How to Draw in the Disney Style: 7 Steps

Step 1: Research Disney Art and Artists
Before starting your Disney drawing journey, explore the works of famous Disney artists like Mary Blair, Eyvind Earle, and Milt Kahl. Take note of how characters are designed and their visual characteristics that make them distinctively Disney. Watching Disney movies and studying from art books is an excellent way to familiarize yourself with the style.
Step 2: Basic Shapes and Construction Lines
Start with basic shapes and construction lines to form the foundation of your character or scene. For instance, use circles to represent the head or body segments of your chosen character. These shapes will help you create accurate proportions while maintaining the iconic rounded appearance associated with Disney characters.
Step 3: Exaggerate Features for Appeal
The Disney style is known for its exaggerated features that give characters a unique charm. Focus on creating big eyes, expressive eyebrows, and elongated shapes for limbs or other features. By exaggerating certain aspects, you can achieve a lively and dynamic look that resembles beloved Disney creations.
Step 4: Maintain Smooth Lines and Curves
When drawing your character or scene, be mindful of the line quality. Disney designs are famous for their smooth lines and soft curves. Make sure that your strokes flow naturally and avoid any unintended jaggedness or harsh angles, as they can disrupt the overall aesthetic.
Step 5: Keep Expressions Lively
Expressive facial expressions are essential in bringing your Disney-inspired drawings to life. When creating different emotions, focus on enhancing features like the eyes, eyebrows, and mouth to convey feelings accurately. Be imaginative when crafting expressions and avoid making them too subtle or stiff.
Step 6: Color Palette Selection
Choose a color palette that fits well with Disney’s colorful world. Most famous characters have vibrant hues with contrasting colors to make them stand out on screen. Study the color choices made by Disney artists and apply similar strategies to your drawings for an authentic look.
Step 7: Refine and Polish Your Artwork
Lastly, refine your drawing by erasing any unnecessary construction lines and adding appealing details. Make sure that every line, shape, and feature is in harmony with the overall Disney aesthetic. As a finishing touch, you can ink your sketch or create a digital version with clean lines to make your artwork pop.
With practice and dedication, you will be able to create enchanting drawings inspired by the magical world of Disney. Remember to always learn from the masters and keep pushing your artistic boundaries in order to develop your unique Disney style.