How to Draw Yourself as a Cartoon: And Why Your Cat Probably Already Has a Better Portrait

How to Draw Yourself as a Cartoon: And Why Your Cat Probably Already Has a Better Portrait

Drawing yourself as a cartoon is a fun and creative way to express your personality, quirks, and style. Whether you’re an aspiring artist or just someone looking to doodle during a boring meeting, turning yourself into a cartoon can be both therapeutic and entertaining. But how do you go about it? And why does your cat seem to have a more Instagram-worthy cartoon version of itself than you do? Let’s dive into the world of cartoon self-portraits and explore the many ways you can bring your cartoon alter ego to life.


1. Start with the Basics: Know Your Features

Before you even pick up a pencil, take a good look at yourself in the mirror. What makes you, you? Is it your wild curly hair, your signature glasses, or that one eyebrow that always seems to have a mind of its own? Cartoons thrive on exaggeration, so identify the features that stand out the most. If you have a big nose, make it bigger. If you have freckles, turn them into constellations. The key is to embrace what makes you unique and amplify it.


2. Choose Your Style: From Simplicity to Surrealism

Cartoons come in all shapes and styles. Do you want a minimalist stick figure with a single defining trait? Or are you aiming for a more detailed, anime-inspired version of yourself? Here are a few popular styles to consider:

  • Minimalist: Simple lines and shapes, focusing on the essence of your features.
  • Anime: Big eyes, expressive faces, and dramatic hair.
  • Retro: Think vintage comic books with bold outlines and vibrant colors.
  • Surreal: Go wild with abstract shapes, disproportionate limbs, and dreamlike elements.

Your style will dictate how you approach the drawing process, so choose one that resonates with your personality.


3. Break It Down: Shapes Are Your Best Friend

Every cartoon starts with basic shapes. Circles, ovals, rectangles, and triangles are the building blocks of your cartoon self. For example:

  • Head: Start with a circle or oval.
  • Eyes: Use smaller circles or ovals.
  • Nose: A triangle or a tiny curve.
  • Mouth: A simple line or a crescent shape.

Once you have the basic shapes in place, you can refine them to add more detail and personality.


4. Exaggerate, Don’t Perfect

Cartoons aren’t about realism; they’re about expression. If you’re known for your infectious laugh, draw a mouth that takes up half your face. If you’re always tired, give yourself comically large bags under your eyes. The more you exaggerate, the more your cartoon will feel like you.


5. Add Accessories and Props

What do you always carry with you? A coffee cup? A notebook? A guitar? Incorporating these items into your cartoon can make it instantly recognizable. Accessories also add layers to your character, telling a story about who you are and what you love.


6. Play with Proportions

One of the most fun aspects of cartooning is playing with proportions. Maybe your head is huge compared to your body, or your arms are ridiculously long. Proportions can convey personality—big hands might suggest someone who’s always creating, while tiny feet could imply someone who’s always on the go.


7. Color It Up

Color is where your cartoon truly comes to life. Think about your favorite colors, the ones that make you feel most like yourself. Don’t be afraid to experiment with bold, unconventional choices. Maybe your hair is blue, or your skin is green. In the world of cartoons, anything goes.


8. Add a Background

Where does your cartoon self live? Is it a cozy coffee shop, a bustling city street, or a fantastical landscape? Adding a background can give context to your character and make the drawing more dynamic.


9. Practice, Practice, Practice

Like any skill, drawing takes practice. Don’t be discouraged if your first few attempts don’t look exactly how you imagined. Keep experimenting with different styles, techniques, and tools until you find what works best for you.


10. Digital vs. Traditional

Decide whether you want to draw your cartoon traditionally (with pen and paper) or digitally (using a tablet or computer). Both methods have their pros and cons:

  • Traditional: More tactile and immediate, but harder to edit.
  • Digital: Easier to correct mistakes and experiment with colors, but requires some technical know-how.

11. Get Inspired

Look at other artists’ work for inspiration. Study how they use lines, shapes, and colors to create characters. You don’t have to copy their style, but understanding their techniques can help you develop your own.


12. Have Fun with It

At the end of the day, drawing yourself as a cartoon should be fun. Don’t take it too seriously. If your cartoon ends up looking nothing like you, that’s okay! It’s all about capturing the essence of who you are in a way that makes you smile.


13. Share Your Creation

Once you’ve finished your cartoon, share it with the world. Post it on social media, use it as your profile picture, or print it out and hang it on your wall. Your cartoon self is a reflection of your creativity, so let it shine.


14. Evolve Over Time

Your cartoon self doesn’t have to be static. As you grow and change, so can your cartoon. Maybe one day you’ll add a beard, or switch out your glasses for sunglasses. Your cartoon is a living, evolving representation of you.


15. Why Your Cat Probably Already Has a Better Portrait

Let’s face it: cats are natural-born models. Their expressive eyes, quirky personalities, and photogenic poses make them perfect cartoon subjects. If you’re struggling to draw yourself, try drawing your cat first. You might just learn a thing or two about capturing personality on paper.


FAQs

Q: Do I need to be good at drawing to create a cartoon of myself?
A: Not at all! Cartoons are all about simplicity and expression. Even if you’re a beginner, you can create something fun and unique.

Q: What tools do I need to get started?
A: For traditional drawing, all you need is a pencil, eraser, and paper. For digital drawing, a tablet and stylus are helpful, but you can also use free software like GIMP or Krita.

Q: How do I choose the right colors for my cartoon?
A: Think about the colors that represent you. If you’re not sure, look at your wardrobe or your favorite things for inspiration.

Q: Can I use my cartoon for professional purposes?
A: Absolutely! Many people use cartoon versions of themselves for branding, social media, or even business cards.

Q: What if my cartoon doesn’t look like me?
A: That’s okay! Cartoons are about capturing the essence of a person, not creating a perfect likeness. Focus on the features and traits that make you unique.