You can learn how to draw cartoons like the pros with a few basic art supplies and our easy step-by-step lessons. No matter how complicated a cartoon character or scene may look, just about any drawing can be broken down into smaller pieces.

If you follow the smaller pieces (or steps) one by one, you’ll be amazed by how quickly you’ll learn how to draw everything from a smiling cartoon baby to a cartoon robot in action!

You can learn how to draw this cartoon robot with our step by step instructions.
Learn how to draw this cartoon robot.

To begin learning how to draw cartoons, you’ll need a few basic drawing supplies including a pencil, pencil sharpener, an eraser, a felt-tip pen, and paper. In each how to draw cartoons section, the first drawing will be of the subject you will be working on. Examine the lines and shapes of the subject carefully before proceeding to the first step.

The instructions in each article will always start with larger basic shapes, such as ovals, rectangles, and triangles, depending on the subject. Draw the full shape, even if some of it will not be seen in the final drawing. The red lines in each illustration show exactly what to draw in that step, while the lines drawn in previous steps are shown in gray.

After all the steps are complete, use a felt-tip pen to go over the pencil lines. Ink only the lines you want to keep in the drawing. Let the ink dry, then erase the extra pencil lines.

The last step in learning how to draw is adding color.

Use the first illustration in each article as your guide. Feel free to use crayons, colored pencils or markers. If you’re feeling especially creative, you can even try watercolors or chalk.

Start by adding the main color, gently adding darker colors to areas that would be in shadows or less light (generally toward the bottom or underneath the shapes). This is called shading.

After shading is complete, add lighter colors where more light would be (usually on the top areas of the shapes, where sunlight would naturally hit them). This is called highlighting. Shading and highlighting help the drawing look more realistic.

Once you fill in all the colors and are pleased with your cartoon drawing, you’re finished. Way to go!

In our how to draw cartoons articles, you will learn how to draw a cartoon hobo, a cartoon juggler, a cartoon monster truck, and much, much more. Here is a preview:

  • How to Draw a Cartoon Baby
    Cartoon babies are fun to watch and even more fun to draw. This article will show you how to draw a cartoon baby in five easy steps. Once you learn how to draw our cartoon baby, you will have no problems creating (and drawing) your own. Test your creative skills as you learn how to draw a cartoon baby.

  • How to Draw a Cartoon Dog
    If you’ve ever wanted to learn how to draw a cartoon dog, but the task seemed impossible, then this how to draw a cartoon dog lesson is for you. Follow the step-by-step instructions in this section and you will have the perfect picture of a playful pooch to hang on the wall or show to your friends! See for yourself -- follow the link to this section to learn how to draw a cartoon dog.

  • How to Draw a Cartoon Dragon
    Learning how to draw a cartoon dragon is simple and fun. Once you’ve mastered drawing a cartoon dragon, you can sketch these cute, cuddly creatures cruising through the sky, perched on a mountaintop or lounging near a lagoon. Just click this page to learn how to draw a cartoon dragon now!

  • How to Draw a Cartoon Girl
    Learning how to draw an adorable cartoon girl can be easy with our detailed directions and easy to follow illustrations. With a little creativity, see how fun it can be to bring a cartoon girl to life. Grab your sketchpad and pencils, and get ready to learn how to draw a cartoon girl!

  • How to Draw a Cartoon Giraffe
    Did you know that a giraffe is the world’s tallest living land animal? These super quick creatures are fun to watch for sure, but learning how to draw a cartoon giraffe can be a treat too! From the horns to the hooves, we’ll show you how to draw a perfect cartoon giraffe.

  • How to Draw a Cartoon Vampire
    You don’t have to be afraid to learn how to draw a cartoon vampire. These cool creatures are actually quite simple to draw and in this section, we’ll show you how in five quick steps. Click this section to get started on learning how to draw a cartoon vampire    .

  • How to Draw a Cartoon Monster Truck
    Famous for crushing smaller vehicles under its massive wheels, the monster truck is every kid’s favorite vehicle. Once you learn how to draw a cartoon monster truck, you can move on to drawing twisted monster truck tricks and maybe even an entire monster truck show! Go to this section to learn how to draw a cartoon monster truck.

  • How to Draw a Cartoon Mouse
    So you think you can’t draw a cartoon mouse? Think again! With a little creativity and the simple steps in this lesson, you can learn how to draw a cuddly cartoon mouse with ease. Click this page to get started and your cartoon mouse will be on the prowl for cheese in no time.

