Hello my name’s Okse, thank you for clicking on this post, it’s my very first How to on steemit so if you like it please up vote and resteem...I’m still trying to get used to all the terminology . in this post I'm going to show you how to draw cute, these methods are not set in stone they’re just a few tips and tricks that I have learned along the way.
These two were created using the methods within this book and if you follow the instructions shown and with a lot of practice and passion for drawing you can create these sort of characters too.
I love passing knowledge on to people and I love seeing the results , if you come up with any cute characters please post below and use the hashtag #oksecutem and at me so I can see your creations.
Happy doodling.
Tools
So what do you need to start drawing cute? Well pencils , pens , erasers, paper and most importantly your imagination....ooh and this e book, thanks again.
Pencils
I like to use a Fabre Castell Grip Plus 0.7 Mechanical pencil or Clicky Pencil as I like to call it ....I am 43
I find these very useful as I find sharpening pencils time consuming , as that time can be used for drawing, plus you can pretend your clicky pen is a spy device that lets you communicate back to spy head quarters!...or just a pencil, *whispers * if you pop to a certain Swedish furniture shop they’ve got loads there and they’re free...try the meatballs too. very nice.
Also grab a pencil sharpener if you're going down the traditional route.
Pens
We use a pen for inking , the pencil lines are the structure and then you lay down the ink on the lines that you like.
What sort? Sharpies are good (The ones with thin/thick end are brilliant, Faber Castell Pit Pens are good too. You just need a pen that doesn't smudge when you erase your lines with an eraser
Paper
I used to work at stationery shop, but they moved. Sorry had to throw a joke in there just to keep your attention, though that one's best read out loud, use it at Christmas if like when your cracker joke is awful.
Anyway paper, what type?...if you’re learning...Any, as a kid I used to draw on anything..envelopes , back of school books (not recommended) lined paper, grid paper, Dads discarded betting slips, anything.
Or you could pop to your local stationery shop and pick up a drawing pad..unless they've moved (That is called call back)
Get some tracing paper too that’s always useful.
So lets get started, what makes something cute?
Big eyes
Big head
Tiny body
Little Belly
Chubby arms
Shortness
Now looking at this list what are we describing ? It's a baby and how cute are babies? ....answer, very.
So lets take these elements and start working on a basic character.
Note: the word “chubby “ may come up a lot.
I like to use construction lines , really get into the habit of doing this as it really helps you understand where everything goes. I’m going to be drawing my construction lines in blue because it will help you tell the difference ...plus it looks really cool.
Before we start I want you to know that you don't have to press hard with the pencil, take it gently, have you ever tried to erase a line that’s been placed by an elephant? It's hard work, I used to teach elephants, they were really good listeners.
Treat your pencil like you’re tickling someone with a feather. (please do not do try tickling someone with a pencil, it doesn’t work )
So let’s begin.
The Head
Create a circle and then look at it as if it is a ball and you can see through it and then create these lines using ovals.
Use the centre horizontal line as a guide to help you place your eyes. use the vertical line to place the nose.
Cute things have big eyes , this is a good formula for cuteness, but you can also go the other way...
Look how cute this little fella on the right looks with just a couple of dots.
Aw , give him a cookie.
Aw he’s got no mouth to eat it!
When drawing eyes don’t forget to add the highlight to the pupils it make the eyes come alive
Little button noses are cute , sometimes you don't even have to place a nose.
Tiny mouths are good too, but sometimes you can change them to help with expressions and emotion.
Ears are like little "C"s ( backwards on this image ) on a human but we can use other types of ears too. I like to add little chubby cheeks too.
Awww.
The Body (Not Elle MacPherson)
The body should be only slightly bigger than the head, a lot of how to books state that cute characters should be no more than 3 heads tall which is about right.
A cute thing can be one head big like the above little dude.
Start constructing a bean type shape for the torso and give them a little paunch belly, and again don't press to hard with the pencil.
Remember the feather technique? You don't? Whats wrong with you? Pay attention it's your own time you're wasting.
Short arms, chubby fingers and chubby legs really add to the cuteness, create short ovals like this then work over the top.
Hands
When I'm drawing cartoon hands i start off with a circle then add these little short sausages ,
You can mirror the hands and just add detail as seen in the red lines to create the palm side.
Cute characters usually have three fingers and a thumb , this is because they’re a lot easier to animate. Lazy Walt!
Interesting fact for you, all cute characters in Japan have 4 fingers and a thumb as having three fingers is connected with being in the Yakuza ( Japanese gang)
If you ever get that question at a quiz , remember me.
Feet
We create these chubby ovals ( see I told you chubby would come up a lot) then after add detail like toes. Little circles starting from the big toe to the little pinky.
..or if you don't like drawing feet make sure your character is always standing in tall grass.
This is a joke, but I have seen it done.
Let’s break down all the things that make a character cute.
Let’s play with some expressions.
Now that we’ve got our basic character , we can get some tracing paper or a light box and start experimenting with different characters.
Adding different features etc ie clothing, noses , ears can really help you create various cute characters. Here’s some samples for you.
I hope you’ve enjoyed this post as much as I liked creating it I hope it helps you get to grips with constructing a cute character.
I said earlier on that if you come up with any characters using these methods , please feel free to post below, upvote and resteem use the hashtag #oksecutem.
I look forward to seeing you works.
All the best
Okse
If you would like to purchase my art or Commission me please visit.
www.theartofokse.com