Skill Up in Digital Art
Create a digital character using a tablet or computer drawing app, practicing basic shapes, colors, layers, and simple shading techniques.
About this activity
Create a digital character using a tablet or computer drawing app, practicing basic shapes, colors, layers, and simple shading techniques.
What you need
Step by step
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Step 1
Open your drawing app.
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Step 2
Create a new canvas at a size you like.
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Step 3
Add a new layer and name it Sketch.
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Step 4
Use a soft light brush on the Sketch layer to draw basic simple shapes for the head body and limbs.
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Step 5
Add a new layer above Sketch and name it Lineart.
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Step 6
Trace clean outlines over your sketch on the Lineart layer.
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Step 7
Hide the Sketch layer or lower its opacity so only the Lineart shows clearly.
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Step 8
Add a new layer under the Lineart layer and name it Color.
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Step 9
Fill in flat base colors on the Color layer for each part of your character.
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Step 10
Add a new layer above Color named Shading and set its blending mode to Multiply at about 30 to 50 percent opacity.
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Step 11
Use a soft brush on the Shading layer to paint simple shadows where the light would not hit.
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Step 12
Add a new layer named Highlights and paint small bright highlights on hair eyes or shiny spots.
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Step 13
Save or export your character as a PNG or JPG.
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Step 14
Share your finished creation on DIY.org.
Fun facts
How do I help my child create a digital character using a tablet or computer?
Start by choosing a drawing app and set up a new canvas. Sketch basic shapes to build the character’s head, body, and limbs on a rough layer. Create separate layers for line art, color blocks, and shading. Block in flat colors, then add simple shading with a soft brush using a low-opacity layer or multiply mode. Refine lines, add details, and export as PNG. Encourage experiments and save versions so kids can undo mistakes.
What materials and apps do I need to create a digital character?
You’ll need a tablet with a stylus or a computer with a graphic tablet, plus a drawing app (free options: Krita, Autodesk SketchBook, MediBang; paid: Procreate, Clip Studio). A stable surface, charger, and protective case help. Provide reference images, color palettes, and simple tutorials. Optional: screen protector, comfy chair, and parental controls. For younger children, choose apps with simplified tools and large brushes.
What ages is this digital character activity suitable for?
Suitable for ages roughly 6 and up; younger children (4–5) can try simplified versions with large shapes and close supervision. Ages 6–9 learn basic shapes and color; 10–13 can work with layers, simple shading, and character details; teens can explore advanced techniques and storytelling. Adjust complexity, provide guidance, and use kid-friendly apps. Supervise screen time and encourage regular breaks, especially for children under eight.
What are the benefits of children learning digital character creation?
Creating digital characters builds creativity, visual storytelling, fine motor control, and digital literacy. Working with layers and color teaches planning, problem-solving, and basic color theory. The activity boosts confidence as kids iterate and save versions, plus it produces shareable work for portfolios. Encourage balanced screen time, constructive feedback, and collaborative projects to develop communication skills, patience, and perseverance.
Watch & Learn
Need help?
I don't have a drawing app or a stylus — what can we use instead?
If you don't have a drawing app or stylus you can open a free program like Krita or the web app Kleki and use a mouse or your finger to make a new canvas and follow the Sketch, Lineart, Color, Shading, and Highlights steps.
My lineart looks messy or my shading doesn't show — what should I check?
Check that the Lineart layer is above the Sketch layer, hide or lower Sketch opacity after tracing, confirm the Color layer is beneath Lineart, and set the Shading layer to Multiply at about 30–50% so shadows combine properly.
How can we adapt this activity for a 5-year-old or a 12-year-old?
For younger kids simplify the Sketch step to big circles and rectangles and use a large soft brush for flat Color fills, while older kids can add finer Lineart, multiple Shading layers, and adjust brush settings for more detail.
How can we extend or personalize the character after finishing the basic steps?
Add a Background layer under Color with a simple scene or gradient, use textured brushes on the Color layer, paint extra lighting on an Overlay layer, or make a quick two-frame blink animation before exporting as PNG or JPG to share on DIY.org.