How To Draw Cool Things A Step-By-Step Guide For Beginners And Enthusiasts

Drawing cool things is a popular pursuit for many aspiring artists and hobbyists, ranging from simple emoji expressions to complex urban landscapes and natural scenery. The available tutorials emphasize that creating impressive artwork does not require innate talent but rather a structured approach, practice, and the right tools. Whether sketching a smiling emoji with sunglasses or rendering a detailed cityscape, the core advice remains consistent: start with basic shapes, build complexity gradually, and utilize available resources such as online guides and reference images.

Understanding the Basics: Tools and Preparation

Before beginning any drawing, it is essential to gather the necessary materials. According to the sources, the primary requirements are straightforward: paper, pencils, an eraser, and a straightedge. Optional tools include colored pencils, pens, and markers for adding color and definition.

For those seeking to draw perfect shapes, particularly circles, a compass is highly recommended. One tutorial specifically notes that while freehand drawing is possible, using a compass ensures a flawless circle, which is the foundational step for drawing faces and other rounded objects. Additionally, the sources advise covering drawings with a blank sheet of paper to prevent smudging and taking regular breaks to avoid hand cramping.

Step-by-Step Tutorials for Cool Drawings

Drawing a Smiling Emoji with Sunglasses

One of the most recognizable and "cool" images is the smiling emoji wearing sunglasses. This drawing is broken down into nine easy steps, making it accessible for beginners.

  • Step 1: Begin by drawing a perfect circle in the center of the paper. Using a compass is suggested for accuracy.
  • Step 2: While the specific details of the subsequent steps are not fully detailed in the provided text, the tutorial implies adding facial features. The eyes are likely drawn as two small circles or ovals, and the mouth as a curved line.
  • Step 3: The defining feature is the sunglasses. These can be drawn as two connected ovals or rectangles resting on the upper part of the face.
  • Customization: The tutorial encourages artists to add their own style. This includes changing the expression by altering the curve of the mouth or the angle of the eyebrows. The sunglasses can be modified to be larger, more colorful, or understated. Additional accessories, such as a necklace or jewelry, can be added to personalize the artwork further.

Drawing Man-Made Objects

For those interested in architecture and urban scenes, the tutorials suggest starting with basic 3D shapes.

  • Cool Buildings: Most buildings are composed of cubes or boxes. Start by drawing a cube or box in the center of the paper. Add details such as windows, doors, a roof, and decorations. To create a cityscape, draw additional buildings in front and behind the initial structure to practice perspective. Using real-life references, such as one's own home or photos of famous buildings, is encouraged. Famous landmarks like the Eiffel Tower or the Pyramids of Giza are also excellent subjects, though they require careful observation and light sketching with a pencil first.
  • Tanks: To draw a tank, start with a long rectangular box for the base and divide it into thirds. Stack a slightly smaller box on top for the main body and an even smaller one for the turret. A long cylinder extending from the top box represents the gun. Parallel horizontal lines on the bottom box create the treads. Camouflage patterns using colored pencils can add a cool effect.
  • Sports Cars: Drawing a sports car is easier when viewed from the side to avoid perspective complications. Lightly sketch the main body shape and tires. Once satisfied, darken the lines and add details like headlights, door handles, rims, and mirrors. Shading is used to create a 3D effect, and the windows should be shaded a dark black to avoid drawing the interior.

Drawing Nature and Landscapes

Nature offers a variety of cool subjects, from forests to flowers.

  • Forest or Mountain Landscapes: When drawing landscapes, start with the objects furthest away on the skyline and work forward. This creates depth. Use more detail for closer objects; for example, a distant mountain may be a simple outline, while a nearby tree should show leaves and bark. The sources suggest practicing landscapes during different seasons and using personal photos as references if living in a scenic area.
  • Roses: The unique shape of rose petals is relatively simple to draw. Start with an egg shape for the bud. Draw a line with small waves and creases on top for the first petal. Add larger petals on top, creasing them differently to create realism. Layer two or three more petals around the bud. An optional stem with thorns can be added. Coloring can be done with pencils, varying pressure to achieve different shades and making the drawing "pop."

Tips for Improvement and Skill Development

The sources provide several key tips for those looking to improve their drawing skills:

  • Practice Regularly: The most consistent advice is that practice is essential. Drawing often is the only way to get better.
  • Start Simple: Begin with objects made of simple shapes and refine them over time. As skill develops, move on to more complex subjects.
  • Use Tutorials: Online tutorials and YouTube videos are valuable resources for learning specific techniques and subjects.
  • Learn 3D Shapes: Practicing drawing cubes, cylinders, and spheres helps develop the fundamental skills needed for more complex drawings.
  • Experiment with Coloring: When adding color, try different materials and techniques. Varying pencil pressure can create cool effects and make artwork stand out.

Conclusion

Drawing cool things is an achievable goal for anyone willing to learn and practice. By starting with basic shapes, using the right tools, and following step-by-step guides, artists can create everything from simple emojis to intricate landscapes. The key takeaways from the available tutorials are to build upon foundational skills, use references, and, most importantly, enjoy the creative process. With consistent effort, anyone can develop the artistic skills needed to bring their cool ideas to paper.

Sources

  1. How to Draw Cool Things - Step-by-Step Guide
  2. How to Draw Cool Stuff - Official Page
  3. WikiHow: How to Draw Cool Things