Drawing Cartoon Figures Art Project for Kids • Kids Activities Blog

School-aged kids will practice drawing cartoon style bodies using basic shapes for the human torso. We’ve included a free printable to make this project easy to use at home or in the classroom.

Using Shapes to Begin Our Sketch

This project shows kids how to turn basic shapes into various cartoon characters. I find that by starting with odd shapes, kids are less likely to feel the pressure of not knowing where to begin drawing, human proportions, and so on.

Related: Use shapes to learn how to draw cartoon faces!

Supplies Needed for drawing cartoon figures Art Project

• Paper
• Pencil
• Colored Pencils
• Permanent Marker
• Free Printable Reference Images – Download Below

Download the Figures Reference Printable Here

Print this free reference page to help spark creative ideas for cartoon figure drawings.

Directions for drawing cartoon figures

Step 1

Begin by using a pencil to lightly draw various shapes onto a piece of paper.

Step 2

Next, take a pencil and trace around the shapes to smooth out edges, add arms, legs, etc. to create a more human-like form.

Step 3

Then, using our free printable references, add clothing and details to form each shape into a unique cartoon character.

Step 4

Trace sketch using a permanent marker and then erase any unwanted pencil lines.

Step 5

Finally, add color and finishing touches to the cartoon figures.

Finished Drawing Cartoon Figures Art Project

I love how these cartoon figure drawings turned out! Since these projects are made on paper, they can easily be framed, clipped, or displayed in your preferred style. 

Our Experience Making this Drawing Cartoon Figures Art Project

This was such a fun and easy project to practice drawing cartoon figures. I love when everyone begins a project with the same shapes, but the final designs are vastly different! Cartoon drawing is a fun way to practice drawing humans without any fears of perfection. In the cartoon world, anything is possible, so there are no limits to one’s imagination when it comes to drawing!

Drawing Cartoon Figure Art Variations

• Draw only one large figure on each page.
• Pick a favorite sketch and complete the entire character drawing.
• Complete project using thicker paper and wet supplies, such as markers, watercolors, and acrylic paints.

Other Fun character Art Projects from Kids Activities Blog

Did your kids enjoy creating cartoon figures? Which character was their favorite creation?