INTRODUCTION TO CLASSICAL CARTOON DRAWING 2

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UNDERSTANDING DOTS, LINES AND SHAPES

As earlier explained pictures are good communication tools.  Cartoon drawings are no exceptions; in fact they various types of lines and shapes connote special meanings. It is therefore very imperative to learn what each type of symbolic drawing represents. Note that for each of the ones to be mentioned below there are various variations, all depending on use and according to the artist’s ingenuity. But before we delve further, let’s talk a bit about their basic building blocks, which are: dots, dashes, lines and shapes.  They all still fall within the elements of Arts; I am sure some students of art would understand.

A DOT

This is simply a small round mark drawn on a surface, just like the period that ends this sentence. Continuous dots on a line form the dotted line. ………………………………..

A DASH

This is a slightly longer mark drawn on a surface. Continuous dashes on a line also form the dashed line.  - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

THEIR USES:

Both dotted and dashed lines can sometimes be used interchangeably, however an artist should try to maintain consistency. They are sometimes used to show some hidden details, things not usually visible to the eye. When a shape is drawn with the dotted line for comic dialogues, then, it should be noted that any conversation within these spaces is a whisper. They signify some not so audible dialogue.

A STRAIGHT LINE

A straight line is a longer mark; it has no break in between.  

USES:

It is used to show bounding boxes for pocket, editorial or strip cartoons, outlines for various shapes and objects.  When used to form a rectangle, and the call-out tool is connected, dialogues are expressed within it. If several lines are drawn in parallel, they usually signify speed or swiftness of motion of an object in a straight or forward manner.

CURVED LINE    / ARC

 

They are simply lines that are bent at a certain angle. If this line is continuously drawn at the same angle they usually result in a circle or an ellipse.

USES:

Just like the straight line, it can be used for various outlines of shapes and objects, although with special creativity some artists have found a way of also using it as a bounding box, more often in conjunction with other rectangles for strip cartoons.  It can also signify speed or swiftness of motion in a curved path. Normal dialogues are also expressed within the spaces the Arc, ovals or the circle forms.

WAVY LINES

They are curved or not straight lines with high and low peaks.

USES:

 For depicting rough or bumpy roads and edges also for expressing a character’s thought when connected with some few bubbles.

ZIGZAG LINES

They are lines that follow the pattern W repeatedly in both leftmost and rightmost directions.

 USES:

It is used for depicting toothed edges, like the saw and expressing angry dialogues. Note that although not compulsory, the call out shape should follow the same Zigzag pattern as this places more emphasis on the angry speaker conversations.

SHAPES

The interconnections of these lines form the various shapes like the circle, triangle, rectangle, ellipse, or any other polygon. And it is these shapes that are combined to form all Objects and the Dialogue boxes, which performs the conversational functions in cartoon drawings. Note that an ellipse is like a circle that was presses on two sides.

Almost everything that has been discussed so far can be drawn with modern day tools; however an aspiring cartoonist needs to first master drawing all these basic lines and shapes in free-hand mode severally before becoming heavily dependent on computers. Remember that the computer is just a tool, so practice more in the old style before migrating. Now grab your pencils, pens and a ruler and experiment with all of these drawings below. A compass too can do some tricks. But just try to be more creative and I am sure that you can even beat me!

Let us begin by warming up with some line drawings. We will start with some hatching and cross hatching techniques on our drawing papers. Don’t just read; make sure you practice these too with your hands. Remember, learning is good but practice is better!

 

                                     Straight line, hatching and cross hatching drawings techniques 

After that, let us also warm up our hands by practicing with some circles and several internally connected ovals and ellipses too.

 

Repeat all these on about 3 - 5 pages

A thin rectangular bounding box has been used to enclose the pocket sized cartoon. The man’s conversation takes place within the rectangular dialogue box, while the lady’s is within the elliptical.

Silent whispers, using the circular bounding box and the dotted lines dialogue symbol for a not so audible conversation. Also note how the various dots placed on the first man’s head is used to indicate little hair outgrowth, as against the second man’s total baldness.

A thick rectangular bounding box is used here. Notice that several straight lines have been drawn at the trunk of the car to indicate speed in forward motion. The angry man’s remarks have been indicated in the zigzag dialogue symbol. Both dash and dots are used to indicate his left hand knuckles.

Frail double rectangular bounding box is used to enclose the Gibbon. Furry or hairy animals are best illustrated with wavy and zigzag lines combinations. I have slightly hand painted the ape with a brush and black ink to bring out more details. The same pattern can be used for hairy people too.

Double rectangular bounding boxes are used to enclose the image of the man swinging his left arm; some curved lines have also been added to indicate the direction of swing.  The half circle Dialogue box has been used to perform the conversational functions. Both hatching and cross hatching have been done on the man’s skin in order to also bring out lights and shades.

A curved edged rectangular bounding box encloses the thinking man. The wavy bubbles dialogue symbol shows us what the man is thinking about.  The wavy lines are used to depict the man’s curly hair and the hotness of the food.  Part of the man’s face has been slightly shaded with pencils.

I thank you for following me this far. The next tutorial will be talking about taking the first step, that is:

WHERE AND HOW DO WE BEGIN?

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