illustration

Cartooning

Draw Cartoon Characters That Live on the Page

12 lessons4 modules10h 5m durationbeginner level

Instructor: StretchLearn Faculty

About this course

This beginner course teaches the durable mechanics behind appealing cartooning rather than a single house style. Through shape-based construction, the line of action, deliberate exaggeration, and the classic principles of squash and stretch, you will build a character you can turn, pose, and emote convincingly. You will finish able to draw a full turnaround and expression sheet, lay out a three-panel strip, and ink it cleanly in Procreate or Clip Studio Paint.

Curriculum

Module 1: Shapes, Construction, and the Line of Action3 lessons

Everything Is Circles, Squares, and TrianglesPreview45m
Constructing in 3D With Centerlines🔒50m
The Line of Action🔒45m

Module 2: Exaggeration, Squash, and Stretch3 lessons

Exaggeration With Intent🔒50m
Squash and Stretch🔒50m
Appeal, Silhouette, and Shape Contrast🔒45m

Module 3: Turnarounds and Expression Sheets3 lessons

The Character Turnaround🔒55m
Expression Sheets and the Mechanics of Emotion🔒55m
Hands, Poses, and Staying On-Model🔒50m

Module 4: Comic Strip Layout and Digital Inking3 lessons

Laying Out a Comic Strip🔒50m
Digital Inking Setup and Line Weight🔒55m
Clean Inking Technique and Finishing🔒55m