How to Draw a Pikachu: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

Even if you've never picked up a pencil, you can draw a cartoon version of everyone's favorite electric mouse. It's one of the most famous characters from the hit franchise and also one of the easiest to replicate. Thanks to its simple features and endearing design, drawing this little yellow creature is not as difficult as some of its monstrous counterparts. If you have an eye for detail and an affinity for animals, learning to draw Pikachu should be a breeze.
Step 1: Learn to Draw the Basic Shapes
In the world of art and design, basic shapes are essential for constructing any visual project. Pikachu is no exception. In fact, you can use these shapes to draw the outline of your Pikachu and eventually sketch its body. To correctly draw this creature, you first need to understand how basic shapes work together to form a 3D object.
- Squares: Squares are the building blocks of Pikachu's head. Using a ruler, draw two lines that intersect at the center of the page. This will be the basic shape of Pikachu's head.
- Circles: Next, draw two circles that are located above the square. They will serve as guides for Pikachu's body.
- Triangles: Finally, draw three triangles that form Pikachu's ears. They are very small and are located just below the center of the square.
Step 2: Draw the Outline of Your Pikachu
Once you have chosen Pikachu's pose, it's time to draw its body and face. Start by drawing two lines that intersect to form Pikachu's body. Then add a smaller line at the center of the body to indicate Pikachu's belly location. Next, draw two curved lines starting from the top of Pikachu's head and going down to its face. They will form the outline of Pikachu's cheeks. Next, draw two short lines below the cheeks to create the mouth and nose. Finally, draw two lines that meet at the center of the face to indicate Pikachu's eyes.
Step 3: Darken the Lines of Your Drawing
The next step in this guide to drawing Pikachu is to darken the lines of your drawing. This will make the sketch more defined and detailed. To darken the lines of your drawing, simply use a pencil or pen. If you are using a pencil, try using a softer pencil with a lighter graphite content. This will allow you to shade without erasing the lines of your sketch. If you're using a pen, you can use black or blue ink. These two inks will shade the sketch while remaining visible on the paper.
Step 4: Add Color to Your Pikachu
It's time to add color to your Pikachu! This is where you can really make your drawing stand out. You can use any color combination you like, but there are some tips you can keep in mind to avoid mistakes. First, make sure to use smooth and even strokes to apply the color. This will help avoid smudges or messy streaks. Secondly, keep the color close to the original sketch. You can always add color later, but you can't remove it once it's there.
Final Step: Shading!
Once you have finished coloring your sketch, it's time to shade it. This step is optional, but highly recommended if you want your drawing to look more realistic. You can use a pencil or pen to shade your drawing, but keep in mind that pencil shading will dull your Pikachu's existing color. If you're using a pencil, try using a softer pencil with a darker graphite content. This will create shadows on the paper without altering the existing lines. If you're using a pen, you can use black or blue ink. These two types of ink will create shadows on the sketch while remaining visible on paper.
The Easiest Method?
If you're still having trouble, try drawing Pikachu from a different perspective. Change its pose and try drawing it from a top-down perspective. This may make the drawing easier to complete since you are drawing it from a different point of view. Another tip is to simplify Pikachu by drawing just a few key features rather than the whole body. Pikachu's eyes, cheeks, and mouth are the most important features, so try focusing on those.
Pikachu is one of the most iconic anime characters of all time, and one of the simplest to draw. This adorable electric mouse is one of the best starter characters for budding artists to practice with. Once you've drawn Pikachu, you'll have the confidence to tackle any other drawing with ease. Drawing is not easy, but it's also not as hard as you might think. With practice, patience, and these easy-to-follow steps, you'll be able to draw anything you can imagine.