How to Create Your Style When Drawing Cartoons of Children: A Step-by-Step Guide

How To Create Your Style: Developing a unique style for drawing cartoons of children can set your work apart and help you establish a recognizable brand as an artist. Whether you aim to illustrate children’s books, create webcomics, or design characters for animation, having a distinct style will make your work more memorable and appealing. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you create your own style when drawing cartoons of children.

1. Study the Fundamentals

Understand Proportions

Children have different proportions compared to adults, which is a key factor in capturing their essence in cartoons:

• Head-to-Body Ratio: Children’s heads are often larger in proportion to their bodies, giving them a more youthful and innocent appearance. Typically, a child’s head is about 1/3 to 1/4 of their total height.
• Shorter Limbs: Children’s arms and legs are shorter and chubbier, which can be exaggerated in cartoons to emphasize their youthfulness.
• Facial Features: Eyes are usually larger, and features like the nose and mouth are smaller and more centered on the face.

Master Basic Anatomy

Even in cartoons, a basic understanding of anatomy is important. Study how a child’s body moves and how different poses can convey various emotions or actions. Understanding anatomy will help you create more dynamic and believable characters, even in a stylized form.

2. Gather Inspiration and Reference

Study Other Artists

Look at how other artists depict children in cartoons. Analyze different styles, from classic Disney characters to modern webcomics, and note what you find appealing or effective:

• Simplified Forms: How do they simplify forms while still retaining the essence of a child?
• Exaggeration: Notice how exaggeration is used to enhance certain characteristics, like large eyes or round faces.
• Expressiveness: Pay attention to how emotions and personalities are conveyed through expressions and body language.

Collect References

Create a collection of references, including photographs of real children, art by other cartoonists, and illustrations that inspire you. Use these references to understand different body types, hairstyles, clothing styles, and facial expressions.

Explore Different Art Styles

Experiment with different art styles to see what resonates with you. Try realistic, semi-realistic, and abstract approaches to find out which elements you enjoy most and which best capture the essence of children in your cartoons.

3. Experiment with Different Approaches

Simplify and Stylize

One of the hallmarks of a cartoon style is simplification. Decide how much detail you want to include in your drawings:

• Minimalistic Style: Focus on simple shapes and lines, reducing facial features and details to the essentials. This approach often results in a clean, modern look.
• Detailed Style: While still stylized, include more details like hair texture, clothing patterns, and nuanced facial expressions. This style can add depth and personality to your characters.

Play with Proportions

Exaggerating proportions can help you develop a unique style. Experiment with:

• Head Size: Increase or decrease the size of the head in relation to the body to see how it changes the character’s appeal.
• Eye Size: Larger eyes can make characters appear more innocent or expressive, while smaller eyes might give a more serious or mischievous look.
• Body Shapes: Try different body shapes, from chubby to thin, tall to short. This experimentation will help you find the proportions that best represent the type of children you want to draw.

Test Different Color Palettes

Color is a powerful tool in defining your style. Play with different color schemes to see what works best for your characters:

• Pastels: Soft, muted colors can give a gentle, whimsical feel to your characters.
• Bright and Bold: Vibrant, primary colors can make your cartoons more energetic and eye-catching.
• Monochrome or Limited Palette: Using a limited color palette can create a distinctive and cohesive look across your work.

4. Develop Character Consistency

Create Character Sheets

Character sheets are essential for maintaining consistency across different drawings or projects:

• Model Sheets: Create model sheets that show your character from different angles (front, side, back) and in various poses. Include details like facial expressions, hand gestures, and any unique features.
• Color Schemes: Document the exact colors you use for your characters to ensure consistency, especially when working on long-term projects like comics or animated series.

Establish a Set of Rules

To maintain consistency, establish a set of stylistic rules for how you draw children:

• Line Work: Decide on the thickness and style of your line work (e.g., bold, delicate, rough).
• Eyes and Expressions: Create a standardized way of drawing eyes, eyebrows, and mouths to maintain character consistency.
• Clothing and Accessories: Develop a consistent style for clothing and accessories, reflecting the time period, setting, or personality of the child.

5. Create a Backstory for Your Characters

Define Personalities

Giving your characters distinct personalities will influence their appearance and how you draw them:

• Cheerful Child: Might have big, bright eyes, a wide smile, and a bouncy posture.
• Shy Child: Could be drawn with a smaller, closed posture, with their eyes often looking downward.
• Adventurous Child: May have tousled hair, a confident stance, and clothing that suggests movement and action.

Reflect Personality in Design

Incorporate the character’s backstory into their design:

• Facial Expressions: Develop a range of expressions that reflect the character’s typical emotions.
• Body Language: Use body language to convey the character’s personality traits—slouching for a more laid-back child, or a straight, upright posture for a determined one.
• Clothing Choices: Design clothing that suits the character’s personality—bright and playful outfits for an energetic child, or more subdued colors for a quiet, thoughtful child.

6. Refine and Evolve Your Style

Seek Feedback

Show your work to others, whether through social media, art communities, or personal networks, and seek constructive feedback. Understanding how others perceive your work can provide valuable insights into what’s working and what could be improved.

Iterate and Improve

Your style will naturally evolve over time as you gain experience and refine your techniques. Continuously experiment with new ideas, tools, and methods to keep your work fresh and innovative.

Document Your Progress

Keep a record of your drawings over time to track your progress. Documenting your journey can help you see how your style develops and allow you to identify elements that consistently work well.

7. Apply Your Style to Different Projects

Illustrate Children’s Books

If you’re interested in illustrating children’s books, apply your style to tell stories through your illustrations. Your unique style will help set your books apart in a competitive market.

