How to Draw a Cartoon Spongebob

Intermediate
30 minutes
12/23/2023

Learn how to draw a cartoon version of SpongeBob SquarePants with this step-by-step tutorial. Follow along and bring your favorite character to life on paper.

How to Draw a Cartoon Spongebob

Materials You'll Need

  • Pencil
  • Paper
  • Eraser

SpongeBob SquarePants is an iconic and beloved character known worldwide for his cheerful personality and distinctive square shape. Drawing SpongeBob offers a fun opportunity to capture his energetic spirit and unique design, making it a fantastic project for fans of all ages. Whether you're a beginner looking to explore cartoon drawing or an experienced artist wanting to refine your skills, learning how to draw a cartoon Spongebob can be both enjoyable and rewarding.

This tutorial will guide you through each step with clear instructions, helping you understand the basic shapes and proportions that make SpongeBob so recognizable. You'll practice essential techniques such as sketching simple geometric forms, outlining with precision, and adding expressive facial details. These skills not only bring SpongeBob to life on your paper but also build a strong foundation for drawing other cartoon characters. By following along, you'll gain confidence in your ability to create lively, animated figures.

So, whether you're drawing for fun, to improve your art skills, or to create your own SpongeBob-inspired artwork, this step-by-step guide on how to draw a cartoon Spongebob is the perfect place to start. Gather your pencils and paper, and get ready to bring this cheerful sea sponge to life with your own creative touch. Let's dive in and make your drawing journey a splash of creativity and fun!

Materials Required

To begin, gather the following materials:

  • Drawing paper or sketchbook
  • Pencils (preferably a set with various lead hardness)
  • Eraser
  • Fine-tip black marker or pen
  • Colored pencils or markers (optional)

Now that you have all your materials ready, it's time to bring SpongeBob to life on paper!

Step 1: Basic Shapes

Start by drawing a large rectangle in the center of your paper. This will be SpongeBob's body. Next, add a smaller rectangle on top of the first one for his head. These basic shapes will serve as the foundation for the rest of the drawing.

Step 2: Facial Features

Divide SpongeBob's head into three equal horizontal sections. The top section will be for his eyes, the middle section for his nose, and the bottom section for his mouth. Draw two large oval-shaped eyes in the top section, slightly tilted towards each other. Add smaller circles inside the eyes for his pupils.

Below the eyes, draw a short, curved line for his nose. Then, in the bottom section, draw a wide, rectangular shape for his mouth. Add a small curve at each end to give SpongeBob his signature smile.

Step 3: Eyebrows and Teeth

Above each eye, draw a thick, curved line for SpongeBob's eyebrows. Make sure they are slightly arched to give him a lively expression. Next, inside his mouth, draw two rows of square-shaped teeth. Don't worry about making them perfectly straight or aligned – SpongeBob's teeth are quirky and unique!

Step 4: Arms and Legs

Now, let's add some limbs to our cartoon SpongeBob. Draw two curved lines extending from the sides of his body for his arms. At the end of each line, add three short, rounded fingers.

For his legs, draw two long, curved lines extending down from the bottom of his body. At the end of each line, draw a short, curved line for his shoes. SpongeBob's shoes resemble squares with rounded corners.

Step 5: Shirt and Tie

To give SpongeBob some clothing, draw a collar around his neck. The collar should be a simple curved line that extends from one side of his body to the other. Then, draw two small triangles on each side of his collar to represent his tie.

Step 6: Facial Details

It's time to add some more details to SpongeBob's face. Draw two small circles on the right side of his head, above his mouth, to represent his cheeks. Inside each cheek, draw a smaller circle for his dimples.

Next, draw two thick, curved lines above SpongeBob's eyes for his eyelashes. These lines should be slightly longer on the outside edges of his eyes. Finally, draw a thin, curved line for his tongue inside his mouth.

Step 7: Sponge Texture

To give SpongeBob his sponge-like texture, lightly draw a crisscross pattern all over his body. This will mimic the appearance of a kitchen sponge. Once you are satisfied with the pattern, darken the lines with your pencil.

Step 8: Outlining with a Marker

Now that you have completed the pencil sketch, it's time to outline your drawing with a fine-tip black marker or pen. Trace over all the main lines, including the eyes, mouth, arms, legs, and details. This will make your drawing more defined and crisp.

Step 9: Coloring (Optional)

If you want to add some color to your SpongeBob drawing, grab your colored pencils or markers and let your creativity shine! SpongeBob's body is typically yellow, his eyes are blue, and his tie is red. However, feel free to experiment with different color schemes or add your unique twist.

Step 10: Final Touches

Once you have finished coloring, take a moment to review your drawing. If there are any stray pencil lines, gently erase them to clean up your artwork. You can also add shading or highlights to make your cartoon SpongeBob look more three-dimensional.

Congratulations! You've successfully drawn your very own cartoon version of SpongeBob SquarePants. Now, whether you choose to display it proudly or share it with friends, you can celebrate your artistic achievement.

Conclusion

Drawing SpongeBob may seem challenging at first, but with these step-by-step instructions, you can create your own cartoon masterpiece. Remember to start with basic shapes, add details gradually, and have fun throughout the process. Practice makes perfect, so don't be afraid to try again if your first attempt doesn't meet your expectations.

We hope you enjoyed this tutorial and that it sparked your creativity. Now, go ahead and draw SpongeBob, the lovable and iconic character, anytime you want. Happy drawing!

Fun Facts About Cartoon Spongebob

Suggestions for Scenes and Settings for Cartoon Spongebob Drawings

  • SpongeBob working enthusiastically at the Krusty Krab grill, flipping Krabby Patties with a big smile.
  • SpongeBob and Patrick jellyfishing in Jellyfish Fields with nets raised high and colorful jellyfish floating around.
  • SpongeBob blowing bubbles with his iconic bubble wand, surrounded by whimsical, giant bubbles.
  • SpongeBob riding his pineapple house as if it were a boat, sailing through the ocean waves.
  • SpongeBob dressed in his superhero costume as "Invincibubble," ready to save Bikini Bottom.
  • SpongeBob and Squidward having a playful yet chaotic game of musical instruments outside the Krusty Krab.
  • SpongeBob practicing karate moves with Sandy Cheeks in her treedome dojo, both focused and energetic.
  • SpongeBob having a picnic with Gary the snail in a sunny underwater meadow filled with sea flowers.
  • SpongeBob exploring a mysterious underwater cave filled with glowing sea creatures and treasures.
  • SpongeBob hosting a funny talent show for his Bikini Bottom friends, showcasing his goofy dance moves.