School-aged kids will practice drawing cartoon style bodies using basic shapes for the human torso. 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 shapes to learn how to draw cartoon faces!
Supplies Needed for drawing cartoon figures Art Project
- Paper
- Pencil
- Colored Pencils
- Permanent Marker
- Free Printable Reference Images – Download Below
Download the Figures Reference Printable Here
Print this free reference page to help spark creative ideas for cartoon figure drawings.
Directions for drawing cartoon figures
Step 1
Begin by using a pencil to lightly draw various shapes onto a piece of paper.
Step 2
Next, take a pencil and trace around the shapes to smooth out edges, add arms, legs, etc. to create a more human-like form.
Step 3
Then, using our free printable references, add clothing 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 figures.
Finished Drawing Cartoon Figures Art Project
I love how these cartoon figure drawings turned out! 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 Figures Art Project
This was such a fun and easy project to practice drawing cartoon figures. I love 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
20 minutes
Total Time
25 minutes
Difficulty
easy
Estimated Cost
$1
Tools
- Pencil
- Colored Pencils
- Permanent Marker
- Free Printable Reference Images
Instructions
- Use a pencil to lightly draw various shapes onto a piece of paper.
- Using a pencil, trace around the shapes to smooth out edges, add arms, legs, etc. to create a more human-like form.
- Add clothing 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 figures.
Notes
Drawing Cartoon Figure Art Variations
- Draw only one large figure 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.
Drawing Cartoon Figure Art Variations
- Draw only one large figure 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 character Art Projects from Kids Activities Blog
Did your kids enjoy creating cartoon figures? Which character was their favorite creation?
