Do Fan Art
Create fan art of a favorite character using sketches, coloring, and collage materials to practice drawing skills, respectful copying, and creative expression.
About this tutorial
Create fan art of a favorite character using sketches, coloring, and collage materials to practice drawing skills, respectful copying, and creative expression.
What you need
Instructions
- 1
Step 1
Pick your favorite character and grab a clear picture of them to look at.
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Step 2
Set up your art station by laying out all your materials on a clean flat workspace.
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Step 3
Lightly draw the big simple shapes that make up the character using your pencil.
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Step 4
Sketch the character's outline over the simple shapes to get the right proportions.
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Step 5
Erase extra construction lines gently with your eraser.
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Step 6
Add smaller details like the face hair clothing and hands with light pencil strokes.
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Step 7
Pick the colors you want to use from your coloring materials.
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Step 8
Decide which parts of your drawing will be which color.
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Step 9
Color the drawing carefully using light layers for smooth color.
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Step 10
Cut out interesting patterns or images from magazines or patterned paper to use as collage pieces.
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Step 11
Arrange the cut collage pieces on your drawing until you like the look.
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Step 12
Glue each collage piece in place using the glue stick.
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Step 13
Add final outlines or highlights to make your art pop using a darker coloring tool or pencil.
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Step 14
Sign your name and write the character's name and today's date on your artwork.
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Step 15
Share your finished creation on DIY.org.
Fun facts
How do I create fan art of a favorite character step by step?
Start by choosing a clear reference image of the favorite character, and remember to copy respectfullyâdonât claim professional ownership. Lightly sketch basic shapes to get proportions, then refine outlines and add details. Ink or darken the final lines, then add color with pencils, markers, or paint. Use collage materialsâmagazine cutouts, patterned paper, or fabricâfor texture and background. Finish with a signature and display or photograph the piece to share.
What materials do I need to make fan art with sketches, coloring, and collage?
Youâll need sketching pencils (HB and softer), eraser, sharpener, drawing paper, and a ruler for proportions. For color options: colored pencils, markers, watercolor or acrylics. Collage supplies: scissors, glue stick or white glue, magazines, patterned paper, fabric scraps, and adhesive tape. Optional: tracing paper, lightbox, black fineliners, fixative spray, and a digital tablet for digital fan art. Keep scissors and fixatives away from very young children.
What ages is fan art suitable for and how should I adapt it?
This activity suits a wide range: preschoolers (age 4â5) can do simple sticker and collage versions with adult help; ages 6â8 can sketch basic shapes and color; ages 9â12 can practice proportions, shading, and mixed-media approaches; teens and adults can refine technique and create complex compositions. Supervise scissors, hot glue, and fixatives. Adjust expectations and tools to skill levelâshort sessions for younger children keep it fun.
What are the benefits of making fan art for kids?
Making fan art builds drawing skills, observation, and handâeye coordination while encouraging creative expression and confidence. It teaches respectful copyingâstudying a reference rather than tracingâplus planning and composition when combining collage elements. Working on fan art also strengthens focus, patience, and storytelling as children reinterpret characters. Sharing finished pieces develops communication and community belonging. Remind kids about copyright: create personal or noncommer
Watch & Learn
Need help?
What can I use if I donât have a clear printed picture, a glue stick, or magazines/patterned paper listed in the materials?
Use a tablet or phone photo as your clear picture, swap the glue stick for white school glue applied thinly or a glue tape runner, and replace magazines/patterned paper with wrapping paper, fabric scraps, or images printed from a home printer.
My character looks out of proportion after sketchingâwhat step can fix this and how do I prevent smudging or torn collage pieces?
Return to 'Lightly draw the big simple shapes' to correct sizes before sketching the outline, keep pencil strokes light to avoid smudging, and when gluing collage pieces use small amounts of glue and press from the center outward then weigh flat until dry to prevent wrinkling or tearing.
How should I change the steps for younger children versus older kids or teens?
For younger children simplify by tracing or using large simple shapes, chunky crayons, and pre-cut collage pieces, while older kids and teens can follow all steps adding finer details, careful light color layering, and mixed-media finishes like Mod Podge or metallic pens.
What are some creative ways to enhance or personalize the fan art after I finish the basic steps?
Enhance the artwork by adding a patterned background with extra cut collage pieces, using a darker coloring tool for bold outlines and metallic pens for highlights from 'Add final outlines', attaching textured fabric for clothing, writing a short character note next to your signature per the 'Sign your name...' step, and then share the finished creation on DIY.org.