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ByAram Chom*oyan Posted on Updated on
This step-by-step tutorial on how to draw a gangster will show you how to create a character from the scratch.
How to Draw a Gangster: Basic Information
By guiding artists through the creation of a unique character, this tutorial on how to draw a gangster introduces key aspects of character design. From facial features to clothing details, young artists learn how to create a cohesive and dynamic character, enhancing their understanding of how to bring personalities to life on paper.
The gangster’s signature accessories, like a gun, emphasize its persona, allowing young artists to explore how context influences design. These accessories provide additional layers to the character, teaching artists how to incorporate meaningful elements.
The tutorial emphasizes the importance of detail, from the facial expressions to the accessories, encouraging young artists to focus on the nuances that contribute to a complete drawing. This attention to detail helps them refine their skills, making their artwork more polished and professional.
Gangster Drawing Tutorial
Time needed:50 minutes
How to Draw a Gangster
- Shape the head.
Start by drawing an oval shape for the head, which serves as the base for the entire character. This oval represents the outline of the head, giving structure to the subsequent facial features. Ensure the oval is smooth and proportional to your intended character design.
- Draw the eyes
Add two eyes within the oval. Draw small circles or ovals, placing them symmetrically. Include pupils within each eye to give a focused expression. Then draw the eyebrows above the eyes.
- Draw the nose.
Sketch a small, simple curve for the nose, centered between the eyes and mouth area. This minimalistic approach contributes to the character’s facial expression, making it appear realistic yet stylized.
- Illustrate the mouth.
Just below the nose, sketch a slight curve or line for the mouth. Adjust the curve as needed, giving the character a nuanced look, and balancing it between the nose and chin.
- Draw the toothpick and ear.
Draw a straight line from the mouth area, representing the toothpick, extending outward. Then draw the the ear on the side of the head, near the eyes, providing a necessary balance to the facial features.
- Add the hat.
Draw a hat on the head, starting with a wide brim extending outwards. Include a crown on top to complete the classic look. Make sure the brim and crown are proportional to each other.
- Illustrate the collars.
Below the head, draw two symmetrical triangular shapes for the collars of the suit jacket. Ensure the collars are evenly spaced, and adjust their angles to fit seamlessly with the character’s body structure.
- Add the right arm.
Sketch the right arm, extending outward from the shoulder. Make sure the arm has a natural bend, creating a dynamic pose. Adjust the arm’s length and angle to balance with the left side.
- Detail the lower part of the jacket.
Extend two lines downward from the collar area to form the lower part of the jacket. Create a slight flare at the bottom, representing the jacket’s open nature, and bring these lines to a meeting point.
- Draw the left arm.
Draw the left arm extending from the shoulder. Make sure it’s proportional to the right arm, adding symmetry to the character’s stance. Adjust the arm’s length and angle, ensuring it balances the character’s overall appearance.
- Add the gun.
Draw a gun in the right hand. Create an elongated rectangular barrel with a handle, making sure it’s held naturally. Adjust the gun’s angle to fit seamlessly with the arm.
- Draw the legs.
Below the jacket, draw two straight lines down for the legs. Ensure they’re evenly spaced and proportional to the character’s body.
- Add the feet.
Draw two triangular shapes for the shoes at the bottom of each leg. Make sure they’re proportional to the legs, adding stability to the character’s stance. This completes the formal look.
- Erase the guidelines.
Refine the entire drawing, smoothing lines and adjusting proportions. Erase any guidelines or sketch marks, leaving a clean final outline. This step is preparing the drawing for the final touches.
- Color your drawing.
Add color to the character, choosing shades that complement its serious style: a dark suit, matching shoes, and hat, with minimal color accents for details. This completes the character, bringing it to life.
Conclusion
Congratulations on completing the drawing lesson! This tutorial guided you step-by-step on how to draw a gangster character, tailored for kids. You learned how to construct and refine the character’s head, features, clothing, and accessories, achieving a complete and dynamic look. Remember, this is just one of many drawing lessons available. For more creative exercises, don’t forget to explore my other tutorials, offering a variety of engaging topics to draw. Share this lesson with your friends and family, encouraging them to explore their artistic skills too.
Aram Chom*oyan
A professional artist and drawing teacher with many years of experience, creator and author of howtodrawforkids.com. Holds a higher education in art, spent many years teaching drawing at an art college, and worked on creating comics and animated short films. Aram uses innovative teaching methods to inspire young students to be creative and express themselves through art.
