Cute Doodle Art: Tips to Create Adorable Drawings

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 26 April 2023 9 min read

Creating cute doodle art can be a fun and relaxing way to express yourself. With the right materials and some basic drawing skills, you can bring adorable characters and scenes to life. In this blog, we'll explore tips and techniques to help you master the art of cute doodle drawings.

Choosing the Right Materials

Before you start your doodling journey, it's important to gather the right tools. Let's go through some essential materials you'll need for creating cute doodle art.

Pencils and Pens

When it comes to drawing, the right pencil or pen can make all the difference. For doodling, consider the following:

Mechanical pencils: These are great for sketching and adding details, as they maintain a consistent sharpness.
Graphite pencils: A range of hardness, like 2H to 6B, will allow you to create both light and dark lines for different effects.
Fineliners: These pens come in various sizes and colors, perfect for outlining and adding intricate details to your doodles.

Paper and Sketchbooks

The type of paper you use can have a significant impact on your cute doodle art. Here are some options to consider:

Drawing paper: This is a versatile option that works well with pencils and pens. Look for paper with a smooth surface for easier drawing.
Sketchbooks: A sketchbook is a convenient way to keep your doodles organized. Choose one with thick pages to prevent ink from bleeding through.
Mixed media paper: If you plan to use various types of materials, such as markers and color pencils, mixed media paper is an excellent choice.

Erasers and Sharpeners

Even the most experienced doodle artists need to make adjustments. Here are some tools to help you keep your cute doodle art clean and precise:

Kneaded erasers: These erasers are soft and moldable, making it easy to erase small areas without damaging the paper.
Regular erasers: A basic white eraser is always useful for removing pencil marks before inking your doodles.
Pencil sharpeners: If you're using graphite pencils, a quality sharpener is essential for maintaining sharp, clean lines in your drawings.

With the right materials in hand, you're ready to start creating your own cute doodle art. Next up, we'll explore some basic shapes and techniques to help you draw adorable characters and scenes.

Basic Doodle Shapes

Mastering basic shapes is the foundation of cute doodle art. By learning to draw simple shapes, you can create a variety of characters and scenes. Let's explore some basic shapes and how to use them in your doodles.

Circles and Ovals

Circles and ovals are the building blocks of many cute doodle characters. Here's how you can use these shapes:

Heads: Use circles and ovals to create the base for your characters' heads, which can be further customized with facial features and accessories.
Bodies: Combine smaller circles and ovals to create the bodies of animals, people, or even inanimate objects with a touch of cuteness.
Patterns: Fill your doodle scenes with circular or oval patterns to add visual interest and balance to your compositions.

Squares and Rectangles

While they might be less common in cute doodle art, squares and rectangles still have their place. Here are some ideas for using these shapes:

Background elements: Use squares and rectangles to create buildings, windows, or other architectural features in your doodle scenes.
Accessories: Add square or rectangular accessories, like glasses or hats, to your characters for a unique touch.
Patterns: Create interesting patterns by combining squares and rectangles with other shapes in your doodle compositions.

Triangles and Polygons

Triangles and polygons offer a wealth of creative possibilities for your cute doodle art. Here's how to incorporate these shapes into your drawings:

Animal features: Use triangles to create ears, noses, or tails for your cute animal characters.
Geometric characters: Create unique characters by combining triangles and polygons in interesting ways.
Patterns: Use triangles and polygons to create dynamic patterns that add energy and movement to your doodle scenes.

Now that you're comfortable with basic shapes, it's time to bring your cute doodle characters to life with expressive faces and fun accessories.

Drawing Cute Faces

One of the most important aspects of cute doodle art is creating adorable faces for your characters. With the right facial features and expressions, you can turn simple shapes into charming doodles. Let's learn how to draw cute faces for your doodle art.

