Draw A Running Cartoon
Learn to draw a simple running cartoon character step by step, practice motion lines and basic proportions, then color your lively illustration.
Step-by-step guide to draw a running cartoon
Step 1
Gather your paper pencil eraser black marker and colouring materials.
Step 2
Draw a light horizontal ground line near the bottom of the page to show where your character runs.
Step 3
Draw a big oval above the ground line for the head like a balloon.
Step 4
Add a simple guideline inside the head to show which way the face looks and where the eyes will go.
Step 5
Draw a tilted bean-shaped torso leaning forward to show the running motion.
Step 6
Mark the shoulder and hip joints with two small circles to help place the limbs.
Step 7
Sketch the legs in a running pose using long curved lines and simple ovals for the thigh and calf with one leg forward and one back.
Step 8
Sketch the arms in the opposite positions of the legs using curved lines and small ovals for the hands.
Step 9
Add motion lines behind the moving limbs and small speed lines near the ground to make your character look fast.
Step 10
Draw simple clothes hair and a happy or focused facial expression on your character.
Step 11
Trace over your final lines with the black marker or pen to make the drawing bold.
Step 12
Wait until the ink is dry so it won’t smudge.
Step 13
Gently erase the pencil sketch lines so only the inked drawing remains.
Step 14
Color your running cartoon with bright lively colors to show energy.
Step 15
Share your finished running cartoon on DIY.org
Final steps
You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!
Help!?
What can I use if I don't have a black marker or specific colouring materials?
If you don't have a black marker, trace your final lines with a dark ballpoint pen or a fine-tip colored pencil, and substitute crayons, watercolors, or cut colored paper for the 'colouring materials' step.
My drawing looks stiff or the legs don't look like running—what should I fix?
Follow the instructions to reposition limbs using the shoulder and hip joint circles, tilt the bean-shaped torso more forward, lengthen the curved leg lines with one leg forward and one back, and add motion lines to increase the sense of speed.
How can I change the activity for different ages or skill levels?
For younger children simplify to a big oval head, a light ground line, and stick limbs to color, while older kids should use the shoulder/hip circles, ovals for thighs/calves, add facial expression and clothing details, and refine with the black marker and shading.
How can I make my running cartoon more interesting or personal?
Extend the activity by drawing several pages of slightly different running poses to make a flipbook, design a personalized background and costume before you 'trace over your final lines', and then color with bright lively colors and share on DIY.org.
Watch videos on how to draw a running cartoon
Learn how to draw a running pose Cartoon style | Drawing tutorials | RinkuArt
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Learn how to draw a running pose Cartoon style | Drawing tutorials | RinkuArt
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Facts about cartoon drawing for kids
✏️ Gesture drawing warm-ups are often only 30–60 seconds per pose so artists capture the energy and flow of movement.
🎨 Cartoon characters frequently use exaggerated proportions (big heads, short limbs) to be more expressive and memorable.
🏃 Speed lines (also called motion lines) are a comic and manga trick used to show movement and make actions look faster.
🎬 The "12 basic principles of animation" (like squash and stretch) were codified by Disney animators and help make motion feel alive.
🎥 Traditional film animation is usually 24 frames per second, but animators draw key poses so viewers imagine smooth motion between them.
How do I teach my child to draw a simple running cartoon step by step?
What materials do I need to draw a running cartoon with my child?
What ages are suitable for learning to draw a running cartoon?
What are the benefits of teaching kids to draw running cartoons?
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