Why Cartoon Drawing Is a Great Place to Start
Cartoon drawing is a great place for kids to start. It's simple, forgiving and expressive. Learn why cartoons build real drawing skills.
Cartoon drawing is a great place for kids to start because cartoons are simple, forgiving and expressive. Kids can get great-looking results quickly, which builds confidence, and cartooning teaches shapes, exaggeration and expression that apply to all drawing.
Realistic drawing can be frustrating for beginners. Cartoons offer a friendlier starting point.
Why cartoons work for kids
- Simple shapes. Easy to learn.
- Forgiving. Wobbly lines still look good.
- Expressive. Big eyes and mouths show emotion.
- Fun. Funny characters keep kids drawing.
- Fast results. Confidence builds quickly.
Skills cartoons teach
- Simplifying objects
- Exaggeration
- Facial expressions
- Character design
- Storytelling
Faces full of expression
How to Draw: Silly Faces is all about expressions: eyes, mouths and hair in endless combinations. Kids learn how small changes create different emotions, a key cartooning skill.
From cartoons to realism
Cartooning does not stop kids learning realism later. Many realistic artists started with cartoons. The skills transfer. See too old for cartoons?.
Questions parents ask
Is cartoon drawing good for kids?
Yes. Cartoons are simple, forgiving and expressive, building confidence and real drawing skills.
What skills does cartoon drawing teach?
Simplification, exaggeration, expression, character design and storytelling.
Should kids learn realistic drawing or cartoons first?
Cartoons are usually an easier, more encouraging starting point, and skills transfer to realism later.
More in ways to learn to draw, or browse all 217 posts on the blog.
Keep reading
- Drawing From Real Life: An Observation StarterDrawing from real life teaches kids to really look. Try these observation drawing starters with pets, toys and household objects.
- How Many Minutes a Day Should Kids Draw?How many minutes a day should kids draw? A guide by age, with tips for building a sustainable habit that grows skills without burnout.
- Why Every Kid Should Keep a SketchbookEvery kid should keep a sketchbook. It builds a drawing habit, shows progress and becomes a creative diary. Here's how to start one.
- Drawing and Executive Function: Planning on PaperExecutive function means planning, focus and self-control. See how drawing a detailed character trains kids to plan ahead and finish what they start.
