Step-by-Step: How to Draw Stylized Characters

Hi Friends!

Have you ever wanted to know how an illustrator creates stylized characters? Every artist is different. I like to start by working from reference images of a subject in a realistic style. I then use those sketches and drawings to create a more stylized character. One example is the Great Bear, a character in my new picture book Santiago and the Great Bear. It will be published in 2026.

I have a new art tutorial on YouTube, detailing my process for creating stylized characters. I use the Procreate App and my iPad Pro with an Apple Pencil. You can also do this exercise on paper with a 6B pencil and eraser.

If you like the video and want to see more drawings of a particular animal, please make a suggestion. Comment on this post with your ideas!

As always, thank you for reading.