Introduction
Want to learn how to draw the Joker? This step-by-step guide will teach you everything you need to know in order to successfully draw the Clown Prince of Crime, from his green hair to his disturbing smile. Follow along with our tips and tricks, and soon enough you’ll be drawing the Joker like a pro!
Method – 1
Draw a simple line sketch
In the comics, he wears a purple suit with green hair and white skin. To draw him, start by drawing a large oval shape for his head.
Then add his neck going down to where his hands will be in the final sketch. Add two shapes to represent the front of his torso and one at the back, giving you four shapes that make up his body. Add two long lines coming from each side of his head to mark out where he will have arms later on.
Sketch out these arms using basic shapes for now then come back to them when you’ve finished drawing everything else. Draw two legs next to the front of his waistline, this gives a sense of depth and balance. Now move onto the face; it’s important not to rush this part!
Add the head and body
Use simple shapes to begin drawing the head and body. Start with a circle for the head, then make a smaller oval shape below it for the neck and shoulders.
Draw lines across the face that start at the top of each eye and end in a point between them.
Add some vertical lines on either side of the eyes to create eyebrows. Draw another line just below these to create a mouth, or use your finger or pencil to make an oval shape there instead. Add a series of curves running up from the mouth area to form a smiley mouth.
Add body
Sketch out the arms by drawing two small rectangles, one larger than the other. Then draw two thin rectangles with curved ends for hands (you can erase all extra lines after you’re done).
Start sketching out the body by adding a small rectangle at the bottom of both arms to serve as feet. Sketch out hips by making a squiggly line just under where you drew one arm before you started sketching out feet.
You can add thighs by drawing straight lines down from the hip area; keep them wider near the knee and narrower near the ankle. Sketch out legs by starting with a straight line from one foot to form one leg, then follow up with another to form the other leg. Your figure should now be complete!
Add shading
To finish off , I’ll show how to add shading using pencils. Begin by darkening areas on either side of your figure’s nose so it doesn’t seem so flat against their skin. Then shade over their forehead, chin, lips, collarbone and elbows. Add a few circles to the iris of the eyes to make them look more realistic.
Make circles around parts of their hair too. Now they should look like they came right out of comics!
Final Note
Take your time and do the steps in order. If you make a mistake, just erase it and try again! You’ll get better with practice. Remember not to rush when drawing. The more care you take at this stage, the easier it will be for you.
Also Read: Easy Batman Drawings Picture and Guides
Method – 2
Building the Base: Sketching the Joker’s Form
1. Laying the Groundwork:
Start by grabbing your favorite drawing tools – a pencil, eraser, and some drawing paper are all you need. It’s helpful to have a reference image of the Joker you want to draw, be it the classic Cesar Romero portrayal or the more recent interpretations by Joaquin Phoenix or Heath Ledger.
2. Simple Shapes, Big Impact:
Begin by sketching a large oval for the Joker’s head. This will form the foundation for his distinctive facial features. Next, add a short neck that connects to the torso. Use basic shapes like rectangles and ovals to represent his upper and lower body. Don’t worry about perfect proportions yet – focus on capturing the overall posture and stance. Extend two lines from the head to represent his arms, and add basic shapes for the hands. Finally, draw two legs branching out from the lower body to create a sense of balance.
Capturing the Joker’s Mania: Drawing the Face
1. Facial Framework:
Now comes the fun part – the Joker’s expressive face! Here, accuracy is key. Draw a light circle within the head oval to define the placement of his eyes. Divide the face vertically with a faint line to ensure his features are symmetrical (though the Joker’s signature quirkiness often involves a bit of asymmetry).
2. Eyes Tell a Story:
Draw two large circles for the eyes, keeping them slightly above the center of the head. Remember, the Joker’s eyes are often wide and expressive, reflecting his chaotic personality. Add smaller circles within the larger ones for the irises, and leave a white highlight in each to suggest a glint or mischief.
3. The Infamous Grin:
Now for the most recognizable feature – the Joker’s unsettling grin. Sketch a wide, curved line across the lower half of the face, extending upwards at the corners to create a sinister smile. The Joker’s smile can vary depending on the artist’s interpretation, so feel free to experiment with the curve and width to achieve the desired level of mania.
4. Don’t Forget the Details:
Add short, angled lines above the eyes for the eyebrows, conveying a sense of surprise or amusement. Sketch a small triangle for the nose, positioned just above the smile.
Bringing the Joker to Life: Adding Details and Refinement
1. Hair Flair:
The Joker’s vibrant green hair is another defining characteristic. Draw spiky, messy hair around the head, leaving some strands hanging over his forehead to frame his face. Let your imagination run wild – the Joker’s hair can be as wild and unpredictable as his personality.
2. Clothing Choices:
The Joker’s iconic purple suit is another way to add personality to your drawing. Sketch a simple collared shirt with a pointed collar and a long, double-breasted jacket. Add loose-fitting pants and pointed shoes to complete the look.
3. Refining Your Work:
Once you’re happy with the basic sketch, go over your lines with a darker pencil to define the drawing. Use an eraser to remove any unnecessary construction lines.
Shading and Depth: Making the Joker Pop
1. Light and Shadow:
Shading plays a crucial role in bringing your drawing to life. Use a light touch with your pencil to add shadows around the eyes, nose, and jawline, creating a sense of depth and dimension.
2. Highlighting the Mania:
For the Joker’s signature crazed look, add darker shading around the corners of his mouth and eyes, emphasizing the wide smile and manic expression.
3. Finishing Touches:
Finally, add details like buttons on his jacket, wrinkles in his clothing, and definition to his fingers.
Remember: Practice makes perfect! Don’t be discouraged if your first attempt isn’t exactly like the comics. Keep practicing, experiment with different techniques, and most importantly, have fun unleashing your inner artist!