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Do fan art

Do fan art
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Create fan art of a favorite character using sketches, coloring, and collage materials to practice drawing skills, respectful copying, and creative expression.

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Step-by-step guide to create fan art of a favorite character

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Paper Fan Origami Complete Tutorial For Kids | Easy Paper Fan Making Step By Step Tutorial

What you need
Adult supervision required, coloring materials, eraser, glue stick, old magazines or patterned paper, paper, pencil, reference image of your favorite character, scissors

Step 1

Pick your favorite character and grab a clear picture of them to look at.

Step 2

Set up your art station by laying out all your materials on a clean flat workspace.

Step 3

Lightly draw the big simple shapes that make up the character using your pencil.

Step 4

Sketch the character's outline over the simple shapes to get the right proportions.

Step 5

Erase extra construction lines gently with your eraser.

Step 6

Add smaller details like the face hair clothing and hands with light pencil strokes.

Step 7

Pick the colors you want to use from your coloring materials.

Step 8

Decide which parts of your drawing will be which color.

Step 9

Color the drawing carefully using light layers for smooth color.

Step 10

Cut out interesting patterns or images from magazines or patterned paper to use as collage pieces.

Step 11

Arrange the cut collage pieces on your drawing until you like the look.

Step 12

Glue each collage piece in place using the glue stick.

Step 13

Add final outlines or highlights to make your art pop using a darker coloring tool or pencil.

Step 14

Sign your name and write the character's name and today's date on your artwork.

Step 15

Share your finished creation on DIY.org.

Final steps

You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!

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Help!?

What can I use if I don’t 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 sketching—what 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.

Watch videos on how to create fan art of a favorite character

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How To Draw cute hand fan Drawing, Painting & Coloring For Kids and Toddlers_ Child Art 🐋🌈

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Facts about drawing and collage techniques for kids

✂️ Collage was popularized in the early 20th century by artists such as Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque.

✏️ Quick sketches called gesture drawings help artists capture movement and proportion very fast.

📚 Copying masterworks has been a traditional learning method in art schools for centuries.

🌟 Crossover fan art—mixing characters from different stories—is one of the most shared and playful fan art types online.

🎨 Fan art communities like DeviantArt and Tumblr helped artists share character art with millions of fans worldwide.

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 respectfully—don’t 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 materials—magazine cutouts, patterned paper, or fabric—for 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?

You’ll 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 4–5) can do simple sticker and collage versions with adult help; ages 6–8 can sketch basic shapes and color; ages 9–12 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 level—short 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 hand–eye coordination while encouraging creative expression and confidence. It teaches respectful copying—studying a reference rather than tracing—plus 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
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Do fan art. Activities for Kids.