Draw A Standing Cartoon
Draw a standing cartoon character using simple shapes, add facial expressions and clothing, then color and pose it to show personality.
Step-by-step guide to draw a standing cartoon character
Step 1
Pick a cartoon character idea and decide their personality like happy shy brave or silly.
Step 2
Lightly draw a simple shape for the head such as a circle or oval.
Step 3
Lightly draw a simple shape for the torso such as a rectangle or big oval and a small shape for the hips.
Step 4
Draw a vertical centerline on the head and a horizontal line for the eye level to guide the face.
Step 5
Sketch straight or curved lines and small circles to map the arms legs and joints for the pose.
Step 6
Smooth the shape blocks into body outlines and add simple hands and feet shapes.
Step 7
Draw eyes eyebrows a nose and a mouth on the face lines to create the expression you chose.
Step 8
Add clothing hair and any accessories that match the character’s personality.
Step 9
Adjust small details like arm bend head tilt or leg position so the pose looks lively.
Step 10
Trace your best pencil lines with a black marker to make the drawing bold and clear.
Step 11
Wait for the marker to dry then erase the pencil sketch and color the character with your coloring materials.
Step 12
Share your finished standing cartoon 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 we use if we don't have a black marker to trace our drawing?
If you don't have a black marker for the 'trace your best pencil lines with a black marker' step, substitute a dark ballpoint pen or fine-tip permanent pen or press harder with a dark colored pencil, and then 'wait for the marker to dry' before erasing the pencil.
My character's pose looks stiff or the proportions are wrong—what should I fix?
If the pose or proportions look off after you 'sketch straight or curved lines and small circles to map the arms legs and joints' and 'smooth the shape blocks into body outlines', lighten your pencil, use the small circles as joint pivots to adjust limb angles, and re-check the 'vertical centerline' and 'eye level' before retracing.
How can I change the activity for younger or older kids?
For younger kids, simplify by using pre-cut 'head' and 'torso' shapes and stickers for 'clothing and accessories', while older kids can add detailed 'hands and feet shapes', hair texture, and shading after erasing the pencil.
What are some ways to make the character more interesting or unique?
Personalize the drawing by choosing expressive 'eyes, eyebrows, a nose and a mouth' to match the personality, add patterned 'clothing, hair and accessories', emphasize a lively 'arm bend, head tilt or leg position', color with different 'coloring materials', and share the finished standing cartoon on DIY.org.
Watch videos on how to draw a standing cartoon character
Easy Pencil Drawings For Kids/ Cartoon Drawing Step by Step/ How to Draw Cartoon Characters
4 Videos
Easy Pencil Drawings For Kids/ Cartoon Drawing Step by Step/ How to Draw Cartoon Characters
How to draw Simple Cartoon Characters step by step for Beginners | Tips and Tricks
Draw a cartoon character easy for beginners
How to Draw a SIMPLE CARTOON PERSON Step by Step - Adobe Illustrator Tutorial
Facts about cartoon drawing and character design for kids
👗 A single clothing item (a hat, cape, or badge) can quickly tell you a character's job, age, or personality.
🕺 A strong pose tells a story — a forward lean says eager, crossed arms say stubborn, and a wide stance says confident.
😄 Basic facial expressions like happy, sad, angry, and surprised are recognized across cultures — perfect for storytelling without words.
🖍️ Color changes how we feel: warm colors (red, orange) feel energetic while cool colors (blue, green) feel calm.
🎨 Simple shapes (circles, squares, triangles) are the secret to making characters easy to draw and instantly recognizable.
How do I teach my child to draw a standing cartoon character step by step?
What materials do I need to draw a standing cartoon character with my child?
What ages is drawing a standing cartoon character suitable for?
What are the benefits of drawing standing cartoon characters and how can I vary the activity?
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