Step-by-Step Guide: Drawing a Bubble Letter W

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 11 July 2023 5 min read

Creating your own artwork can be a rewarding experience. This guide takes you through the steps of drawing a bubble letter 'W'. Whether you want to make a poster, a greeting card, or simply enjoy the process of drawing, this guide will help you to create a fantastic "w bubble letter" that you'll be proud to show off.

1. Gather Your Drawing Supplies

Before we dive into the fun part, it's important to gather all the necessary supplies. This way, you'll have everything you need at hand, and you can fully focus on creating your "w bubble letter".

Choose Your Pencil

First things first, you'll need a pencil. The type of pencil you choose can make a difference in your drawing. A standard number 2 pencil is perfectly fine, but if you want to go the extra mile, you might consider using a drawing pencil. These give you a range from very light (H) to very dark (B). For bubble letters, a pencil in the middle range like an HB or B would work great. This will give you a nice dark line, but not so dark that it's hard to erase if you need to make adjustments.

Select Your Paper

Next, you'll need some paper. Any standard white printer paper will do the trick. However, if you're planning on adding color or shading to your "w bubble letter", a heavier paper like cardstock or drawing paper can hold up better to these additions without tearing or smudging.

Prepare an Eraser

Lastly, you'll need an eraser. Sure, the one on your pencil end will do, but if you're aiming for a more professional-looking "w bubble letter", consider using a white plastic or gum eraser. These types of erasers are great at completely removing pencil without leaving behind any smudges or color. Now that you have your drawing supplies ready, let's visualize our letter 'W'.

2. Visualize the Letter 'W'

Now that you've got your supplies in check, it's time to visualize your 'W'. Visualizing before you start drawing is key to creating a great "w bubble letter". So, let's get that image clearly in our minds!

Get a Picture of Bubble Letter 'W'

First, it can be really helpful to look at a reference image, especially if you're new to drawing bubble letters. You can find an example of a "w bubble letter" in a font book, online, or even in a comic book. Study the shape, think about what makes it look 'bubbly', and try to remember those details as you move on to drawing.

Imagine the Outline

Next, visualize the outline of your "w bubble letter". Imagine it in the size and style you want to draw. Picture the curves and lines that you'll be drawing. This mental picture will guide you as you start to put pencil to paper. Don't worry if you can't visualize it perfectly—your drawing doesn't have to be exact. The goal is to have a basic idea of what you're aiming for. Now, let's move on to actually drawing the outline of our bubble letter 'W'.

3. Draw the Outline

With a mental picture of your "w bubble letter" in place, we can now start transferring that image onto paper. We're going to take it step by step, starting with the left side, moving on to the right, and then connecting the lines.

Start with the Left Side

Begin by drawing the left side of your 'W'. Make a slight curve at the top to start the bubbly effect. Remember, we're not looking for perfect straight lines here. The curves and round edges are what give bubble letters their unique look. Take your time and don't worry if you need to make adjustments as you go. That's what your eraser is for!

Move to the Right Side

Once you're happy with the left side, shift your focus to the right side of your "w bubble letter". Try to mirror the shape and curve of the left side. This symmetry will help your 'W' look balanced and even. Remember, it's okay if it doesn't look perfect right away. Drawing is a process, and each stroke brings you closer to your finished bubble letter.

Connect the Lines

Now, let's connect the left and right sides at the bottom. Draw a line that curves upwards slightly in the middle and then back down to connect with the right side. Congratulations! You've just drawn the outline of your "w bubble letter". But we're not done yet. Next, we'll add the bubble effect to really make your 'W' pop.

4. Add the Bubble Effect

Now that you have the basic outline of your "w bubble letter", let's add some life to it. We're going to create a bubble effect to give your 'W' a fun, 3D look. We'll start by drawing overlapping circles, and then fill in the shapes.

Draw Overlapping Circles

Start by drawing small, overlapping circles along the lines of your 'W'. These circles should be about the same size and evenly spaced. When you're done, your 'W' should look like it's made up of bubbles — hence the name "w bubble letter".

Fill in the Shapes

Now it's time to fill in your shapes. Choose a single light source direction — this is where the light is coming from. Shade in the parts of the bubbles that are farthest from the light source. This will create a 3D effect, making your "w bubble letter" look like it's popping off the page. You're almost done! There's just one final step left.

5. Finalize Your Drawing

After adding the bubble effect, it's time to put the final touches on your "w bubble letter". In this section, we will clean up the drawing by erasing any extra lines, add some shading for depth, and finally, review your masterpiece.

Erase Any Extra Lines

You've done fantastic work so far. Now, let's clean it up. Use your eraser to carefully remove any extra lines or smudges. Remember, the cleaner the lines, the more your "w bubble letter" will stand out. The eraser is not just for mistakes — it's an essential tool for making your work look professional.

Add Shading for Depth

Shading adds more depth and dimension to your bubble letter. To do this, think back to where you imagined the light source. The parts of the bubbles closer to the light should be lighter, while the parts farther away should be darker. It's this contrast that gives your "w bubble letter" a sense of depth and volume. But remember, don't press too hard. Gentle strokes can achieve a smoother, more realistic shading effect.

Review Your Drawing

Finally, take a step back and admire your work. Does your "w bubble letter" look the way you want it to? Is there any area that needs more shading or any lines that need to be cleaner? If you see something that could use a little tweak, go ahead and make those adjustments. Art is never rushed, and the extra time you spend on it can make all the difference. After all, you're not just drawing a letter; you're creating a piece of art. So, how does your "w bubble letter" look now?

If you enjoyed our step-by-step guide on drawing a Bubble Letter W and want to take your bubble typography skills to the next level, don't miss Aryaman Munish's workshop, 'The Basics of Holographic Bubble Typography'. In this workshop, you'll learn the fundamentals of creating eye-catching, holographic bubble typography that will make your designs truly stand out.