Eyes and Expressions

Eyes are the windows to the soul, and they play a huge role in making your doodle characters look cute. Here are some tips for drawing cute eyes and expressions:

Size: Larger, rounder eyes tend to look cuter than smaller, narrower ones. Experiment with different eye sizes to create a variety of expressions.
Position: Placing the eyes lower on the face can make your characters look more youthful and cute. Try different eye positions to see what works best for your doodle.
Shape: Experiment with various eye shapes, such as circles, ovals, or even hearts, to give your characters unique and charming looks.
Expressions: Play with different eyebrow positions, pupil sizes, and eye shapes to create a wide range of emotions for your cute doodle characters.

Noses and Mouths

While often overlooked, the nose and mouth can add a lot of personality to your cute doodle art. Here's how to draw noses and mouths to complement your characters' eyes:

Noses: Keep it simple with small dots, lines, or even heart-shaped noses. You can also experiment with different shapes for animal characters, like triangles for cats or rounded shapes for bears.
Mouths: A simple line or curve can create a cute smile or a surprised expression. You can also add small teeth or a tongue for extra cuteness.

Adding Accessories

Accessories can make your cute doodle characters even more adorable and unique. Consider these ideas when adding accessories to your characters:

Hats: Top off your characters with cute hats, like beanies, berets, or sunhats.
Glasses: Give your characters a scholarly look with round or square glasses.
Scarves: Add a cozy touch with a scarf wrapped around your character's neck.
Bows and ribbons: Embellish your characters with bows, ribbons, or other decorative elements to make them more charming.

With these tips, you're well on your way to creating adorable faces for your cute doodle art. Next, let's explore how to develop unique characters and scenes to bring your doodles to life.

Creating Characters

Now that you've mastered drawing cute faces, it's time to create a variety of characters for your cute doodle art. From animals and people to objects and vehicles, the possibilities are endless. Let's dive into some character ideas and tips to help you create a diverse doodle universe.

Animals and Creatures

Animals and mythical creatures are popular subjects in cute doodle art. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Common animals: Cats, dogs, bunnies, and bears are great choices for cute animal characters. Experiment with different breeds and colors to create a unique cast of furry friends.
Wildlife: Branch out with animals like foxes, deer, elephants, or even penguins for more variety in your doodle world.
Mythical creatures: Let your imagination run wild with creatures like unicorns, dragons, or mermaids. Combine elements from different animals to create your own magical beings.

People and Aliens

Creating cute doodle art featuring people and aliens can be a fun way to explore different cultures, professions, and personalities. Consider these ideas:

People: Draw characters inspired by different ages, cultures, and professions. Experiment with hairstyles, clothing, and accessories to create a diverse group of people.
Aliens: Let your creativity soar by designing cute alien characters. Mix and match features from animals, people, and your imagination to create otherworldly creatures.

Objects and Vehicles

Why not give life to everyday objects and vehicles in your cute doodle art? Here are some suggestions:

Objects: Turn household items like cups, pencils, or books into cute characters by adding faces and accessories.
Vehicles: Make cars, planes, or boats come to life with cute faces and fun details, like racing stripes or propellers.

With these character ideas, you'll have a diverse and adorable cast to populate your cute doodle art. Now let's explore how to create captivating backgrounds and scenes to showcase your characters.

Backgrounds and Scenes

Creating engaging backgrounds and scenes is an excellent way to add depth and context to your cute doodle art. From nature to fantasy, there are countless settings to place your characters in. Let's explore some ideas to help you build immersive worlds for your doodles.

Nature and Landscapes

Nature scenes are a classic choice for cute doodle art. Here are some suggestions to bring your characters closer to nature:

Forests: Trees, bushes, and flowers can create a lush and inviting environment for your characters to explore.
Beaches: Draw sandy shores, waves, and seashells to create a serene beach setting for your doodles.
Mountains: Majestic peaks, valleys, and rivers can provide a breathtaking backdrop for your characters' adventures.

Urban and Space

For a different vibe, consider placing your cute doodle art characters in urban or space settings. Here are some tips:

Cityscapes: Skyscrapers, parks, and bustling streets can bring an energetic atmosphere to your doodles. Add details like street signs and benches to make the scene feel more authentic.
Space: Send your characters on an interstellar adventure with planets, stars, and spaceships. Use bold colors and shapes to create a captivating cosmic scene.

Fantasy and Magical

Let your imagination run wild with fantasy and magical settings for your cute doodle art. Here are some ideas:

Fairy tales: Castles, enchanted forests, and magical creatures can transport your characters to a world of fairy tales and legends.
Underwater: Create a whimsical underwater world with coral reefs, fish, and mermaids for your characters to discover.

By experimenting with different backgrounds and scenes, you'll add depth and context to your cute doodle art, making it even more captivating. With your characters and scenes in place, let's move on to adding color to your creations.

Adding Color

Color is a powerful tool that can bring life and vibrancy to your cute doodle art. There are various methods and materials you can use to add color to your drawings. Let's explore some popular options and their benefits.

Color Pencils

Color pencils are a popular and accessible choice for adding color to your doodles. Here are some advantages of using color pencils:

Control: Color pencils provide great control over shading and blending, allowing for smooth transitions and gradients.
Portability: They are compact and easy to carry around, making them perfect for doodling on the go.
Range of colors: With a vast selection of colors available, you can achieve the perfect hue for your cute doodle art.

Markers and Pens

Markers and pens can create bold and vibrant colors for your doodles. Here are some benefits of using markers and pens:

Saturation: Markers and pens often provide rich, saturated colors that can make your cute doodle art pop.
Quick drying: Most markers and pens dry quickly, reducing the risk of smudging or bleeding.
Variety of tips: Different tip sizes and shapes allow for a range of line thicknesses and effects.

Digital Coloring

For those who prefer working digitally, using software and drawing tablets can provide a modern approach to coloring your cute doodle art. Here are some advantages of digital coloring:

Flexibility: Digital tools offer limitless customization options, such as opacity, blend modes, and brushes.
Undo and layers: Mistakes are easily corrected, and layers allow for non-destructive editing.
Color palettes: Use pre-made color palettes or create your own to achieve consistency and harmony in your doodles.

Experiment with different coloring mediums to find the one that best suits your style and brings out the charm of your cute doodle art. Once you've added color, it's time to polish your drawings with some finishing touches.

Finishing Touches

Adding the final touches to your cute doodle art can make all the difference in turning a good drawing into a great one. Let's explore some techniques you can use to enhance your doodles and make them stand out.

Shading and Textures

Shading and textures can add depth and interest to your doodles. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

Shading: Use different shades of a color to create a sense of depth and dimension. This can make your cute doodle art appear more three-dimensional.
Textures: Experiment with various textures like hatching, cross-hatching, or stippling to add visual interest to your drawings.

Highlights and Shadows

Highlights and shadows can dramatically enhance your cute doodle art by creating a sense of light and contrast. Here are some techniques to consider:

Highlights: Use lighter colors or white to add highlights where the light would naturally hit your doodle, such as the tops of rounded shapes or the edges of objects.
Shadows: Add shadows using darker colors or shades to areas where light is blocked, such as under objects or in crevices. This adds depth to your drawings.

Details and Embellishments

Small details and embellishments can bring your cute doodle art to life and make it even more engaging. Consider these ideas:

Patterns: Add patterns like stripes, polka dots, or swirls to clothing, accessories, or backgrounds for added visual interest.
Embellishments: Decorate your characters or objects with cute accents like bows, ribbons, or stars to make them even more adorable.
Details: Enhance your doodles by adding small details like fur, scales, or stitches to make them more realistic and visually appealing.

Remember, practice makes perfect, and the more you doodle, the better you'll become at adding those finishing touches that bring your cute doodle art to life. Happy doodling!

If you're looking to improve your character design skills and create adorable characters, don't miss the workshop 'How to Create CUTE Character Design' by Alba. This workshop will teach you the techniques and tips you need to bring your cute character ideas to life. Perfect for artists and illustrators looking to expand their portfolio with charming designs!