MORE DRAWING TUTORIALS:

How to draw a rose
How to draw a dragon
How to draw a horse
NEW: How to draw a wolf
NEW: How to draw a betta fish
How to draw animals from pears
How to draw an owl
How to draw a cat
How to draw animals from alphabets
How to draw a frog
How to draw a parrot
How to draw a bird
How to draw a butterfly
How to draw a sheep
How to draw a pig
How to draw a swan
How to draw a penguin
How to draw a peacock
How to draw a lion
How to draw a rabbit
How to draw a cow
How to draw a dachshund
How to draw a seahorse
How to draw a tiger
How to draw a kitten
How to draw a monkey
How to draw a unicorn
How to draw a phoenix

How to draw a deer
How to draw a squirrel
How to draw a crocodile
How to draw a dinosaur
How to draw a whale
How to draw a duck
How to draw a giraffe
How to draw a snail
How to draw a koala
How to draw an angelfish
How to draw an elephant
How to draw a griffin
How to draw a walrus
How to draw a cocker spaniel
How to draw a poodle
How to draw a donkey
How to draw a chicken
How to draw a rooster
How to draw a porcupine
How to draw a kangaroo
How to draw a bear
How to draw a mouse
How to draw an octopus
How to draw a turkey
How to draw a goat
How to draw a camel
How to draw a hippo
How to draw a possum
How to draw a rhino
How to draw a centaur

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How to Draw Cartoons > Cartoon Balloons and Spots

A cartoonist need not be an expert in handlettering. However, the more clearly and attractively he can form and space his letters, the more acceptable his work will be. What the characters in the funnies say is usually shown in "balloons."

Letters therein are kept clear and very simple. Words are emphasized by using italics, or boldface letters, or underlining. Often the outlines of speech balloons are varied according to who is talking in the comic, what he is saying, and how he is saying it. Thus, quavering lines show fear and trembling.

Broken lines show unspoken words. Sharp, well-defined lines give emphasis. Most balloons are lettered in capitals. Develop one simple lettering style and stick to it until you master it. You will grow gradually more efficient, as you gain experience by constant repetition.

The lettering below is a conservative style. You can vary it in either direction, making letters which are still more formal, or more careless and loose. Use the way which is easiest for you.

Spots

Wherever there is a printed word, in magazines, newspapers, trade journals, local news sheets, employee house organs, there is a place for the spot. Other names for !he spot are "quick sketch" or "decorative vignette." Spots are little pictured commentaries on life. With few lines and no words, they talk.

Put down in sketch form the little everyday things you observe. Don't try to draw them "correctly." Don't try to follow any set rules. Just comment, pictorially. If you do this without restraint or inhibition, your spots will be acceptable everywhere. They'll be unique and individual because they're you and what you're thinking. They'll be understood by other people because, fundamentally, other people feel just as you do.

Above all things, remember that drawing is free, joyous expression. I've given you some fundamentals which artists follow at the start. But the sooner you forget the rules and draw as unconsciously as you write, the happier you will be and. the more pleasure you will give other people.

Continue to Cartoon Drawing Techniques

How to Draw Cartoons

If you're worried about not having enough artistic "talent", try some free cartooning lessons. You'll be drawing and laughing in no time flat.

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