Oc Drawing: Step-by-Step Tutorial & Easy Ideas

Learning how to draw an original character (OC) is easier than it looks — the whole thing starts with light guidelines. This guide walks you through an oc drawing in six clear steps, then hands you a set of oc drawing ideas to keep going: easy versions for beginners, cute and cartoon takes, and variations worth sketching when you want more.

  • Difficulty Medium
  • Time ~20 min
  • Tools Pencil, eraser, paper
  • Starts with light guidelines
Oc drawing — hand-drawn oc illustration with ink lines and soft colors
Oc drawing — hand-drawn oc illustration with ink lines and soft colors

How to Draw an original character (OC) Step by Step

How to draw an original character (OC) step by step — 9-step oc drawing tutorial sheet

Step 1 of 9

Head and shoulder guides

Draw a light circle for the head in the upper middle of the page, then a trapezoid below it for the shoulders.

See the full sheet
How to draw an original character (OC) step by step — 9-step oc drawing tutorial sheet
How to draw an original character (OC) step by step — 9-step oc drawing tutorial sheet
  1. Head and shoulder guides

    Draw a light circle for the head in the upper middle of the page, then a trapezoid below it for the shoulders.

  2. Face and hair

    Trace a rounded chibi face on the head circle, then add a simple rounded hair shape covering the top of the head.

  3. Big eyes and brows

    Add two large round eyes with small shine dots, then a short curved eyebrow above each eye.

  4. Nose and mouth

    Add a small dot nose below the eyes, then a short curved smile line beneath it.

  5. Ears and neck

    Add a small rounded ear on each side of the head, then a short neck connecting the chin to the shoulders.

  6. Shoulders and collar

    Trace the shoulder outline on the trapezoid, then add a simple rounded collar line across the top of the chest.

  7. Hair strands and blush

    Add a few thin strand lines inside the hair mass, then a small round blush mark on each cheek.

  8. Ink the lines

    Go over every kept line with dark ink, then erase the light head circle and shoulder trapezoid guides.

  9. Color the character

    Fill the skin light peach, the hair teal, the eyes purple, and the shirt soft pink.

Oc Drawing Ideas to Try Next

Once the basic oc clicks, run it through these variations — each one practices a different skill while staying on a subject you already know.

  • A before/after oc comparison

    Draw the same subject with and without the technique side by side — proof of what you've learned.

  • Apply oc to a simple still life

    Use the technique on a mug and a book from your desk — real objects make practice stick.

  • A practice grid of oc studies

    Divide the page into six boxes and repeat the exercise with one variation each — visible progress on a single page.

  • A timed oc challenge

    The same exercise at 5 minutes, 1 minute, and 30 seconds — speed reveals what you truly know.

Tips for Better Oc Drawings

  • Slow is smooth and smooth is fast: technique practice done deliberately beats ten rushed repetitions.
  • Change exactly one variable per repetition — new angle, new size, new subject. That’s how practice compounds into skill.

Not feeling the oc today?

Let the generator pick your next subject — filtered by mood and difficulty.

🎲 Random Drawing Generator

Oc Drawing FAQ

What is the easiest way to draw an original character (OC)?

Start with light guidelines, keeping your lines light. Refine the outline, add the defining details, then erase the construction shapes. The nine-step method above breaks this down — most people get a recognizable oc on their very first try with it.

How long does an original character (OC) drawing take?

A simple oc drawing takes about 20 minutes following this tutorial. A quick doodle version can be done in two or three minutes, while a detailed, fully-shaded study might take an hour. Speed comes with repetition — the second attempt is always faster than the first.

What supplies do I need for oc drawings?

Just a pencil, an eraser, and any paper. An HB pencil for construction lines and a 2B for final outlines is a nice upgrade, and colored pencils or markers finish it off — but nothing on this page requires special supplies.

Can kids draw an original character (OC)?

Yes — the oc is very manageable once you use construction shapes, and this method was written for first-timers. Kids can follow the same steps; just expect wobblier lines and more charm.