Knowing how to draw expressions is a HUGE part of creating lively, interesting cartoon faces. Without expressions, how can you show the emotion that your characters are feeling? Body language may be important, but the face is essential.
It may feel daunting, but it need not be… if you know where to start. And the place to start is knowing which two facial features are the important ones to focus on!
Think mobility when you draw expressions
Take a quick look in the mirror. I’ll wait! What moves the most when you pull faces at yourself?
Yep, you got it: it’s your
- mouth and
- eyebrows.
Those are the ‘Golden’ Features when it comes to drawing cartoon expressions.
The video will help you to start experimenting with cartoon faces and draw loads of your own cartoon faces. Don’t skimp on the practice, because going through this exercise will result in a ready-made catalogue of expressions that you can use in your cartoons in future.
Draw expressions yourself (to get the max out of this video)
Find a pencil and paper.
Watch the video all the way through once (it’s only 7 minutes 😉 )
Watch it again one section at a time and draw expressions yourself.
Bonus activity:
Take a photo of your work and send it to me. That way I can see what areas are creating the biggest challenges, and before you know it, there’ll be more and better video lessons winging your way ?
(You can get my email address by signing up on the home page).
Ready for more?
Here’s another video lesson about adding dynamism to your facial expressions.