You can develop your own "eye" for cartooning with practice
Anybody with hands can draw, but the untrained artist probably can't draw a good cartoon. Whether you choose to sketch on paper or use drawing software, drawing like a professional is not nearly as easy as it looks. It takes intense concentration and hard work to perfect cartoon characters. Although it would be a lie to say that there are strict rules that must be followed, there are some guidelines and suggestions to help you along the way of developing your own style of cartoon characters.
Instructions
1. Equip yourself with various art tools (if you're not working with drawing software). Go to the local art store and stock up on different types of pencils, ink pens, brushes and paints. Experiment free-form with them on a sketch book.
2. Find a relaxed, peaceful workspace that fosters creativity and imagination. It can be anywhere in your house. It must be a place where you can focus and not be distracted.
3. Learn by example. All cartoons are derivative to an extent, so check out animators and cartoonists you admire. Observe their style, and then practice it yourself while adding your own personal flair. Also, it helps to make your own observations on human behavior and use them in your cartoons. Your own worldview will influence your cartooning style.
4. Choose between two different schools of thought with your technique: 1) Drawing a human to scale, starting with a rough skeletal sketch, using lines, circles and squares, and then outline the details over it. This method creates more realistic, human-like characters and is taught in art schools. Or, 2) draw your characters free-form, with features that are highly exaggerated and more cartoonish. Combine these two techniques, if you wish, or whatever best fits your style and vision. Use pencil first for the initial sketch, then ink.
5. Practice drawing hands and feet. Don't underestimate these features, as the smallest of details tend to be the hardest to draw. Learn by drawing your own hands and feet in different positions.
6. Draw in details. What the character looks like will make all the difference in how he is perceived. Is he a plumber who wears plaid and overalls? Or is he a top-notch executive who wears fine suits and carries a briefcase?
7. Draw a character in movement. How a character moves will also say volumes. How fast does your character run? How weak or strong is she? Is she clumsy? A reader's first impression of a character will not come from dialogue, but body language and details.
Tags: cartoon characters, drawing software, free-form with, hands feet, your cartooning, your style
