Learning how to draw can be fun! Believe it or not, it’s actually a lot easier than you might expect. One of the secrets of drawing is that any object can be broken down into its smaller parts. The easy, step-by-step instructions on the following pages can turn you into an artist. Soon you’ll know how to draw all kinds of people wearing different kinds of clothing.

To begin drawing people, you’ll need a pencil, pencil sharpener, an eraser, a felt-tip pen, and paper. On each page in this article, the first drawing will be of the person you will be working on. Examine the person and their clothing carefully before proceeding to the first step.

Learn how to draw this little girl in a fairy costume along with lots of other people in this article.
Learn how to draw this little girl in a fairy costume and lots of other people in this article.

The instructions in the following pages will always start with a few basic shapes, such as ovals, rectangles, and triangles. 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 black.

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. Congratulations! You know how to draw people.

After you've finished a drawing, feel free to add color using crayons, colored pencils, or markers. If you’re feeling ambitious, 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 some shapes). This is called shading.

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

Once you fill in all the colors and are pleased with the person you've drawn, you’re finished. Way to go!

In this article you’ll learn how to draw all kinds of people from a little girl in a fairy costume to a rock star. Here is a preview:

  • How to Draw a Teenage Girl in a Vogue Outfit
    The tailored jacket, flirty skirt, and sassy head scarf are typical of classic Vogue patterns. This teenager looks like she's about to walk down the fashion runway -- help her out by learning to draw her Vogue outfit.

  • How to Draw a Man in a Tuxedo
    The elegant look of a tuxedo is right for many occasions, from weddings to parties to being the hero of an action movie. Want to achieve this dapper look? Learn how to draw this man in a tuxedo.

  • How to Draw a Man in a Casual Sweater
    This man achieves a retro-cool look with a diamond-patterned sweater and turtleneck. Learn how to draw this man, and find out why the look is so timeless.

  • How to Draw a Man in a Bomber Jacket
    Wearing a leather bomber jacket has long been a status symbol. Learn to draw this man in a bomber jacket.

  • How to Draw a Rock Star
    Ever wanted to learn how to draw your favorite '80s rocker? Well, here's your chance. Learn to draw this rock star, complete with guitar and headband.

  • How to Draw a Woman in a Cocktail Dress
    Take a trip for a glamorous evening as you draw this woman in a cocktail dress. For an added challenge, you'll draw the woman from the back, with her face in profile.

  • How to Draw a Woman in an Evening Dress
    This elegant woman looks like she's ready to dine and dance in her fabulous strapless evening dress and long gloves. Is she ready to meet Prince Charming? Learn to draw the woman in an evening dress and find out.

  • How to Draw a Bride
    It may be one of the most important days of her life, but this bride is showing no nerves. Help her get ready to walk down the aisle -- learn to draw this bride.

  • How to Draw a Cowboy
    This rugged cowboy looks like he stepped right out of a dude ranch. Grab your lasso and learn how to draw this cowboy.

  • How to Draw a Chef
    For the special of the day, look no further than this chef. From the tall chef's hat to his crisp, white chef's coat, this is a fun drawing project.

  • How to Draw a Hockey Player
    This hockey player is ready to start the game. Join the team and learn how to draw this hockey player.

  • How to Draw a Skier
    For a special, fun challenge, learn to draw this skier. Capture the movement as she glides atop the surface of the snow.

To begin your artistic endeavors, continue to the next page to learn how to draw a little girl with a picnic basket.

Want to expand your artistic abilities? See: