In this guide, we will walk you through the process of drawing a cartoon Totoro step by step. Whether you’re a novice artist or looking to improve your drawing skills, this tutorial will provide you with the techniques and tips you need to create your own adorable Totoro. So gather your materials and let’s get started!
Materials List
Before you begin drawing, make sure you have the following materials on hand:
1. Pencil
2. Eraser
3. Drawing paper (optional: tracing paper)
4. Colored pencils, crayons, markers, or paints (for coloring)
Having the right tools will make the drawing process smoother and more enjoyable. Now that you’re ready, let’s dive into the step-by-step instructions.
Step-by-Step Drawing Instructions
Shape the Body
Begin with a large oval for the main body.
Start by lightly sketching a large oval shape in the center of your paper. This oval will serve as the main structure of Totoro’s body, so take your time to get the proportions right. The oval should be slightly wider than it is tall to capture Totoro’s round, chubby appearance.
Add a smaller oval inside the larger one to define the head.
Draw a smaller oval inside the top half of the large oval. This smaller oval will outline Totoro’s head. Ensure that the bottom of the head oval overlaps with the larger body oval, as Totoro’s head and body blend seamlessly together.
Draw the Facial Features
Sketch two large circles for eyes, positioned on the upper half of the head.
Within the head oval, draw two large circles near the top. These circles will be Totoro’s eyes. Place them symmetrically on either side of the head, leaving enough space between them to accommodate Totoro’s nose and mouth.
Inside each eye, add a smaller circle for the pupil and a white highlight for shine.
Within each of the larger eye circles, draw a smaller circle to represent the pupils. Add a tiny white circle or oval within each pupil to create a highlight, giving Totoro’s eyes a lively and expressive look.
Draw a small, curved line beneath each eye for the mouth.
Just below the eyes, sketch a small, slightly curved line to form Totoro’s mouth. Totoro’s mouth should have a gentle smile, contributing to his friendly and approachable appearance.
Add three short whiskers on each side of the face.
Draw three short, straight lines extending from each side of Totoro’s face to represent his whiskers. These whiskers should be evenly spaced and angled slightly outward.
See also: How to Draw a Cartoon Skeleton
Shape the Ears
On top of the head, draw two large, rounded triangles for the ears.
At the top of Totoro’s head, draw two large, rounded triangles to create his ears. The bases of the triangles should align with the top of the head oval. These ears should be slightly pointed at the tips.
They should be slightly pointed at the tips and tilt slightly forward.
Position the ears so that they tilt slightly forward, giving Totoro a curious and alert expression. The forward tilt adds a touch of personality to his overall look.
Add the Arms and Legs
From the lower body, draw two short, stubby arms with rounded ends.
Begin by sketching two small, rounded arms extending from the sides of Totoro’s lower body. These arms should be short and stubby, reflecting Totoro’s cuddly and approachable nature. Make sure the ends of the arms are rounded to maintain the cartoonish style.
Beneath the body, add two short, thick legs with rounded feet.
Draw two short, thick legs extending downward from the bottom of Totoro’s body. Similar to the arms, the legs should be simple and rounded at the ends. Totoro’s feet should be broad and oval-shaped, supporting his large, round body.
Keep the limbs simple and childlike.
Ensure that both the arms and legs are proportionate to Totoro’s body. Keeping the limbs simple and rounded will enhance Totoro’s charming and playful appearance.
Refine the Details
Refine the body shape by adding a slight curve at the belly.
To give Totoro a more natural and organic look, add a slight curve to his belly area. This curve should gently protrude outward, emphasizing Totoro’s chubby and endearing form. Use smooth, flowing lines to refine the overall shape of his body.
Clean up any stray pencil marks and ensure all lines are smooth.
Go over your drawing and erase any stray pencil marks or guidelines that are no longer needed. Make sure all the lines in your drawing are clean and smooth, giving your Totoro a polished and finished appearance.
Add the Markings
On Totoro’s chest, draw a series of curved markings resembling stylized hearts.
Totoro’s chest is adorned with distinctive markings that add character to his design. Begin by drawing three small, curved shapes resembling stylized hearts on the top row of his chest. These shapes should be evenly spaced and centered.
There should be three on the top row and four on the bottom.
Below the top row of markings, add a second row with four similar heart-shaped designs. The bottom row should be slightly larger than the top row and should fit comfortably within the contours of Totoro’s chest.
See also: How to Draw Cartoon Monsters
Coloring (Optional)
Use your preferred coloring medium to bring Totoro to life!
Now comes the fun part—coloring your Totoro! Choose your favorite coloring medium, whether it be colored pencils, crayons, markers, or paints.
Use greys or blues for the body, white for the belly, black for the eyes and whiskers, and optional colors for the markings.
For Totoro’s body, use shades of grey or blue to achieve his signature look. His belly should be white or a very light grey to create contrast with the rest of his body. Use black for his eyes, pupils, and whiskers. For the chest markings, you can opt for a darker shade of grey or a contrasting color to make them stand out.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You’ve successfully drawn a cartoon Totoro. By following these step-by-step instructions, you’ve brought to life one of Studio Ghibli’s most beloved characters. Drawing Totoro is not only a fun exercise but also a great way to practice your artistic skills.
To further enhance your drawing, consider adding shading to create depth and dimension. You can also draw a background to place Totoro in a forest setting or any other imaginative environment. Personalizing your Totoro with different expressions or accessories can also be a fun way to make your artwork unique.
Remember, the key to improving your drawing skills is practice. Keep exploring different characters and styles, and most importantly, enjoy the creative process. Happy drawing!
By breaking down the drawing process into manageable steps, this guide aims to help artists of all levels create their own charming Totoro. With practice and patience, anyone can master the art of drawing this beloved forest spirit. So, grab your pencils and let your imagination soar!
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