Drawing a cat cartoon may seem difficult at first, but with the right technique and practice, anyone can create a cute and fun cat cartoon. In this step-by-step guide, we will go through the process of drawing a cat cartoon and provide some Drawing Techniques for beginners.
Materials Needed
Before we start, let’s gather the materials we need:
- Pencil
- Paper
- Eraser
- Black Marker
- Coloring materials (optional)
Step 1: Sketching the Basic Shapes
Start by drawing an oval shape for the head and a slightly elongated circle for the body. Connect the two shapes with a curved line, then sketch two triangles for the ears. Draw a small circle for the nose and a line for the mouth.
Tip:
Use light strokes for the initial sketch, so it will be easy to erase and adjust later.
Step 2: Adding the Face Features
Sketch the eyes slightly below the ears. Draw two pupils circles inside the eyes, and add a small highlight circle on top of the pupil. Then add some whiskers by drawing three lines on both sides of the nose.
Tip:
The eyes are the most crucial part of the cat cartoon. Make sure that they are proportionate to the head and are facing in the right direction.
Step 3: Drawing the Paws and Tail
Sketch four small circles at the bottom of the body shape for the paws. Then draw an elongated oval for the tail, and add a small triangle at the top.
Tip:
Add some curves and arcs to the paws and tail to make them more organic-looking.
Step 4: Outlining with a Marker
Once you’re satisfied with your sketch, use a black marker to outline the drawing. Start from the head and work your way down to the tail, outlining the ears, eyes, mouth, paws, and the details on the tail.
Tip:
Follow the curves of the initial sketch, making sure to add some thickness to the lines for a more appealing cartoon look.
Step 5: Erasing the Pencil Sketch
With a good outline, it’s time to erase the pencil sketch completely, leaving only the clean lines made by the black marker.
Tip:
Be careful when erasing to avoid smudging the black marker lines.
Step 6: Adding Color (optional)
If you want to add some color to your cat cartoon, this is the time to do it. Choose any coloring material you prefer and color the cat cartoon according to your liking.
Tip:
Choose colors that complement each other and try different color combinations to find the perfect one.
Step 7: Shading (optional)
For a more 3-dimensional appearance, you can add some shading to your cat cartoon. Use a darker shade of the main color and shade the parts of the cat cartoon that would naturally be darker, such as the underside of the paws, the lines around the nose, and the tail.
Tip:
Keep the shading light and subtle to avoid overdoing it.
Summary
Drawing a cat cartoon requires some basic shapes, simple details, and a lot of creativity. Here’s a quick summary of the steps involved:
- Sketching the Basic Shapes
- Adding the Face Features
- Drawing the Paws and Tail
- Outlining with a Marker
- Erasing the Pencil Sketch
- Adding Color (Optional)
- Shading (Optional)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Cat Cartoon Drawing
Q1. Can I use a mechanical pencil to sketch?
Yes, you can use a mechanical pencil to sketch. Just make sure to adjust the lead size and pressure according to your liking.
Q2. I’m having difficulty with the eyes. Any tips?
The eyes are the most crucial part of the cat cartoon. Try drawing the pupils and highlights before the eyelids and iris to get a better sense of eye positioning. Also, keep the eyes symmetrical, facing in the same direction.
Q3. What’s the best coloring material to use for cat cartoons?
There is no “best” coloring material when it comes to cat cartoons. You can use markers, color pencils, watercolors, or even digital coloring tools. Experiment with different materials to find what works best for you.
Q4. I’m having difficulty with drawing the body shape. Any tips?
Try drawing a horizontal oval for the body, then sketch a vertical line down the middle for a reference point. This will help you create a symmetrical and balanced body shape.
Q5. How can I make my cat cartoon look more expressive?
Try drawing the eyebrows and mouth differently to give your cat cartoon different expressions. You can also add blush marks to the cheeks to make them look cuter.
Q6. Should I shade the whole cat cartoon?
No, you don’t have to shade the whole cat cartoon. Only shade the parts that look naturally darker, such as the paws’ undersides, nose lines, and the tail. Keep the shading light and subtle to avoid overdoing it.