Cartooning: Cartooning 1

Learn the basics of cartooning

Jack Keely, Carson Van Osten

• Publisher: Walter Foster Publishing
• Year: 2004
• ISBN:
  9781610598408
• Topic: Art
• Subtopic: Art Techniques

Learn all about the exciting realm of cartooning! In Cartooning 1, Jack Keely (with some help from Carson van Osten) invites you into the cartooning world and shows you how to create a variety of lovable characters-from a perky puppy to a personable toaster! In this book, the author explains his drawing techniques, as well as his methods of developing a cartoon to its fullest. You will learn to impart personality and expression as you discover a host of tips and techniques that will help you really bring your cartoons to life. Best of all, you'll find a wealth of charming cartoon characters to inspire you. This book will be a welcome addition to any cartoonist's library!

Warm and Fuzzy

THESE HUGGABLE BUNDLES of fur and feathers follow the same guidelines as those for cute children. Cute cartoon animals are often slightly anthropomorphized, meaning they’ve been given certain human characteristics. Often the dark button eyes of animals are replaced with human-style eyes and eyelashes, and, occasionally, eyebrows. In addition, their mouths are frequently curved into an appealing smile. These cute critters are just begging to be picked up and petted.

CREATING A FULL FIGURE To construct a cute little animal, such as the pup, start with a body shaped like a plump bean. Add a circle for the head that has just about the same volume as the body.

NOTHING TO BE AFRAID OF Tiny creatures with bright eyes and paws like hands, mice are among the most appealing cartoon animals.

BEGGING TO BE LOVED The wagging tail and little tongue make this smiling pup look even happier.

PUTTING IT IN PROPORTION The design of the cute animal face is the same as the one for the cute kid face. Locate the eyes, nose, and mouth in the lower half. The eyes are large and round. Chubby cheeks overlap the eyes.

Small Wonders

The basic cute construction is a combination of circles, ovals, and rounded “friendly” shapes. (Save sharp angles for a wicked witch!) As you can see here, almost any animal you can think of can be cute and friendly when drawn with this design formula. Then put it in action. The little animals on these pages are animated and lively, reflecting the actions of real baby animals. Making quick sketches from life of your own pets, zoo animals, or squirrels in the park will help you get a feeling for how animals move.

BODY LANGUAGE This cuddly bunny looks up, emphasizing her small size and fragility. The tilt of the head and the springy stance add to the appeal.

THE LOOK This wise quacker gives an engaging, sidelong glance.

PLAYFUL AS A KITTEN Notice the childlike proportions of this adorable kitten. The huge eyes give it an innocent expression.

REAL DETAILS The turtle’s wrinkled knees and beaky face are realistic details that make this slowpoke believable.

VARIATIONS ON A THEME Bunnies, squirrels, and chipmunks are drawn following the same formula, but bunnies have slightly larger cheeks and narrower foreheads. A bunny’s eyes are set a little higher but they still rest on the cheeks. A little suggestion of oversized front teeth adds to this character’s appeal.

THE CUTE TREATMENT Fido’s finny friends have been “cutified” with human eyes and chubby cheeks. The rounded lips are suitably fishy without sacrificing a smile.

MAKE ‘EM MOVE Fido does a dog paddle. Notice that he’s made entirely of curved lines. Try to give action poses a rounded, fluid look. No hard edges for these guys.

Artist’s Tip

When drawing “cute” characters, and details to a minimum.

About Face

You can start with a simple, ball-shaped head and spin off in many directions. Here we’ve started with a babyish head and a pair of round eyes and created a variety of cute animals by changing the ears, nose, and mouth. Add a tuft of hair, eyelashes, or maybe some whiskers to finish your cartoon animal.

Start with a basic head shape based on a circle with chubby cheeks.

Down-turned eyebrows and mouth let you know this pup’s in a cranky mood.

A softer jaw line, plumper cheeks, and rounder nose are appropriate for a pig.

The kitten’s mouth points up in the center, and its little nose points down.

The Human Touch

GIVING ANIMALS HUMAN CHARACTERISTICS (called anthropomorphism) allows us to use cute animals as stand-ins for people. These characters often wear clothes, drive cars, and live in houses. Their bodies becomes more human in proportion and yet retain some degree of animal identity. These animal kids are among the most popular cartoon characters.

CONSTRUCTING HANDS To give your cute animals human-like hands, start w...