How to Draw Harley Quinn

Harley Quinn, with her bold colors, chaotic charm, and instantly recognizable jester-inspired attire, has become one of the most beloved antiheroes in comic book history. First appearing in the DC Universe as Joker's eccentric accomplice, Harley has since evolved into a symbol of independence, strength, and playful rebellion. Her eye-catching pigtails, striking makeup, and unpredictable personality make her an exciting and visually dynamic character to draw. By learning how to draw Harley Quinn, you'll not only sharpen your artistic skills but also celebrate the vibrant energy she brings to every page and screen.

Whether you're a huge fan of the Batman franchise or simply love drawing unique and expressive characters, mastering how to draw Harley Quinn is a rewarding artistic endeavor. This tutorial is designed for artists of all experience levels, offering clear, step-by-step instructions that guide you from the initial sketch to the final colorful details. Along the way, you'll practice essential techniques like proportion, line work, and shading, as well as special tips for capturing Harley's mischievous grin and dynamic pose. You'll also learn how to add those signature finishing touches, such as her contrasting hair colors and playful accessories, to make your drawing stand out.

Don't worry if you're just starting out or experimenting with new styles—this guide breaks the process down into manageable steps and encourages creativity at every stage. With a little patience and enthusiasm, you'll soon find yourself bringing Harley Quinn's vibrant personality to life on paper. So gather your materials, get comfortable, and let's dive into the world of Gotham's most unpredictable star—your journey to drawing Harley Quinn starts now!

Materials Required

Before we dive into the drawing process, let's gather the necessary materials. Here's what you'll need:

1. [Drawing paper or sketchbook](https://yonderoo.com/best-sketchbooks-for-artists/)
2. Pencil
3. Eraser
4. Fine-tip markers or pens
5. Colored pencils or markers (optional)

Now that you have everything ready, let's get started!

Step 1: Basic Outline

Begin by sketching the basic outline of Harley Quinn's head and body. Focus on creating simple shapes to define her proportions. Start with an oval for the head, then add a slightly elongated shape for the body. Remember to keep your pencil strokes light and loose for easy adjustments.

Step 2: Facial Features

Next, let's add Harley Quinn's facial features. Draw two large oval-shaped eyes, slightly angled and positioned towards the sides of her face. Add curved eyebrows above the eyes to give her a mischievous expression. Draw a small nose and a wide smile with exaggerated lips. Don't forget her signature beauty mark slightly above her lip.

Step 3: Hair

Harley Quinn's hair is an important part of her iconic look. Start by drawing the basic shape of her hair, which consists of two side buns. Add some wild and messy strands to give it a dynamic appearance. Then, draw two ponytails on each side with small curls at the ends. Add some loose strands of hair around her face for a more realistic effect.

Step 4: Outfit

Harley Quinn's outfit is vibrant and full of personality. Begin by drawing her collar, which is a large, pointed shape that extends from her shoulders. Next, draw the upper part of her jester-inspired top, emphasizing the curves of her body. Add the lower part as a simple triangular shape, and then draw the belt around her waist. Don't forget to include the diamond pattern on her top and shorts.

Step 5: Accessories

Harley Quinn is known for her unique accessories. Draw her diamond-patterned gloves, making sure to accentuate the creases and folds. Add details to her boots, such as laces and buckles. Include her signature domino mask by drawing two small triangles over her eyes. Finally, add some finishing touches by drawing a few jester bells hanging from her collar and boots.

Step 6: Inking

Now that you have the basic outlines and details in place, it's time to ink your drawing. Use fine-tip markers or pens to carefully trace over the pencil lines. Start with the main outlines and then work your way to the smaller details. Let the ink dry completely before erasing any remaining pencil marks.

Step 7: Coloring (Optional)

If you prefer to add color to your drawing, grab your colored pencils or markers and let's bring Harley Quinn to life! Start by coloring her face, using light tones for the skin and vibrant colors for her hair. Add a touch of red to her lips and cheeks to enhance her playful expression. Use bold colors for her outfit, keeping the diamond pattern intact.

Tip: When drawing Harley Quinn, start with a loose gesture sketch to capture her energetic pose and playful attitude before refining the details. Use a blue or red colored pencil for your initial lines—this makes it easier to distinguish your rough construction from your final inking later on. Pay special attention to the symmetry and placement of her iconic pigtails and mask, as these features instantly communicate her character. As you move to color, layer vibrant reds, deep blacks, and subtle highlights to make her costume and makeup pop, using colored pencils or markers with good blending properties for smooth transitions. Remember, a confident line and bold color choices will help channel Harley's fearless personality onto the page!

Conclusion

Congratulations! You've successfully learned how to draw Harley Quinn from start to finish. By following these step-by-step instructions, you've captured her distinctive features and iconic style. Remember to practice regularly to improve your skills and develop your own unique artistic voice.

So grab your materials and let your creativity flow as you bring Harley Quinn to life on paper. Have fun and enjoy the process of creating your own masterpiece!

Fun Facts About Harley Quinn

• Harley Quinn first appeared in the animated series Batman: The Animated Series in 1992, not in the comics.
• Her real name is Dr. Harleen Quinzel, a psychiatrist at Arkham Asylum who fell in love with the Joker.
• [Harley Quinn was created by Paul Dini and Bruce Timm](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bruce_Timm) as a one-off character, but she quickly became a fan favorite.
• She is known for her signature red and black jester costume, inspired by Harlequin from Italian commedia dell'arte.
• [Harley Quinn has been portrayed by Margot Robbie in several DC Extended Universe films](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harley_Quinn_(DC_Extended_Universe)).
• She eventually broke free from the Joker and became a symbol of independence and empowerment in the DC Universe.
• Harley Quinn is a founding member of the Gotham City Sirens alongside Catwoman and Poison Ivy.
• Her iconic mallet and baseball bat are her weapons of choice, as seen in many comic book appearances.
• Harley Quinn has starred in her own animated series, further expanding her character beyond comics and films.

Suggestions for Scenes and Settings for Harley Quinn Drawings

• Harley Quinn perched atop a Gotham City skyscraper at night, swinging her mallet and looking mischievously over the city lights.
• Harley relaxing in a chaotic, graffiti-filled bedroom filled with plushies, playing cards, and Joker memorabilia.
• Action scene of Harley leaping through the air in mid-fight, wielding her iconic oversized mallet with a wild grin.
• Harley Quinn at a carnival, blending in with the clowns and performers, causing playful mayhem among the crowd.
• Classic duo: Harley with Poison Ivy in a lush greenhouse, surrounded by vibrant plants and mischievous smiles.
• Harley at a retro diner, sipping a giant milkshake and doodling on napkins, with roller-skate boots propped up on the counter.
• Harley in a dramatic spotlight on stage, performing a chaotic stand-up comedy routine to a crowd of amused and confused villains.
• Steampunk Harley Quinn, reimagined with gears, goggles, and Victorian-inspired jester attire.
• Harley on a wild motorcycle ride through Gotham's neon-lit streets, wind blowing through her pigtails and confetti trailing behind.
• Harley Quinn in a quiet moment, sketching or painting her own self-portrait in a messy, art-filled studio.