How to Draw a Fairy Tale Character

To help you learn how to create stylized people and creatures, we created this tutorial on how to draw a fairy tale character.

Here, we have combined some of our favorite drawing techniques to demonstrate how basic drawing principles can be used to construct interesting-looking fantasy figures.

We will show you how to invent different fantasy characters and how to create one that looks as unique and charismatic as possible.

For this step-by-step tutorial, we will use a character of our own design. You, however, can change the features, details, and elements, create your own background story, and incorporate the character into a world of your own making.

How to draw a fairy tale character step by step

Step 1: Sketch the fairy tale character framework

As always, you should first construct the framework around which the character will be built. Think about the body type, proportions, and pose you want to create. Using very light lines, indicate the main parts of the body and position the character on the paper, establishing the overall composition.

Step 2: Draw the fairy tale character features

Now begin sketching the main elements that convey the essence of the character, starting from the upper part and gradually moving downward. These can include facial features, clothing, accessories, or other distinctive details. Fantasy characters often possess highly recognizable elements that you can either borrow from the real world or invent yourself.

Step 3: Sketch the main costume contours

Now indicate the general contours of the body, using the framework sketched earlier as a guide. The character’s costume and clothing should also reflect the personality of the figure you are drawing and work together with the head as a unified design. When drawing a fantasy character, keep the overall concept you want to convey in mind and try not to stray from it.

Step 4: Draw the fairy tale character costume

Now begin adding the main elements by dividing the general body outline into smaller forms and sections. Indicate the contours and details of the clothing, such as belts, cuffs, straps, and similar features. At this stage, you can also sketch the accessories using simple large shapes. These accessories should match the overall design of the fairy tale character you are creating.

Step 5: Add details and finishing elements

Finalize the line work by cleaning the drawing of the construction lines from the framework sketched earlier. Trace the necessary and important elements, add smaller details, and include additional accessories if needed. As you draw and add any new parts, always try to analyze the drawing, look for mistakes, and correct them.

Step 6: Add shadows to the fairy tale character

Light plays a huge role in fantasy drawings, creating the mood and atmosphere of the composition. Create interesting lighting in your artwork, find a light source, such as the candle in our illustration, and begin drawing the shadows in accordance with it.

Stylizing a fairy tale character

Stylization is perhaps one of the most important aspects of drawing fantasy characters. There are many techniques that can make your artwork look even more authentic and interesting.

One such technique is giving the entire drawing an aged and weathered appearance. For example, you can tint the entire sheet with a light brown tone to imitate old paper.

To achieve this effect, you can use coffee diluted with water or heavily diluted brown paint. By applying it to the drawing and spreading it evenly across the paper, you can create the impression that the artwork was made on an old, aged sheet of paper.

You can also color your character using unusual and interesting colors or create a fitting background. For example, you can draw a room filled with many small details and objects that reflect the personality of the character you created.

In the same way, you can draw a goblin entirely from imagination. This approach also works for drawing any other mythical creature that has been described in books, games, films, or other works of art.

You can even invent a completely original creature of your own, giving it whatever characteristics and features you want.