Create Webcomics

Webcomics offer a platform to share your style with a broad audience. Consistency in your style will help build a recognizable brand, and regular updates will keep readers engaged.

Design Characters for Animation

If you’re working in animation, your unique style can be a major asset. Develop characters that are both visually appealing and easy to animate, considering how your style will translate into motion.

8. Promote Your Unique Style

Build an Online Portfolio

Create an online portfolio that showcases your best work, highlighting your unique style in drawing children. Include a variety of pieces that demonstrate your range and consistency.

Use Social Media

Share your work regularly on social media platforms like Toons Mag, Cartoonist Network, Easybie, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest. Use hashtags and engage with other artists to increase your visibility and connect with a broader audience.

Participate in Art Challenges

Engage in art challenges like Inktober or #DrawThisInYourStyle, where you can showcase your unique take on popular prompts. These challenges are a great way to experiment with your style and gain exposure.

Developing Your Unique Style

Creating a unique style when drawing cartoons of children takes time, experimentation, and self-reflection. By mastering the basics, experimenting with different approaches, and refining your techniques, you can develop a style that is distinctly yours. Whether you’re working on children’s books, webcomics, or animation, your unique style will help you stand out and connect with your audience in a meaningful way. Keep evolving, seek feedback, and most importantly, enjoy the creative process.

Frequently Asked Questions: How to Create Your Style When Drawing Cartoons of Children

How do I begin developing my own style for drawing cartoons of children?

• Explore Existing Styles: Study various cartoon styles to understand what resonates with you and how you can incorporate elements into your own work.
• Experiment: Try different techniques, such as varying line thickness, color palettes, and facial expressions to discover what feels right for your style.
• Create a Unique Approach: Combine influences from different styles and add your personal touches to create something distinct and original.
• Practice Regularly: Draw consistently to refine your style and make it more natural and personal.

What are key characteristics to consider when drawing cartoons of children?

• Proportions: Exaggerate features such as larger heads and smaller bodies to reflect the childlike proportions typical in cartoons.
• Expressions: Focus on expressive facial features and body language to capture the innocence and emotional range of children.
• Simplified Features: Use simplified and rounded shapes to emphasize the youthful and playful nature of children.
• Playful Details: Incorporate playful elements like bright colors, fun clothing, and whimsical accessories to enhance the childlike appeal.

How can I make my cartoon drawings of children feel unique?

• Develop Signature Elements: Create unique visual elements or motifs that appear in your cartoons, such as specific hairstyles, clothing, or accessories.
• Personal Style: Infuse your drawings with your personal style, whether it’s through your choice of colors, line quality, or the way you handle textures.
• Consistency: Maintain consistency in how you represent characters, so viewers can easily recognize your unique style across different works.

What are some techniques for capturing the essence of childhood in cartoon drawings?

• Emphasize Emotions: Highlight a range of emotions with exaggerated facial expressions and dynamic poses.
• Incorporate Imagination: Reflect the imaginative and adventurous spirit of children through playful scenarios and fantastical elements.
• Focus on Details: Add small, relatable details such as toys, favorite activities, or common childhood settings to enhance the authenticity of the cartoon.

How do I choose colors and textures for cartoons of children?

• Bright and Bold Colors: Use bright, bold colors that are appealing to children and reflect a playful atmosphere.
• Soft Textures: Opt for soft textures and gradients to create a friendly and inviting look. Avoid harsh or overly realistic textures that might detract from the cartoonish feel.
• Color Harmony: Choose a color palette that complements the playful and cheerful nature of the subject, and maintain consistency in color usage to enhance your style.

What tools and techniques can help in developing a cartoon style for children?

• Digital Tools: Use digital drawing tools like Adobe Illustrator, Procreate, or Clip Studio Paint to experiment with various styles and techniques.
• Traditional Media: Experiment with traditional media such as pencils, markers, or watercolor to develop and refine your style.
• Stylization: Practice stylizing features such as eyes, hair, and clothing to create a distinctive look that defines your cartoon characters.

How can I ensure my cartoon style is appealing to children?

• Relatable Content: Draw scenarios and characters that are relatable to children, including familiar activities, settings, and expressions.
• Feedback: Seek feedback from parents, teachers, or children themselves to understand what aspects of your style resonate with your audience.
• Engagement: Create characters and stories that engage children’s imaginations and capture their interests.

What are common mistakes to avoid when creating a cartoon style for children?

• Overcomplicating Designs: Avoid overly complex designs or details that might make the cartoons less accessible to young viewers.
• Ignoring Age Appropriateness: Ensure that the style and content are appropriate for the age group you are targeting, avoiding themes or elements that may not be suitable.
• Lack of Consistency: Maintain a consistent style throughout your work to build recognition and coherence in your cartoon characters.

How can I integrate storytelling into my cartoon drawings of children?

• Character Development: Create well-defined characters with distinct personalities and backgrounds that can drive the narrative.
• Sequential Art: Use comic strips or storyboards to develop and present stories featuring your characters.
• Visual Cues: Incorporate visual storytelling elements such as expressive backgrounds, props, and dynamic compositions to convey the story effectively.

How can I continuously improve and evolve my cartoon style?

• Seek Inspiration: Look for inspiration from other artists, children’s books, and animation to see how different styles approach similar themes.
• Experiment and Adapt: Regularly experiment with new techniques and styles to keep your work fresh and evolving.
• Reflect and Revise: Periodically review your work to identify areas for improvement and make adjustments to refine your style further.

By focusing on these aspects, you can develop a unique and appealing cartoon style for drawing children that resonates with your audience and enhances your creative expression.