Draw a character in five different styles
Draw one character five times in different art styles: cartoon, realistic, manga, silhouette, and abstract to explore shape, line, and expression.
Step-by-step guide to draw a character in five different styles
CHARACTER DESIGN - Step by Step Tutorial | Drawinglikeasir
Step 1
Pick one character to draw such as a pet a hero or someone you invent and say their name out loud.
Step 2
Use your ruler and pencil to divide the paper into five equal boxes so each style has its own space.
Step 3
Lightly sketch the same basic pose of your character inside each box so they match in size and position.
Step 4
In the first box draw the cartoon version using big simple shapes and a bold happy expression.
Step 5
In the second box draw the realistic version using correct body proportions and small detailed features.
Step 6
In the third box draw the manga version with large expressive eyes dramatic hair and clean linework.
Step 7
In the fourth box draw only the outer shape of your character and fill it completely in to make a silhouette.
Step 8
In the fifth box create an abstract version using unusual shapes lines and colors to show how the character feels.
Step 9
Carefully ink the main lines of each drawing with your black marker to make the styles pop.
Step 10
Wait until the ink is dry then erase any leftover pencil lines to clean up your work.
Step 11
Color each drawing using your colouring materials choosing colors that match each style.
Step 12
Add one small final detail to any drawing to boost expression shape or personality.
Step 13
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!
Help!?
What can I use if I don't have a ruler, black marker, or colouring materials?
Use the straight edge of a book or cereal box instead of a ruler, ink the main lines with a fine-tip pen or a dark colored pencil in place of the black marker, and substitute crayons, colored pencils, or watercolors for other colouring materials.
My five sketches don't line up and the ink keeps smudging â how can I fix that?
Make small tick marks at the top and bottom and use your ruler or book edge to draw precise dividing lines so each light pencil sketch matches in size and position, and always let the black marker or pen dry fully before erasing leftover pencil lines to avoid smudges.
How should I change the activity for different ages?
For younger children, simplify the cartoon and silhouette boxes with big shapes and have an adult draw the ruler lines, while older kids can spend more time on the realistic and manga boxes refining proportions, clean linework, and detailed features before inking and colouring.
What are some ways to extend or personalize the five-style character drawings?
Add matching mini-backgrounds or a recurring small final detail across the five boxes to boost expression and personality, experiment with different colour schemes for each style, and then share your finished creation on DIY.org.
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Facts about drawing techniques for kids
đ Abstract art plays with shapes and lines so you can show mood or character without realistic features, like Picasso's playful distortions.
đ Cartoon characters often have exaggerated featuresâbig heads or eyes make emotions easy to read and super expressive.
đ Manga styles often use large, sparkly eyes and motion lines to show feelingâOsamu Tezuka helped popularize the big-eye look.
đď¸ Realistic drawing uses fine lines, proportion, and shading; tiny changes in shadow can totally change an expression.
đ¤ Silhouettes let shape speak for itselfâanimators use silhouettes to make poses and characters instantly readable.
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