Super Mario is one of the most iconic and beloved video game characters in the world. Created by Shigeru Miyamoto and first introduced by Nintendo in 1985, Mario has become a household name, adored by fans of all ages. Drawing Mario can be a fun and creative endeavor, whether you're an experienced artist or just starting to explore your artistic skills. In this step-by-step guide, we'll break down the process of drawing Mario into manageable steps, so you can bring this timeless character to life on paper.
Materials You'll Need
Before we dive into drawing Mario, let's make sure you have the right tools. Here's what you'll need
- Drawing paper: A blank sheet of paper, preferably of a size that you're comfortable with.
- Pencils: A range of pencils with different hardness ratings (2H, HB, 2B, 4B, and 6B) for sketching and shading.
- Eraser: A good quality eraser for correcting mistakes.
- Sharpener: A pencil sharpener to keep your pencils sharp.
- Black pen or fine-tipped marker: For inking and outlining your final drawing.
- Coloring materials (optional): Colored pencils, markers, or crayons to add some color to your artwork.
Now that you have your materials ready, let's get started!
Basic Shapes
To begin drawing Mario, it's essential to start with basic shapes that will serve as the foundation for his body. Mario is a round and stubby character, so let's break him down into simple shapes:
- Start with a circle for Mario's head.
- Draw an oval shape below the head for his body.
- Add two more circles for his hands on either side of his body.
- Draw two ovals for his legs, which should be slightly bent at the knees.
- Connect the head to the body with a curved line to create Mario's neck.
Facial Features
Now, let's focus on Mario's facial features, which are some of the most iconic parts of his character.
- Inside the head circle, draw a smaller circle in the upper part for Mario's hat.
- Draw Mario's eyes as two large circles inside the head circle. Place them slightly below the hat's brim.
- Add his mustache by drawing two curved lines beneath the eyes, starting from the center and curving outward.
- Draw a small, round nose in the center of the face, just below the eyes.
- Give Mario a big, friendly smile by drawing a curved line beneath the mustache.
Mario's Hat
Mario's hat is a crucial part of his look, and it's easy to draw.
- Add the "M" emblem on Mario's hat by drawing a large "M" shape on the front of the hat.
- Draw the brim of the hat, which is like a semi-circle, extending over Mario's eyes.
- Add some details by drawing a few lines to create folds and creases in the hat.
The Overalls
Mario is known for his blue overalls. Let's start by sketching the overall straps and buttons.
- Extend the oval shape of Mario's body to create the overall straps. They should form a sort of "X" shape on his chest.
- Draw two small buttons at the intersection of the straps, one on each side.
- Extend the straps down to connect with the oval body shape.
Hands and Gloves
Now, let's add detail to Mario's hands, complete with his white gloves.
- Draw three fingers on each hand as simple, curved lines.
- Add gloves to each hand by enclosing the fingers with curved lines.
Legs and Shoes
To complete Mario's body, let's draw his legs and his iconic red shoes.
- Add the details to his overalls by drawing two large buttons on the sides of his legs.
- Draw his shoes by creating two rectangular shapes at the bottom of the legs.
- Add white accents to the shoes by drawing oval shapes at the front.
Finalize the Outline
Now that you've completed the basic sketch of Mario, it's time to go over your drawing with a pen or fine-tipped marker to create a clean and bold outline. Be careful not to ink any unwanted lines and let the ink dry before erasing any pencil lines.
Add Shadows and Details
To make Mario really pop, add some shading and details.
- Create shading by adding hatching lines to the areas you want to appear darker, such as beneath his hat, below the nose, and under the arms.
- Add details like the "M" emblem on the hat, the creases in his overalls, and the stitches on his gloves and shoes.
Coloring (Optional)
If you want to take your drawing to the next level, you can add color to Mario using colored pencils, markers, or crayons. Mario's color scheme is simple: red hat, blue overalls, and brown shoes. Don't forget to color his gloves white, his "M" emblem red, and his buttons yellow.
Conclusion
Drawing Mario, the iconic video game character, can be a rewarding and fun experience. By breaking down the process into step-by-step instructions, you can bring this beloved character to life on paper. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced artist, take your time, be patient, and enjoy the creative process. As you practice and refine your skills, you'll find that drawing Mario becomes easier, and you may even want to explore drawing other characters from the Super Mario universe. So, grab your materials, follow these steps, and let your artistic journey begin with Mario!