How to Create Your Own Cartoon Doodle Art: A Step-by-Step Guide

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 26 April 2023 8 min read

Do you want to create your own unique cartoon doodle art but don't know where to start? This step-by-step guide is here to help you unleash your inner artist and create captivating cartoon doodles. We'll walk you through finding inspiration, choosing the right tools, developing your style, and more. So, grab your pen or tablet and let's get started!

Finding Inspiration

Before you dive into creating your own cartoon doodle art, it's essential to find inspiration that sparks your creativity. Ideas can come from various sources such as popular artists, social media, or even books and magazines. Let's explore these sources to kickstart your doodle journey.

Popular Cartoon Doodle Artists

Studying the work of popular cartoon doodle artists can provide a wealth of inspiration. Some artists to check out include:

Gemma Correll – Known for her witty and relatable illustrations, Gemma's work often features cute animals and humorous situations.
Jon Burgerman – Jon's doodles are characterized by his fun, imaginative, and playful characters.
Vexx – A master of blending surrealism and doodle art, Vexx's creations often incorporate intricate patterns and vibrant colors.

As you study these artists, take note of what draws you to their work, and think about how you can incorporate similar elements into your own creations.

Social media platforms like Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok are treasure troves of cartoon doodle art inspiration. You can follow hashtags like #doodleart, #cartoondoodles, and #sketchbook to discover new artists and styles. Save or bookmark your favorite posts, and use them as a reference for your own doodles.

Books and Magazines

Don't forget about the wealth of inspiration available in print! Art books, magazines, and even graphic novels can provide a rich source of ideas for your cartoon doodle art. Some publications to consider include:

Doodlers Anonymous – A magazine dedicated to the art of doodling, featuring interviews with artists and collections of their work.
The Art of Doodle – A book by Jon Burgerman, exploring his creative process and techniques.
Scott Pilgrim – A graphic novel series by Bryan Lee O'Malley, showcasing a unique blend of cartoon and manga styles.

As you read and explore, jot down ideas and concepts that resonate with you, and use them to fuel your own creative process.

Choosing Your Tools

Now that you've gathered some inspiration, it's time to choose the right tools for your cartoon doodle art. The tools you select will have a significant impact on your drawing experience and the final outcome of your artwork. Let's discuss traditional and digital drawing tools, and how to find the best fit for you.

Traditional Drawing Tools

For many artists, there's nothing quite like putting pen to paper. Traditional drawing tools can offer a tactile and hands-on experience. Some popular choices include:

Pencils – A classic choice, pencils are versatile and easy to use. Look for a variety of hardness levels for different line weights and shading techniques.
Fineliners – These pens are perfect for clean, crisp lines and come in various sizes for different levels of detail.
Markers – Markers like Copic or Prismacolor provide a bold, vibrant color option for your cartoon doodle art.

Don't be afraid to mix and match these tools to find the perfect combination for your style.

Digital Drawing Tools

With the advancement of technology, digital drawing tools have become increasingly popular. They offer a seamless drawing experience and a vast array of options. Some digital tools to consider include:

Graphic Tablets – Devices like Wacom tablets or the Apple iPad offer a responsive drawing surface that allows you to create fluid and precise doodles.
Styluses – A stylus, such as the Apple Pencil or Wacom Pen, can provide a natural, pen-like feel when drawing digitally.
Drawing Software – Programs like Adobe Photoshop, Procreate, and Clip Studio Paint offer a wide range of features and tools that help you bring your doodles to life.

Experiment with different devices and software to find the digital setup that works best for you.

Finding the Best Fit for You

Ultimately, the best tools for your cartoon doodle art will depend on your personal preferences and artistic goals. Ask yourself:

Do you prefer the tactile experience of traditional tools, or the flexibility and convenience of digital tools?
What is your budget for art supplies or digital devices?
Which tools and techniques resonate with your artistic style?

By considering these factors, you can select the tools that will help you create unique and captivating cartoon doodles.

Developing Your Own Style

Once you have your tools in hand, it's time to start developing your unique cartoon doodle art style. This process involves understanding the basics of cartoon styles, experimenting with various techniques, and combining elements that resonate with you. Let's dive in and see how you can create a style that's uniquely yours.

Understanding Basic Cartoon Styles

Before you can develop your own style, it's essential to familiarize yourself with some basic cartoon styles. These can serve as a foundation upon which you can build and customize your own approach. Some popular cartoon styles include:

Minimalist – This style focuses on simple shapes, clean lines, and limited details for a sleek and modern look.
Realistic – As the name suggests, this style aims for a more lifelike representation, with detailed shading and accurate proportions.
Abstract – This style embraces unusual shapes, exaggerated features, and unique compositions for a more experimental look.
Chibi – Originating from Japanese anime, chibi characters have oversized heads and small bodies, creating a cute and playful appearance.

Study these styles and take note of the elements that resonate with you. This will help you start thinking about how you can incorporate them into your own cartoon doodle art.

