Draw a fantasy character

What can I use instead of a black pen or marker if I don't have one, or if I lack certain coloring materials?

If you don't have a black pen or marker for the step 'Carefully ink your final outline,' substitute a fine-tip ballpoint or gel pen, a thin permanent marker, or dark colored pencil for inking and use crayons, colored pencils, watercolors, or torn paper/fabric scraps to complete 'Color your character.'

My ink smudged or the pencil lines won't erase—what should I do during the inking and erasing steps?

To prevent smudging and stubborn pencil marks, follow 'Carefully ink your final outline' by letting the ink dry completely, test dryness on scrap paper, then gently remove pencil with a kneaded or soft eraser and in future use lighter lines when you 'Lightly sketch simple shapes.'

How can I adapt this drawing activity for different age groups?

For younger kids simplify step 2 by tracing shapes or using stickers and let them color with crayons and write a one-sentence backstory instead of three to four sentences, while older kids can add complex textures in 'Add small details,' practice fine liners when they 'Carefully ink,' and expand the backstory into a longer character profile.

How can we extend or personalize the finished character beyond the basic instructions?

Personalize the project by giving the standout feature from 'Add one standout feature' a movable paper hinge, gluing real fabric or foil onto the 'Draw clothing' step, creating a short comic that uses the 'Write a short backstory' as plot, or scanning and animating the colored character before you 'Share your finished creation on DIY.org.'