Learning how to draw a dinosaur cartoon involves breaking down complex forms into simple shapes and then adding personality and details to bring your prehistoric creature to life. This guide will equip you with the foundational skills and creative inspiration to create your own adorable and expressive cartoon dinosaurs, regardless of your artistic experience.
Laying the Foundation: Simple Shapes and Construction
The key to a successful dinosaur cartoon lies in starting with simple shapes. Think circles, ovals, rectangles, and triangles. These will serve as the building blocks for your dinosaur’s body, head, and limbs.
Choosing Your Dinosaur
Before you even pick up a pencil (or stylus), consider what kind of dinosaur you want to draw. A T-Rex, with its powerful legs and tiny arms, will have a different basic structure than a Brachiosaurus, known for its long neck and gentle demeanor. Visualizing your chosen dinosaur beforehand helps immensely.
Basic Shapes for the Body
- Torso: An oval or elongated circle typically forms the main body of the dinosaur. The size and orientation will depend on the dinosaur’s species and posture.
- Head: A circle or oval, smaller than the torso, will represent the head. Its position relative to the body influences the dinosaur’s expression.
- Limbs: Use rectangles or ovals to sketch the legs and arms. Keep the proportions in mind – a T-Rex’s arms are significantly smaller than its legs. For a Brachiosaurus, the legs will be more columnar.
- Tail: A triangle or a curved line extending from the body forms the tail. The tail’s shape and length contribute to the overall balance and character of the dinosaur.
Connecting the Shapes
Once you have the basic shapes in place, lightly connect them with curved lines. This creates the preliminary outline of your dinosaur. Remember to keep these lines light, as you will be refining them later.
Refining the Sketch: Adding Detail and Character
Now comes the fun part: transforming your simple shapes into a recognizable and charming dinosaur cartoon!
Refining the Outline
Using your initial sketch as a guide, begin to refine the outline of your dinosaur. Smooth out any jagged edges and add subtle curves to give the dinosaur a more organic feel. This is where you can begin to define the distinctive features of your chosen species.
Adding Facial Features
The eyes are crucial for conveying emotion. Large, round eyes with small pupils often work well for cartoon dinosaurs, making them appear cute and friendly. Don’t forget to add a nose and mouth – a simple smile or a mischievous grin can drastically change the dinosaur’s personality.
Incorporating Details
Add details like scales, plates, or spikes, depending on the type of dinosaur you’re drawing. Remember to keep the details stylized and simplified to maintain the cartoon aesthetic. For example, instead of drawing every single scale, you might draw a few rows to suggest the texture.
Emphasizing Personality
Consider the dinosaur’s personality. Is it friendly and playful, or grumpy and imposing? Use the posture, facial expressions, and details to convey this personality. A tilted head and wide eyes can make a dinosaur appear curious, while a furrowed brow and sharp teeth can make it appear more menacing (but still cartoonishly so!).
Final Touches: Line Art and Color
With your sketch refined, it’s time to create a clean line art version and add color to bring your dinosaur to life.
Creating Clean Line Art
Using a darker pen or pencil, carefully trace over your refined sketch, creating a clean and defined outline. You can vary the thickness of the lines to add visual interest. Thicker lines can emphasize important features, while thinner lines can add detail. Once the line art is complete, erase the original sketch lines.
Choosing a Color Palette
Select a color palette that complements your dinosaur’s personality. Bright, vibrant colors can make a dinosaur appear cheerful and playful, while earthy tones can give it a more realistic (yet still cartoonish) look. Experiment with different color combinations to find what works best for you.
Adding Color and Shading
Apply your chosen colors to your dinosaur. Consider adding simple shading to give your drawing depth and dimension. A subtle gradient of color can make your dinosaur appear more three-dimensional. Think about where the light is coming from and add darker shades on the opposite side.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions to help you further master the art of drawing dinosaur cartoons:
1. What’s the easiest dinosaur to draw as a cartoon?
The Stegosaurus is often considered one of the easiest dinosaurs to cartoon. Its distinctive plates and simple body shape are relatively easy to depict in a stylized way. Start with a simple oval for the body, add four short legs, and a row of triangles along the back for the plates.
2. How can I make my dinosaur look cute?
To make a dinosaur look cute, focus on large, expressive eyes, rounded features, and a friendly expression. Consider adding exaggerated features like oversized feet or a small, upturned nose. A pastel color palette can also contribute to a cuter aesthetic.
3. What’s the best way to draw dinosaur scales in a cartoon style?
Avoid drawing every single scale. Instead, suggest the texture by drawing rows of overlapping circles or semi-circles. You can also use simple hatching or cross-hatching to create a scaled effect.
4. How do I draw a dinosaur with a good sense of perspective?
Start by establishing a horizon line and vanishing point(s). Then, draw your dinosaur in relation to these points, making sure that lines converge towards the vanishing point(s) to create the illusion of depth. Practice with simple shapes first to get a feel for perspective before tackling more complex dinosaur forms.
5. What materials are best for drawing dinosaur cartoons?
There’s no single “best” material! Beginners might find it easiest to start with a pencil and paper. As you progress, you can experiment with pens, markers, and digital drawing tools. A graphics tablet is excellent for digital drawing, allowing for precise control.
6. How do I draw different dinosaur body types?
Study different dinosaur species and note their distinct body shapes. Pay attention to the proportions of the legs, arms, neck, and tail. A Brachiosaurus has a long neck and pillar-like legs, while a Velociraptor has a more slender build and curved claws.
7. How do I create different dinosaur poses?
Research dinosaur anatomy and consider how they would move. Sketch out a simple stick figure to represent the dinosaur’s pose, then build the body around it. Remember to consider balance and weight distribution.
8. How can I make my dinosaur cartoons unique?
Experiment with different styles, expressions, and details. Add your own personal touch to your drawings. Perhaps give your dinosaur a quirky accessory or a unique pattern. Don’t be afraid to break the rules and develop your own signature style!
9. What are some common mistakes to avoid when drawing dinosaur cartoons?
Common mistakes include inaccurate proportions, inconsistent line weight, and lack of attention to detail. Pay attention to the basic shapes and proportions, and practice refining your line art skills.
10. How can I improve my dinosaur cartoon drawing skills?
Practice regularly! The more you draw, the better you will become. Study dinosaur anatomy and cartoons by other artists. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make mistakes – that’s how you learn and grow.
11. What are some good resources for learning more about dinosaur anatomy?
Several excellent books and websites are dedicated to dinosaur anatomy. “Dinosaurs: The Most Complete, Up-to-Date Encyclopedia for Dinosaur Lovers of All Ages” by Thomas R. Holtz Jr. is a great resource. Also, online paleoart communities can provide valuable feedback and inspiration.
12. Can I sell my dinosaur cartoon art?
Yes! Many online platforms allow you to sell your art, such as Etsy, Redbubble, and Society6. You can also sell your art at local art fairs and conventions. Building a strong online presence through social media is crucial for marketing your art. Make sure you understand copyright laws and avoid infringing on existing characters or designs. Focus on original creations to maximize your success.