Experimenting with Various Techniques

Now that you're familiar with some basic cartoon styles, it's time to start experimenting with different techniques. This is where the fun begins! To find your style, try:

Playing with Line Weight – Experiment with thick, bold lines or delicate, thin lines to see which you prefer for your doodles.
Exploring Different Shading Methods – Try techniques like cross-hatching, stippling, or blending to add depth and dimension to your art.
Playing with Proportions – Adjust the size and shape of various features to create a unique and expressive character design.

Remember, there's no right or wrong way to create cartoon doodle art. Your style should be a reflection of your personality and preferences, so don't be afraid to think outside the box and try new things.

Combining Elements to Create Your Style

As you experiment with various techniques, you'll start to notice which elements you're drawn to and which feel most natural to you. To develop your cartoon doodle art style, combine these elements in a way that feels cohesive and distinct. For example:

If you love the simplicity of minimalist doodles but also enjoy the playfulness of chibi characters, try combining these styles to create cute, minimalist characters.
If you're drawn to realistic proportions but want to add a touch of whimsy, consider incorporating abstract elements like unusual colors or patterns.

Remember to stay true to yourself and what you enjoy — this is what will make your cartoon doodle art stand out and feel truly unique.

Step-by-Step Guide to Drawing Cartoon Doodles

Now that you have a solid foundation and a unique style, it's time to create your own cartoon doodle art. This step-by-step guide will walk you through the process, from sketching your ideas to adding the finishing touches. Let's get started!

Sketching Your Ideas

Begin by lightly sketching your ideas on paper or your digital drawing device. This initial sketch should focus on the basic shapes and composition of your doodle. Here are some tips for successful sketching:

Use light, loose lines to map out the overall structure of your doodle.
Don't worry about perfecting the details at this stage — the goal is to capture the essence of your idea.
Feel free to make adjustments and experiment with different poses, expressions, or compositions until you're satisfied with the layout.

Inking and Refining Lines

Once you're happy with your sketch, it's time to ink and refine your lines. This step will help you achieve a clean, polished look for your cartoon doodle art. Keep these tips in mind:

Use a pen, marker, or digital brush with a contrasting color to trace over your sketch.
Refine your lines by making them smoother, more defined, and consistent in thickness.
Take your time and maintain a steady hand to ensure clean, accurate lines.
Erase any remaining pencil marks or sketch lines after inking.

Adding Color and Shading

Now it's time to bring your cartoon doodle art to life with color and shading. This step adds depth, dimension, and personality to your doodle. Consider the following tips:

Choose a color palette that complements your style and the mood you want to convey.
Start by applying flat colors to the main areas of your doodle, then build up layers of shading and highlights to create depth.
Experiment with different shading techniques, such as cross-hatching, stippling, or blending, to find the one that best suits your style.

Finalizing Your Cartoon Doodle

The final step in creating your cartoon doodle art is to add any finishing touches, such as patterns, textures, or additional details. This is your chance to make your doodle truly unique and polished. Here are some ideas:

Add patterns or textures to clothing, backgrounds, or other elements to enhance visual interest.
Include small details that add personality and charm to your characters.
Use a white gel pen or digital brush to add highlights and make your doodle pop.

With these steps complete, your cartoon doodle art is ready to be shared with the world! Don't forget to sign your work and be proud of your creation.

Tips for Continual Improvement

Creating cartoon doodle art is an ongoing journey, and there's always room for growth and improvement. Here are some tips to help you continually refine your skills and take your doodles to new heights:

Practicing Regularly

Just like any other skill, practice is key when it comes to improving your cartoon doodle art. Here are some suggestions for making practice a habit:

Set aside a specific time each day or week to work on your doodles.
Challenge yourself with daily or weekly drawing prompts to keep your creativity flowing.
Don't be afraid to revisit old doodles and redraw them to see your progress over time.

Seeking Feedback from Others

Getting feedback from others can help you identify areas for improvement and gain new perspectives on your cartoon doodle art. Consider these tips for seeking feedback:

Show your work to friends, family, or fellow artists and ask for their honest opinions.
Participate in online art communities where you can share your work and receive constructive criticism.
Keep an open mind when receiving feedback and remember that it's meant to help you grow as an artist.

Attending Workshops and Classes

Learning from experienced artists and educators can provide valuable insights and techniques to enhance your cartoon doodle art skills. Consider the following:

Look for local workshops, classes, or meetups focused on cartooning, illustration, or drawing techniques.
Explore online platforms that offer courses and tutorials on various aspects of cartoon doodle art, such as character design, coloring, or storytelling.
Take advantage of free resources, such as YouTube tutorials, podcasts, or blogs, to learn new tips and tricks from experienced artists.

By following these tips and staying committed to your artistic journey, you'll be well on your way to creating amazing cartoon doodle art that reflects your unique style and imagination. Happy doodling!

If you're eager to improve your character design skills, don't miss the workshop 'How to Draw Beautiful Character Designs from Scratch' by Trey Zimmerman. This workshop will provide you with step-by-step guidance and expert tips on creating stunning and unique character designs from scratch, perfect for artists of all levels.