How to Improve at Drawing Cartoons

Hi, my name is Christopher Hart, and I'm the author and cartoonist of a Best-Selling book series on How-To-Draw just about anything. My publisher is Random House, and I've been fortunate to have sold over 3 million books domestically, which have been translated into over 20 languages.

Today, I'm going to pass on a few tips and hint, followed by simple solutions that you'll be able to apply instantly, and see your drawings improve at once. Despite their talent, and effort, beginners often make 3 mistakes in drawing cartoons. First, they draw too carefully. I know it sounds counter-intuitive, but trying to create a finished drawing on the first attempt will cause you to reign in your creative impulses, i order to avoid making a mistake. Pros don't attempt to create a finished drawing on the first, or even on the second, try. They draw messily, to get the rough drawing to look just right. And when it does, they trace it over for a clean, polished look.

Second, beginners draw too lightly. This is from a lack of confidence, not a lack of talent. When you draw lightly, your drawings don't look confident. Draw with flowing lines that are dark and rich. This will provide contrast against the white of the paper, and cause the image to pop.

Third, and perhaps most importantly, beginners many times draw too small. It's not only tough to see what's going on in a tiny drawing, but it's no fun to draw that way either. The entire area of the page is yours. Take charge of it. When you draw a face, or body, take up at least three-quarters of the page -- but be sure that you give yourself enough room at the start, so that your figure, for example, doesn't get cut off at the ankles.

Remember, there are no rules in drawing, only suggestions. I hope this one was helpful.

Your colleague in art,

Christopher Hart