Master the Art of Cartooning in 2023!

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Getting Started with Adobe Illustrator
3. Setting Up the Artboard
4. Equipment Recommendations for Digital Art Tablets
5. Using the Brush Tool
6. Importing and Adjusting Images
7. Creating the Line Work
8. Adding Color to the Cartoon Head
9. Applying Shadows and Highlights
10. Final Touches and Flair

Introduction

Welcome to another art tutorial on our YouTube Channel! In this video, we will be guiding beginners on how to Create a cartoon head using Adobe Illustrator. Whether You're new to this channel or a loyal subscriber, we appreciate your support. Let's dive right into the process and cover everything from equipment recommendations to adding color and shadows. So, without further ado, let's get started!

Getting Started with Adobe Illustrator

To begin, make sure you have Adobe Illustrator installed on your computer. Once you launch the program, click on "New File" to create a new project.

Setting Up the Artboard

To ensure the best quality and fit for Instagram, we recommend changing the settings to inches and setting the artboard Dimensions to 18 by 18 inches. Additionally, ensure the quality is set to 300 resolution and the color mode is set to CMYK.

Equipment Recommendations for Digital Art Tablets

To access certain options in Adobe Illustrator, such as creating new brushes, you will need a digital art tablet. We recommend using a Wacom tablet, but we will provide recommendations for different price points in the description below.

Using the Brush Tool

Once you have a digital art tablet set up, you can utilize the brush tool for creating your cartoon. Adjust the pressure sensitivity according to your preference to achieve different line thicknesses.

Importing and Adjusting Images

To start your cartoon, select an image you want to use as a reference and drag it into Adobe Illustrator. Be sure to hold the shift key while resizing the image to maintain its proportions. Adjust the opacity to make it visible but not overpowering. Lock this layer to avoid mistakes while drawing.

Creating the Line Work

Using the brush tool, begin drawing the Outline of the cartoon head. Start with the nose and move on to the lips, eyes, ears, and other facial features. Remember to close off the lines to ensure accurate coloring later on.

Adding Color to the Cartoon Head

To add color to your cartoon, create a new layer above the line work layer. Use the rectangle tool to drag the desired color over the entire picture. Rearrange the layer order and merge them to integrate the color with the line work. Isolate the group to make individual color changes.

Applying Shadows and Highlights

To give your cartoon depth, create additional layers for shadows and highlights. Use a darker tone for shadows and a lighter tone for highlights. Refer to the provided shadow Chart for guidance on Where To Apply these tones. Place the layers accordingly to achieve a realistic shading effect.

Final Touches and Flair

To add final touches, create a new layer above all the others. Use a dark tone to create shadows inside the eyes and add a small glare using white color for a bright effect. Remember to take your time and practice to improve your skills in creating cartoons.

And there you have it! A step-by-step guide on how to make a cartoon head for beginners. We hope this tutorial was helpful to you. Stay tuned for more exciting videos, and don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe to our channel. Thank you for watching!

Pros

• Easy-to-follow instructions for beginners
• Detailed explanations of tools and techniques
• Provides recommendations for equipment
• Includes a shadow chart for reference
• Offers tips for adding final touches

Cons

• May require purchasing a digital art tablet for certain features
• Limited information on advanced techniques