7 Easy and Fun Sharpie Drawing Ideas for Beginners (2024)

Published on 21 July 2023 8 min read

Contents

1. Draw a Mandala
2. Create a Zentangle
3. Design a Doodle Character
4. Sketch a Sharpie Still Life
5. Craft Abstract Art
6. Compose a Cartoon Animal
7. Construct a Geometric Pattern

Ignite your imagination and transform the humble Sharpie into a magic wand of creativity with these seven easy and fun drawing ideas. Perfect for beginners, these projects are proof that anyone can create fantastic art with a Sharpie! So, grab your favorite markers and let's explore some easy things to draw with Sharpie, shall we?

Draw a Mandala

First on our list is the mesmerizing mandala. Originating from ancient India, mandalas are intricate designs that start from a central point and radiate outwards in symmetrical patterns. They're not just pretty to look at—they're also incredibly fun and relaxing to draw. Here's a simple guide to get you started with your Sharpie mandala:

1. Start with a dot: The center of your mandala is a single dot. Position it in the middle of your page. This will be the starting point of your design.
2. Draw a circle around your dot: This will act as your guide for the rest of the design. It doesn't have to be perfect—remember, it's the imperfections that make it unique.
3. Add more circles: Draw more circles around your first one. You can make them as big or small as you want. Hint: a compass or any round object can help you with this.
4. Fill the spaces with patterns: Now comes the fun part—filling in the spaces between your circles with patterns. Dots, lines, waves, flowers—let your imagination run wild. Just remember to repeat your pattern to maintain the symmetry.
5. Color it in: Use your Sharpie markers to add splashes of color to your mandala. You can stick to a specific color scheme or go as colorful as you want. The choice is yours!

And just like that, you've created your first mandala! Remember, practice makes perfect. The more mandalas you draw, the more comfortable you'll get with the process. And who knows? You might just find that drawing mandalas is your new favorite thing to do with Sharpies!

Create a Zentangle

Next on our list of easy things to draw with Sharpie is the Zentangle. A Zentangle is a mini abstract work of art, created from a collection of patterns. If you're looking to transform a blank canvas into a black and white masterpiece, here's how you can get started:

1. Make a 'string': Begin by drawing an abstract shape—or 'string'—to divide your page into sections. The crazier the shape, the better!
2. Add different patterns: In each section of your string, doodle a unique pattern. Stripes, checks, waves, spirals—there's no limit to what you can do. The key is to keep it varied and interesting.
3. Embrace the details: Now it's time to add some depth to your Zentangle. You can do this by thickening certain lines, adding shading, or even throwing in some dots and dashes. The more details, the more mesmerizing your Zentangle will be.
4. Fill it in: Finally, grab your Sharpie and fill in your patterns. Remember, Zentangles are usually black and white, but feel free to add a pop of color if that's more your style.

There you have it! You've created your first Zentangle. What's great about this method is that there's no right or wrong—only endless possibilities. So keep experimenting with different patterns and shapes, because the more you draw, the more you'll discover about your own unique style. And who knows? You might find that creating Zentangles is your new favorite way to use Sharpies.

Design a Doodle Character

Have you ever wanted to breathe life into your own unique character? Well, grab your Sharpie, because it's time to introduce you to the fun and easy world of doodle characters! Here's a simple method to get you started:

1. Think of a character: It can be anyone or anything—a pirate, a princess, a pizza slice. The sky's the limit when it comes to doodle characters!
2. Sketch a simple outline: Use your Sharpie to draw a basic outline of your character. Remember, this is a doodle, so it doesn't have to be perfect. In fact, the quirks and imperfections are what make your character unique.
3. Add the details: Now it's time to give your character some personality. Add eyes, a mouth, and any other features that make your character come to life. You can also add accessories like a hat, glasses, or even a funky hairstyle.
4. Color it in: Last but not least, it's time to add some color. You can use different colored Sharpies for this, or stick to black for a classic look. Either way, your character will be bursting with personality!

And there you go! You've just created your own doodle character. The next time you're doodling away, why not create a whole cast of characters? After all, every character needs some friends. This is just one of the many easy things to draw with Sharpie, so keep practicing and let your imagination run wild!

Sketch a Sharpie Still Life

Ever looked around you and thought, "Hey, that pile of books on my table could make a great drawing"? Well, you're not wrong. Let's try our hand at a Sharpie still life next. It's easier than you think!

1. Choose your objects: Look around your room and pick a few objects. It could be anything from a vase of flowers to your favorite mug. The key is to choose objects that vary in shape and size to make your drawing more interesting.
2. Arrange your objects: Position your chosen objects on a table or a flat surface. Try arranging them in different ways until you find a setup that you like. Remember, variety is the spice of life!
3. Draw the outline: With your Sharpie in hand, start by drawing the outline of your objects. Don't worry about the details right now; just focus on getting the general shapes right.
4. Add the details: Once you're happy with your outline, start adding in the details. This could be the pattern on your mug or the texture of your books. The more details you add, the more realistic your drawing will look.
5. Shade and highlight: Finally, add some depth to your drawing by shading the darker areas and highlighting the lighter ones. This will give your still life a 3D effect and make it pop off the page.

