School-aged kids will practice drawing cartoon style faces using basic shapes for the human head. We’ve included a free printable to make this project easy to use at home or in the classroom.
Using Shapes to Begin Our Sketch
This project shows kids how to turn basic shapes into various cartoon characters. I find that by starting with odd shapes, kids are less likely to feel the pressure of not knowing where to begin drawing, human proportions, and so on.
Related: Use contour drawing to turn every day items into characters.
Supplies Needed to Make this drawing Cartoon FAces Art Project
- Paper
- Pencil
- Colored Pencils
- Permanent Marker
- Free Printable Reference Images – Download Below
Download the Facial Features Printable References Here
Print this free reference page to help kids by sparking creative ideas for facial features.
Directions to draw Cartoon Faces
Step 1
Begin by using a pencil to lightly draw shapes onto a piece of paper.
Step 2
Next, take a pencil and trace around the shapes to smooth out edges, add chins, etc. to create a more face-like form.
Step 3
Then, using our free printable references, add in facial features and details to form each shape into a unique cartoon character.
Step 4
Trace sketch using a permanent marker and then erase any unwanted pencil lines.
Step 5
Finally, add color and finishing touches to the cartoon faces.
Finished drawing Cartoon Faces Art Project
I love all of the different faces we created! Since these projects are made on paper, they can easily be framed, clipped, or displayed in your preferred style.
Our Experience Making this drawing Cartoon Faces Art Project
This was such a fun and easy project to practice drawing cartoon faces. I love it when everyone begins a project with the same shapes, but the final designs are vastly different! Cartoon drawing is a fun way to practice drawing humans without any fears of perfection. In the cartoon world, anything is possible, so there are no limits to one’s imagination when it comes to drawing!
Prep Time
5 minutes
Active Time
15 minutes
Total Time
20 minutes
Difficulty
easy
Estimated Cost
$1
Tools
- Pencil
- Colored Pencils
- Permanent Marker
- Free Printable Reference Images
Instructions
- Use a pencil to lightly draw shapes onto a piece of paper.
- Trace around the shapes to smooth out edges, add chins, etc. to create a more face-like form.
- Using our free printable references, add in facial features and details to form each shape into a unique cartoon character.
- Trace sketch using a permanent marker and then erase any unwanted pencil lines.
- Add color and finishing touches to the cartoon faces.
Notes
Cartoon Faces Art Variations
- Draw only one large face on each page.
- Pick a favorite sketch and complete the entire character drawing.
- Complete project using thicker paper and wet supplies, such as markers, watercolors, and acrylic paints.
Cartoon Faces Art Variations
- Draw only one large face on each page.
- Pick a favorite sketch and complete the entire character drawing.
- Complete project using thicker paper and wet supplies, such as markers, watercolors, and acrylic paints.
Other Fun Face Art Projects from Kids Activities Blog
Did your kids enjoy creating cartoon faces? Which character was their favorite creation?
