Sanrio, the beloved Japanese company, has gifted the world with an array of charming characters that have captured hearts globally. From the universally recognized Hello Kitty to the adorable Cinnamoroll, these characters have become iconic in pop culture. The simplistic yet captivating design of Sanrio characters makes them an excellent subject for beginner artists. Drawing these characters not only brings joy but also offers a great way to develop basic drawing skills. In this guide, we’ll explore how to draw some of Sanrio’s most beloved characters, making it easy and fun for beginners to start their drawing journey.
Choosing Your Sanrio Character
Sanrio’s vast array of characters means there’s something for everyone. For beginners, it’s essential to start with characters that have straightforward designs. Here are some of the most popular Sanrio characters that are perfect for beginners:
Hello Kitty
Hello Kitty, with her simple round face, two dots for eyes, and a small bow, is one of the most recognizable characters in the world. Her design is based on basic shapes, making her an ideal starting point for beginners.
Cinnamoroll
Cinnamoroll is a fluffy white puppy with long ears and a curly tail. His simple, rounded shapes and soft lines make him a gentle introduction to drawing animal characters.
Pompompurin
Pompompurin is a golden retriever with a laid-back personality. His design includes a beret and a stout body, primarily composed of circles and ovals, making him easy to draw.
My Melody
My Melody, a cute rabbit with a hood that covers her ears, is another excellent choice. Her character features simple, rounded shapes and a sweet, smiling face.
Basic Shapes and Techniques
Sanrio characters often use simple geometric shapes as their foundation. By mastering these shapes, you can easily create any Sanrio character.
See also: How to Draw Cartoon Iron Man
Drawing Basic Shapes
Circles: Most Sanrio characters have faces that start as circles or ovals. Practice drawing smooth, even circles.
Ovals: Ovals are used for bodies, ears, and other parts. Practice varying the width and height of your ovals.
Lines and Curves: These are essential for adding details like facial features, limbs, and accessories. Practice drawing straight lines, curved lines, and connecting them smoothly.
Basic Drawing Techniques
Light Pencil Strokes: Start with light strokes to make it easier to correct mistakes.
Building Up: Begin with large shapes and gradually refine the details.
Layering: Use multiple layers of shapes to build a cohesive figure.
Step-by-Step Guide: Drawing Hello Kitty
Let’s start with drawing Hello Kitty. Follow these steps to create your version of this iconic character.
Step 1: Draw the Head
Begin with a large circle. This will be the outline of Hello Kitty’s head. Remember to use light strokes.
Step 2: Add the Ears
Draw two small triangles on top of the circle, slightly curved outward. These will be Hello Kitty’s ears.
Step 3: Outline the Bow
On the left side of the head, sketch two overlapping ovals to form the bow. Add a small circle in the middle to complete it.
Step 4: Draw the Eyes
Inside the head circle, draw two small ovals for the eyes. Place them equidistant from the center.
Step 5: Add the Nose
Between the eyes, draw a small oval for the nose. Hello Kitty’s nose is usually positioned slightly lower than the eyes.
Step 6: Draw th#e Whiskers
On each side of the face, draw three straight lines to represent Hello Kitty’s whiskers.
Step 7: Sketch the Body
Below the head, draw an oval for the body. Keep it relatively small compared to the head.
Step 8: Add Arms and Legs
Draw two small ovals on each side of the body for the arms and two at the bottom for the legs.
Step 9: Outline the Dress
Draw a simple dress around the body, starting from the shoulders down. Add a few pleats at the bottom for detail.
Adding Details and Finishing Touches
Now that you have the basic outline of Hello Kitty, it’s time to add details and finishing touches.
Facial Features
Eyes: Darken the eyes and add small white dots for highlights to give them a glossy look.
Nose: Darken the nose and ensure it’s centered between the eyes.
Whiskers: Refine the whiskers, making them straight and evenly spaced.
Body Details
Bow: Add lines to the bow to give it dimension. Darken the outline and the center circle.
Dress: Add a collar and small buttons if you wish. Darken the dress outline and add any patterns or details.
Coloring
Hello Kitty is typically colored white with a red bow and dress. Use basic colors to bring your drawing to life:
Face and Body: Leave white or use a very light grey for shading.
Bow and Dress: Color red or any color you prefer.
Eyes and Nose: Black for the eyes and a yellow for the nose.
Shading Techniques (Optional)
To add depth, lightly shade areas where shadows would naturally fall, such as under the bow, around the neck, and on one side of the body.
See also: A Step-by-Step Guide to Drawing Batman
Tips and Tricks for Beginners
Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind as you practice drawing Sanrio characters:
Start Light: Always start with light pencil strokes. This makes it easier to erase and refine your drawing.
Practice Shapes: Spend time practicing basic shapes like circles, ovals, and lines. These are the building blocks of your drawing.
Build Up Gradually: Start with large, simple shapes and add details gradually. This helps in maintaining proportions and symmetry.
Use References: Look at images of the characters as you draw. This helps in getting the details right.
Be Patient: Drawing takes time and practice. Don’t get discouraged by mistakes; they are part of the learning process.
Refine and Erase: Don’t be afraid to erase and redraw parts of your drawing to improve accuracy and detail.
Conclusion
Drawing Sanrio characters is a delightful and accessible way to start your journey into the world of art. By beginning with simple shapes and gradually adding details, you can create charming renditions of beloved characters like Hello Kitty, Cinnamoroll, Pompompurin, and My Melody. Remember to practice regularly, be patient with yourself, and most importantly, have fun with your drawings. As you gain confidence, try exploring more complex characters and scenes. Happy drawing!
Bonus Section (Optional)
Finding Inspiration and References
For more inspiration and references, explore online platforms that showcase Sanrio characters. Social media sites often feature fan art and official updates from Sanrio, providing fresh ideas and different styles to inspire your drawings. Additionally, Sanrio’s official website and related merchandise can serve as excellent resources for understanding the nuances of each character’s design. Use these resources to keep your creativity flowing and stay updated with the latest in the Sanrio universe.
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