And there you have it—a beautiful Sharpie still life, created by none other than you. Now that's what I call a masterpiece! Who knew that easy things to draw with Sharpie could turn out to be so stunning?

Craft Abstract Art

When it comes to finding easy things to draw with Sharpie, nothing beats the fun and freedom of abstract art. No rules, no boundaries—just you, your Sharpie, and a blank canvas. Let's dive in!

1. Loosen up: Forget about perfect shapes and straight lines. In abstract art, it's all about expressing your feelings. So let your hand move freely and see what shapes and lines it creates.
2. Play with color: If you have colored Sharpies, now's the time to use them. Go wild with colors. Mix them, layer them, create contrasts. The more colors you use, the more vibrant your artwork will be.
3. Experiment with texture: Try different techniques to create texture. You can create dots, stripes, or even scribbles. Anything goes in the world of abstract art!
4. Create balance: While abstract art may seem random, it's important to maintain balance. If you've used a lot of dark colors on one side, balance it out with lighter colors on the other.
5. Step back and evaluate: Take a step back and look at your artwork from a distance. You might want to add more details, or you might find it perfect as it is. Trust your instincts!

So, what do you think? I bet you didn't realize that creating abstract art could be one of the easy things to draw with Sharpie. And the best part is, each piece is unique and a reflection of you. So why not give it a try? You might surprise yourself!

Compose a Cartoon Animal

Cartooning is a great way to get started with Sharpie drawing. It's fun, it's easy, and let's face it—who doesn't love a cute cartoon animal? So, let's jump right into it and learn how to compose our own cartoon animal.

1. Choose your Animal: The first step is to choose the animal you'd like to draw. It can be anything from a cuddly bear to a sly fox. Remember, it doesn't have to look exactly like the real thing, that's the beauty of cartooning.
2. Break it Down: Look at your chosen animal and try to break it down into simple shapes. This will make it easier to draw. For instance, a rabbit's body can be a large oval, and its ears can be long triangles.
3. Draw the Basic Shapes: Start by drawing the basic shapes that make up your cartoon animal. Don't worry about the details yet. This is just the skeleton of your drawing.
4. Add Details: Now it's time to add the details. Draw the eyes, the nose, the mouth, and any other characteristic features of your animal. Remember, cartoon animals often have exaggerated features, so don't be afraid to make those eyes extra big or that tail extra fluffy!
5. Outline and Color: Once you're happy with your drawing, outline it with your Sharpie and add color if you wish. Congratulations! You've just composed your very own cartoon animal.

See, composing a cartoon animal is one of the easy things to draw with Sharpie. It's all about breaking things down into simple shapes and having fun with it. So grab your Sharpie and start drawing. Who knows, you might just create the next famous cartoon character!

Construct a Geometric Pattern

Geometric patterns can be visually stunning, and guess what? They're also surprisingly easy to create with Sharpies! Whether you're a fan of triangles, squares, circles, or a mix of all three, constructing a geometric pattern can be a fun and rewarding drawing experience. So, let's dive in!

1. Pick a Shape: The first step in constructing a geometric pattern is choosing your shape. It could be as simple as a square or a circle, or something more complex like a hexagon or an octagon. Don't limit yourself—remember, it's your masterpiece!
2. Decide on a Pattern: Once you've picked your shape, decide on a pattern. Will you be repeating the same shape over and over, or will you mix and match different shapes? Will you fill the entire page, or create a more minimalist design? The choice is yours.
3. Draw Your Shapes: Start drawing your shapes on the paper. Remember, they don't have to be perfect. In fact, the slight variations can add an interesting, organic feel to your pattern.
4. Add Details: Now that your basic pattern is down, you can start adding details. Perhaps you want to fill in some of your shapes, or add smaller shapes within the larger ones. This is your chance to get creative and make your pattern truly unique.
5. Final Touches: Once you're happy with your geometric pattern, go over it with your Sharpie to make the lines nice and bold. If you want, you can also add some color. And voila! You've just constructed your very own geometric pattern.

Constructing a geometric pattern is just another one of the many easy things to draw with Sharpie. Plus, it's a great way to get comfortable with different shapes and patterns. So, why wait? Grab your Sharpie and let's get drawing!

If you enjoyed these Sharpie drawing ideas and are looking to further improve your drawing skills, be sure to check out Yazmin Moktan's workshop, 'Drawing with Ease and Accuracy.' This workshop will provide you with techniques and tips to enhance your drawing abilities, making it an excellent next step for beginners who want to continue their artistic journey.