  • How to Draw a Cartoon Locomotive
    From retro cartoons to children’s books, the cartoon locomotive has been created in all shapes, sizes, and designs. If you want to learn how to draw a cartoon locomotive and add your own creative choo-choo to the bunch, you can learn how in this section. All aboard! Learn how to draw a cartoon locomotive.
  • How to Draw a Cartoon Skateboarder
    Drawing a cartoon skateboarder may look rather difficult, but believe it or not, it can be done in five simple steps. In this section, we will teach you how to bring your skateboarding dude to life as you learn how to draw a cartoon skateboarder.

  • How to Draw a Cartoon Stuffed Lion
    If you want to learn how to draw a cartoon stuffed lion, there’s no need to fear. Our lazy lion will have no problems lying still while you breeze through our super simple steps. Go to this section to learn how to draw a cartoon stuffed lion.

  • How to Draw a Cartoon Hobo
    Learning how to draw a cartoon hobo can be fun if you have the proper materials and a good set of simple instructions. This section covers drawing a hobo from start to finish -- the colors you decide to use are up to you! Try this drawing exercise if you want to learn how to draw a hobo.

  • How to Draw a Cartoon Clydesdale Horse
    Magnificent, stylish, and strong -- these are the words most people use to describe the popular Clydesdale horse. Our step-by-step instructions will guide you through drawing a cartoon Clydesdale horse that’s sure steal the show. Continue to this section to learn how to draw a Clydesdale horse.

  • How to Draw a Cartoon Robot
    If you’ve ever wanted to learn how to draw a cartoon robot, it’s never been easier. Once you’ve completed our cartoon robot using our simple steps, you’ll be on your way to designing and drawing your own special robot creations. You may proceed to this section to learn how to draw a cartoon robot.

  • How to Draw a Cartoon Soldier
    From Beetle Bailey to G.I. Joe, American cartoon soldiers have been around for decades, and they are great fun to draw! If you would like to learn how to draw these famous cartoon soldiers, practice drawing a cartoon soldier with our easy instructions first. Before you know it, you’ll be drawing these popular characters on your own. March on to this section to learn how to draw a cartoon soldier.

  • How to Draw a Sad Clown Cartoon
    Drawing a high-quality sad clown cartoon can be accomplished with a little patience, a few easy steps, and a big imagination. In this section, follow the instructions carefully and your sad clown cartoon will be completed in no time. Click this page to learn how to draw a sad clown cartoon.

  • How to Draw an Overweight Jogger Cartoon
    You’ve seen them in comic strips, in movies, and in numerous animated productions, but have you figured out how to draw one yet? Don’t worry -- with the simple instructions in this section, you can learn how to draw an overweight jogger cartoon, and a little scenery to boot! Head over to this section to learn how to draw an overweight jogger cartoon.

  • How to Draw a Cartoon Juggler
    Jugglers are lots of fun to watch, but wouldn't it be great if you could learn how to draw these wacky characters in action in a few simple steps? You can! If you follow the steps in this section, learning how to draw a cartoon juggler is easy to accomplish. Your entertainer will come to life one limb at a time as you learn how to draw a cartoon juggler.
  • How to Draw a Cartoon Roller-Skater
    Drawing a cartoon roller-skater can be challenging, but it can also be rewarding. Once you learn how to draw a cartoon roller-skater, you’ll have the art skills you need to draw a cartoon biker, a cartoon ice-skater, and many other crazy characters on wheels. Select this page to learn how to draw a cartoon roller-skater.

  • How to Draw a Baseball Pitcher's Windup Cartoon
    Want to learn how to draw and pitch at the same time? If you follow our step-by-step instructions carefully, you’ll learn how to draw a familiar scene from America’s favorite pastime. Go to this page to learn how to draw a baseball pitcher’s windup cartoon.

  • How to Draw a Napping Old Man Cartoon
     From his little gray hairs to his rocking chair, this lesson will show you how to draw a napping old man cartoon. Follow the simple instructions and you're well on your way to completing a masterpiece. Don't hesitate -- visit this page to learn how to draw a napping old man cartoon.

If you’re ready to begin your exciting drawing adventures, continue to the next page to learn how to draw a very happy cartoon baby.

Want to expand your artistic abilities? See: