Top 6 YouTube Channels For Learning Comic Drawing

The Challenge of Learning to Draw and Where to Find Help

Acknowledging a personal limitation, it's accurate to state that artistic drawing isn't a strength. Attempts at even basic cartooning would likely prove unsuccessful. My artistic ability is limited to rudimentary stick figures, and even those are challenging to create.

However, this lack of natural talent, or perhaps as a direct result of it, sparked an interest in video-based drawing instruction. YouTube offers a vast collection of such tutorials, covering subjects ranging from simple expressions to intricate designs.

Navigating the Landscape of YouTube Drawing Tutorials

The sheer volume of available tutorials can be overwhelming, and the quality varies considerably. Many resources are difficult to understand or simply ineffective. Identifying worthwhile channels for skill development can be a daunting task.

This is where guidance becomes valuable. The following list presents some of the best YouTube channels for learning to draw, categorized by skill level – from beginner to advanced.

Recommended YouTube Channels for Drawing Instruction

Whether you are completely new to drawing or possess some existing experience, you are likely to discover a channel that suits your needs and learning style. The channels below offer a progressive learning path.

• Beginner-friendly options provide foundational skills.
• Intermediate channels build upon those basics.
• Advanced resources cater to those seeking refinement and mastery.

This curated selection aims to streamline the learning process and help aspiring artists find the resources they need to improve their drawing abilities.

DoodleKat1

For those just starting their artistic journey, similar to my own experience, this resource is ideally suited. The videos are concise and straightforward, demonstrating how to create basic cartoons quickly.

The simplicity of these tutorials is remarkable; even someone with limited drawing skills can achieve positive results. While the videos may occasionally exhibit slight focus issues and are often created by young artists, they remain effective instructional tools.

Tutorial Style

DoodleKat’s tutorials utilize a black marker on paper, and within a timeframe of 2-3 minutes, viewers can learn to illustrate charming subjects like owls, horses, cakes, or tacos. Success is virtually assured.

The method presented is highly accessible, making it easy to follow along and replicate the drawings. This is a great starting point for building confidence in your artistic abilities.

These tutorials offer a fun and engaging way to learn the fundamentals of cartooning. The quick pace and simple techniques make them perfect for beginners.

The videos provide a practical, hands-on approach to learning how to draw. They focus on building skills through repetition and simple exercises.

DoodleKat1 provides a valuable resource for anyone looking to explore their creative side. The tutorials are easy to understand and enjoyable to watch.

DoodleAcademy

The tutorials offered by DoodleAcademy, though primarily designed for children, represent an excellent resource for individuals new to the art of drawing.

Employing a straightforward technique of black marker on paper, these concise videos provide instruction on creating elementary doodles.

Simple Doodles for Beginners

The lessons cover a range of easily reproducible subjects, including a ladybug, a raccoon, and a shark.

These are exceptionally basic drawings, ensuring accessibility for even those with no prior artistic experience.

Individuals who have never attempted drawing before will find these tutorials easy to follow, resulting in drawings that inspire confidence.

The simplicity of the approach allows anyone to quickly produce satisfying and visually appealing artwork.

You’ll be able to create cool drawings you’ll be proud of, even with limited skill.

DoodleAcademy provides a gentle introduction to the fundamentals of drawing.

The embedded video demonstrates the techniques discussed, offering a visual guide to the doodle creation process.

These resources are ideal for fostering creativity and building foundational drawing skills.

Mark Crilley

For individuals beginning their artistic journey with a desire to improve quickly, the video tutorials offered by Mark Crilley are an excellent resource.

His exceptionally thorough videos provide instruction on drawing a diverse range of subjects, including Manga characters and fantastical creatures like dragons.

Detailed Instruction

Specific techniques, such as rendering hair and feet, are also covered in detail.

The majority of these tutorials demonstrate drawing with traditional media – pencil on paper – and are designed to be easily understood.

Despite the incorporation of stop motion techniques, the lessons remain accessible.

Each stroke is meticulously explained, allowing viewers to readily pause and review the process at their own pace.

Even those with limited prior experience will find these videos engaging and beneficial.

The comprehensive nature of Crilley’s approach makes learning enjoyable and effective.

The embedded video showcases Mark Crilley’s teaching style and the types of content available.

It provides a visual example of the detailed instruction offered in his tutorials.

CartoonBlock

For individuals possessing basic pencil skills and a desire to illustrate beloved cartoon figures, Evan Burse’s CartoonBlock provides accessible instruction.

The videos offered are concise in length, meaning the tutorials aren't extensively detailed.

However, they serve as valuable resources for those seeking direction and creative stimulus.

Tutorial Content

Created using pencil on paper, the tutorials encompass a diverse range of characters.

Examples include depictions of Wolverine, Anakin Skywalker, Bart Simpson, and Sonic the Hedgehog.

Furthermore, the channel features videos showcasing renowned artists creating characters from initial concept.

Value for Artists

These demonstrations are particularly beneficial for artists already familiar with fundamental techniques, offering a source of inspiration.

The content is designed to augment existing skills rather than provide comprehensive, step-by-step guidance.

CartoonBlock is a useful resource for quick visual learning and sparking new ideas in character design.

The embedded video provides a direct example of the style and content available on the CartoonBlock channel.

Viewers can observe the techniques and character selections firsthand.

IDrawGirls

The name IDrawGirls may be slightly misleading, as the channel focuses on character illustration broadly, not exclusively on female figures.

This resource isn't intended for those just starting their artistic journey; the skill level demonstrated is quite advanced.

Tutorial Depth and Software

However, IDrawGirls provides extensive and in-depth tutorials designed to facilitate genuine improvement in drawing ability.

The majority of the artwork featured in the videos is created using Photoshop in conjunction with a Wacom tablet.

Users of these tools will likely find the tutorials particularly accessible and beneficial.

Applicability to Traditional Art

Even artists who prefer traditional media and draw on paper can glean valuable insights and techniques from the content.

The principles demonstrated are often transferable, regardless of the chosen medium.

Sycra

For artists already possessing a foundation in drawing and seeking in-depth instruction, Sycra is an excellent resource. This platform doesn't focus on quick, superficial lessons.

Instead, complex subjects like drawing a dragon are broken down into comprehensive series. Expect a multi-part tutorial, often consisting of five or more videos, each exceeding ten minutes in length.

Detailed Instruction

The videos offered by Sycra provide explanations that extend beyond fundamental drawing techniques. A significant emphasis is placed on a thorough understanding of artistic principles.

The majority of the demonstrations utilize Photoshop in conjunction with a Wacom tablet. This allows for instruction not only in drawing itself, but also in digital art tools and workflows.

Core Concepts Covered

• Proportions are meticulously addressed, ensuring accurate and realistic representations.
• The application of patterns to enhance visual interest and complexity is explored.
• Further artistic concepts are also covered, building a well-rounded skillset.

Sycra’s approach is geared towards serious artists who are committed to refining their abilities and achieving a high level of proficiency.

The platform’s commitment to detailed explanations and comprehensive tutorials sets it apart as a valuable resource for those dedicated to artistic growth.

Concluding Thoughts

It's important to recognize that the resources mentioned represent only a small selection of what's available. When first starting out, prioritizing tutorials with clear explanations and a manageable pace is often more beneficial than those focused solely on rapid execution with background music.

I am eager to learn about your preferred YouTube channels for drawing instruction. What type of tutorial format do you find most effective? And for those who may not consider themselves artists, perhaps this exploration has sparked some motivation to begin a creative journey!

Finding inspiration and accessible learning materials can be the first step towards developing new skills.

Image Credit: drawing man image via Shutterstock