavyweight paper is ideal as it can handle erasing and shading without getting easily torn or wrinkled. Brands like Strathmore and Canson offer good quality drawing paper that won't break the bank.

With these tools in hand, you're ready to start drawing! Remember, it's not about having the most expensive tools, but how you use them.

3. Start With Basic Shapes

With your drawing tools ready, we're now going to actually start to draw cartoon network characters. The first step? Breaking your character down into basic shapes. This trick makes it easier to capture the proportions and form of your character. Let's get started.

Draw the Head

Most cartoon characters' heads are a simple shape, like a circle or an oval. Look closely at your chosen character and determine the basic shape of their head. Sketch this shape lightly on your paper. Remember, this shape is just a guide, so don't press too hard—you'll be refining it later.

Sketch the Body

Next, move on to the body. Again, break it down into simple shapes. Is the body a larger circle? An oval? A rectangle? Sketch these shapes, making sure they are in proportion to the head. For instance, in many cartoon network characters, the body is often smaller compared to the head.

Outline the Limbs

Finally, sketch the arms and legs using simple lines and shapes. Look at how the limbs of your character are shaped—are they straight lines or more like long ovals? And how do they connect to the body? Take your time with this step. Once you're happy with your basic shapes, you've laid a solid foundation for your character.

Now, you might be thinking—"My drawing doesn't look much like a cartoon network character yet!" Don't worry, that's perfectly normal at this stage. The magic happens in the next step when we start adding details.

4. Add Details to Your Character

Now that we have our basic shapes in place, it's time to breathe life into our sketch and turn those shapes into a recognizable Cartoon Network character. We'll do this by adding the defining characteristics that make your character unique. Let's dive right in.

Illustrate the Face

First, focus on the face. Start by sketching the position of your character's eyes within the head shape. Are they near the top? The middle? How far apart are they from each other? Once you're happy with the placement, draw the eyes. Remember, Cartoon Network characters often have exaggerated features, so don't shy away from making the eyes bigger than you might expect. Next, add the nose, mouth, and any distinguishing features like freckles, eyebrows, or glasses. Last but not least, don't forget the ears!

Design the Clothing

Now let's dress up your character. Sketch the basic outline of their clothes on the body shape. Keep it simple—remember, we're drawing a cartoon, not a fashion sketch. Whether it's a simple t-shirt and shorts or a princess gown, pay attention to how the clothes fit on your character's body.

Include Personal Touches

Finally, add any unique details that make your Cartoon Network character special. Does your character have a tail? Interesting hair? A signature accessory? These are the details that will make your character instantly recognizable to fans of the show. Take your time with these details—they are the finishing touches that will make your drawing shine.

With the details in place, your drawing is starting to look like a real Cartoon Network character! But we're not done yet. Next, we'll add some color to bring your character to life.

5. Color Your Cartoon Network Character

Now that we've sketched and illustrated our Cartoon Network character, it's time to add some color. Coloring isn't just about making your drawing pretty—it's another chance to add depth and personality to your character. So grab your colored pencils, markers, or paint, and let's get started!

Select the Right Colors

First, think about what colors best represent your character. If you're drawing Finn from Adventure Time, you'll need a lot of light blue for his shirt and darker blue for his shorts. Or if you're drawing Blossom from the Powerpuff Girls, you'll need pink for her dress and red for her hair bow. Use the colors that are true to your character to make them recognizable to others who know and love the show.

Apply Color with Care

When you start coloring, take it slow. Use light strokes to fill in the larger areas first, then build up to darker colors and smaller details. This will help you avoid mistakes and keep your coloring neat. Remember, you can always add more color, but it's tough to take it away once it's on the paper.

Add Shading and Highlights

Finally, add some shading and highlights to give your character some dimension. Look at where the light would hit your character and add some lighter colors there. Then, add some darker colors where shadows would fall. This will make your character look more three-dimensional and lifelike. It's a small step that makes a big difference!

And that's it! You've not only learned to draw Cartoon Network characters, but you've brought one to life with color. But remember, practice makes perfect, so let's keep going.

6. Practice and Improve

By now, you've taken your first steps to draw Cartoon Network characters. But, as with any skill, getting better comes with time and practice. So, let's explore some ways to keep improving and expanding your artistic skills.

Draw Regularly

Just like with any new skill, the more you draw, the better you'll get. Set aside some time each day to sketch and color. You could even set up a small sketchbook specifically for drawing Cartoon Network characters. Regular practice will help you get more comfortable with the shapes, lines, and colors that make up your favorite characters.

Seek Feedback

Don't be shy about showing your work to others. Family and friends can be a great source of encouragement and feedback. They might notice things that you didn't, or offer suggestions that can help you improve. And remember, every artist started somewhere, so don't get discouraged by constructive criticism. Instead, view it as a stepping stone towards becoming better at drawing Cartoon Network characters.

Try Drawing Different Characters

Once you're comfortable drawing one character, why not try another? Each Cartoon Network show is a treasure trove of unique characters, each with their own shapes, sizes, and colors. Trying to draw different characters can be a fun way to challenge yourself and expand your drawing skills. From the complex designs of the Teen Titans to the simpler shapes of Gumball, there's a whole universe of characters out there waiting for you to bring them to life on paper.

And there you have it—a beginner's guide to drawing Cartoon Network characters. Remember, the journey of an artist is a continuous process of learning and growth. So keep practicing, keep learning, and most importantly, keep having fun. Happy drawing!

If you enjoyed learning about drawing Cartoon Network characters and want to take your character design skills to the next level, make sure to check out the workshop 'How to Create CUTE Character Design' by Alba. This workshop will help you master the art of creating adorable and unique characters that capture the hearts of your audience.