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Cartoon characters are universally loved and the creators are envied. Each time you see a good cartoon, you feel “Only if I knew the art of drawing cartoon characters.” Cartoon drawings will take a little bit of inspiration and creativity but it is certainly not impossible. In fact, if you have a graphic tablet it can be made significantly easy. Cartoons drawings have to follow a few rules that are basic. The shape, proportions, expressions and body language are one of the critical determinants of the character’s eventual look. That is why these rules have to be strictly followed while drawing cartoons.
A good Shape is what it begins with
The inspiration for drawing a cartoon figure might come at the most unexpected moments. It can be a flash in your mind or it might be a doodle that you drew in half sleep. But once the idea has been conceived, you have to develop the shape that it looks similar from all angles and gives a solid contour to your imagination.
If you are using a design software, then you flip the image in multiple ways, make the minutest adjustments without hassle. The shapes are like the skeletons of your character. Even if other elements change, the shapes enable you to identify the character. Thus when you are drawing animals, humans or any other figure, these shapes work as the basic differentiators among them. The shapes are guided by your expectations from the character. If you want to draw a cute piglet or an angry dog, a lovable granny or a naughty kid, the shapes are where the difference shows. Think whether your character is funny, in a bad mood, fat, extremely slim, likable or fearsome and you will start to see the shapes. In fact, here is a great site for children to learn drawing cartoon characters.
Give it a separate identity through proportions
You must have seen Tumo, Ian and Yappy on this site. No matter where you see them from, profile, front or behind, you can always identify them. This is because of proportions which concretely define a character. You can use simple horizontal lines on a paper to decide upon the proportions of the various body parts. A big head can be funny so can be a large belly whereas a small page can be made to look more cunning.
However, there are a few rules to remember here too. Always keep the drawing very very simple. The more complexities you introduce the more trouble you face while manipulating the figures. For example, Dido and Yappy are remarkably simple in terms of shape and proportions. But Dido can make innumerable expressions through these simple lines.
Make them come alive with expressions
You have already decided upon the shape, proportion and the identity of your cartoon character. Now the task is to give it the required expressions which reflect his nature and persona. Slight tweaks to the lips and eyes can offer with ten of different expressions. As you start to work on it, you will have to choose whether to stick to the stereotypes or go your own way. For example, the wise guy does not have to wear glasses and the dumb ones are not necessarily fat.
Make it complete with appropriate body language
Following the steps above, you have a cartoon complete in shape and expressions. Now the challenge is to make him walk, talk, look happy, say Hi and whatever else he has to do. The challenge is that the character should remain consistent through all these transitions. Does it stoop when he sulks and does he swing his arms when he is cheerful? Decide upon a set of body language that suits your character and imagination. If Disney characters are what you want to begin drawing with, then here is help.
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