How to draw: Carl and Ellie from “Up”

In these troubling times, we all need a way to relax and take a break from the world. Drawing can help us alleviate the feelings of stress or confusion in our current situation, and everyone can create their own connection with their artworks. No expertise is required at all; it’s easy to explore our creativity and discover a new hobby! 

In this video, I’ll be drawing Carl and Ellie from the Disney movie “Up”. Feel free to press pause whenever you need a little more time to finish a few lines; go at your own pace, and draw in a way that feels right to you. Below you’ll find a Q&A with some of the questions answered in the video, as well as a few more extra pieces of advice. If you don’t feel like drawing or you still want to explore the world of animation, there is also a list of animated movie recommendations that are perfect for watching during quarantine!

Michelle Liu

What materials would you encourage for people starting off in drawing?

For this particular tutorial, any type of pen or pencil will work! I’m using a Blackwing pencil because the lead is darker and smoother, so it’s easier to draw accurate lines. However, you can use whatever you have at hand; contrary to popular belief, you actually don’t need expensive or fancy materials in order to create beautiful drawings! If you just keep practicing, I guarantee that your skills will develop naturally.

What would you recommend as a source of inspiration to draw?

Animated movies and cartoons are definitely an amazing resource; not only are they fun to draw, but they are usually much simpler than live-action characters and also much easier to draw! Of course, anything that you find in your everyday life can also act as inspiration; whenever something catches your eye or brings you joy, you can definitely use it as motivation to start a drawing.

How would you encourage people to pick up a drawing hobby during quarantine?

Drawing from references is definitely a great way to start practicing how to draw. Choosing simple images, such as Mickey Mouse, can help develop your skills quickly, and practicing often certainly helps too. At the end of the day, you should be drawing what you want to draw. Pick characters or images that you love! Drawing from imagination is also a fun way to be creative, and the best part is that there are no rules or limits to what you can create.