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The Best Pokemon for Beginners to Draw

Cynthia Jul 13, 2026

Embarking on your drawing journey with Pokémon can be an exciting and rewarding adventure. With over 800 Pokémon to choose from, the possibilities are endless. However, as a beginner, selecting the right Pokémon to draw can make your learning experience more enjoyable and help you develop your skills more effectively. This guide will help you find the best Pokémon to draw for beginners, ensuring you have a solid foundation in Pokémon art.

how to draw pikachu from pokemon step by step instructions for kids and adults
how to draw pikachu from pokemon step by step instructions for kids and adults

Choosing the right Pokémon to draw is crucial for beginners. Starting with Pokémon that have simple designs helps you grasp the basics of drawing and understand the fundamentals of structuring a Pokémon. This doesn't mean you should only stick to the most basic designs, but understanding the foundational elements will help you grow as an artist.

step by step drawing instructions for how to draw pokemon
step by step drawing instructions for how to draw pokemon

Understanding Simplicity: Basic Pokémon

Starting with Pokémon that have simple designs helps build your confidence and sharpens your basic drawing skills. These Pokémon typically have clear shapes, minimal details, and are easy to recognize. They also tend to be some of the most iconic and beloved characters in the Pokémon universe.

How to Draw a Pokémon
How to Draw a Pokémon

By drawing basic Pokémon, you'll learn essential skills such as basic shapes, line work, and shading. You'll also develop an understanding of color theory, as basic Pokémon often have primary or secondary color schemes. Some popular basic Pokémon to draw include:

  • Pikachu: The most recognizable Pokémon, Pikachu's simple, round design makes it an excellent choice for beginners.
  • Bulbasaur: With its simple, plant-like features on a reptilian body, Bulbasaur is another great beginner Pokémon.
  • Squirtle: Known for its shell-based design, Squirtle is easy to identify and has a simple, rounded shape.
How to Draw Umbreon: Easy 17-Step Pokemon Drawing Guide
How to Draw Umbreon: Easy 17-Step Pokemon Drawing Guide

Start with Simple Linework

Begin by focusing on the structure and outline of the Pokémon. Using reference images, practice replicating the lines that form the Pokémon's body. This will help you understand the basic shapes and forms that create a Pokémon's appearance. Don't worry too much about adding details or colors at this stage; stick to the basics and build your foundation.

Tip: Look for simple shapes (like circles, rectangles, or triangles) that make up the Pokémon's body and try to replicate them in your drawing.

how to draw a cartoon character from the pokemon movie step by step instructions for kids
how to draw a cartoon character from the pokemon movie step by step instructions for kids

Add Basic Colors and Shading

Once you're comfortable with the line work, begin incorporating colors and basic shading. Start by using simple, solid color fillings for each section of the Pokémon. Then, introduce basic shading techniques, such as adding darker colors in the creases or undersides of the Pokémon to create a simple depth illusion.

For example, Pikachu's red cheeks can be easily shaded by adding darker red in the center, with gradually lighter shades towards the edges.

How to draw diglit step by step
How to draw diglit step by step

Gradually Challenging Yourself: Intermediate Pokémon

After mastering the basics, it's time to challenge yourself by drawing more complex Pokémon. These Pokémon still have clear, recognizable features but may have more intricate details, additional limbs, or unique design elements. Drawing these Pokémon helps you expand your skill set and prepares you for more advanced designs.

15 Pokemon Drawing Ideas For Beginners
15 Pokemon Drawing Ideas For Beginners
Blogger
Blogger
Bulbasaur easy drawing step by step
Bulbasaur easy drawing step by step
How to Draw Togepi - Easy 8 Steps Pokemon Drawing Guide
How to Draw Togepi - Easy 8 Steps Pokemon Drawing Guide
Easy 8-Step Eevee Drawing Tutorial — Cute Pokémon for Beginners
Easy 8-Step Eevee Drawing Tutorial — Cute Pokémon for Beginners
how to draw a cute cartoon cat with different poses and expressions for children's drawings
how to draw a cute cartoon cat with different poses and expressions for children's drawings
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How to Draw Fuecoco Pokemon: Step-by-Step Guide
How to draw Eevee angry step by step - Drawing Photos
How to draw Eevee angry step by step - Drawing Photos
How to Draw Sharpedo - Pokemon Drawing Tutorial
How to Draw Sharpedo - Pokemon Drawing Tutorial

Some popular intermediate Pokémon to draw include:

  • Eevee: With its delicate features and flowy design, Eevee offers a greater challenge than the basic starter Pokémon but is still accessible for beginners.
  • Charizard: As a dragon-type Pokémon, Charizard has a more complex design than its base form, Charmander, offering a unique challenge.
  • Greninja: Introduced in generation 6, Greninja has a more intricate design with additional limbs and unique crystalline features.

Incorporating More Complex Linework

As you tackle intermediate Pokémon, pay close attention to the line work. More complex Pokémon may have more intricate outlines, additional limbs, or unique design elements that require careful consideration. Break down the Pokémon into smaller, manageable parts, and focus on drawing each section accurately before combining them.

Tip: Use guidelines to help you maintain proper proportions and alignment. You can use basic shapes (like rectangles, circles, or triangles) as guides or create your own guidelines by sketching in your reference image.

Experiment with Shading and Lighting Effects

Now that you're more comfortable with basic shading techniques, you can begin experimenting with more advanced shading and lighting effects. Try changing the direction of your lighting source or experimenting with more complex color blending. Remember, practice makes perfect, so keep trying until you find a technique that works for you.

For example, Charizard's distinctive fin-like spikes can be highlighted by using brighter colors or sharper contrasts in the ridge of each fin, while the undersides can be shaded darker to create the illusion of depth and separation.

Introducing Details: Intermediate Pokémon Features

Intermediate Pokémon often have unique features that set them apart from basic designs. Focusing on these features helps you develop your drawing skills while challenging you to recreate intricate details. To draw these features effectively, study your reference image closely, paying particular attention to their shape, size, proportion, and arrangement.

Example: Greninja's unique, crystal-like features require careful attention to recreate their intricate structures. Break down each crystal into smaller shapes and focus on replicating their size, proportion, and alignment.

တွင် พีกระดับสูงสุด: Advanced Pokémon

Once you've mastered basic and intermediate Pokémon, you're ready to take on more advanced Pokémon designs. These Pokémon have complex outlines, intricate details, and unique design elements that require a higher level of skill to replicate accurately. Drawing advanced Pokémon pushes your abilities, helping you refine your techniques and develop your artistic style.

Some popular advanced Pokémon to draw include:

  • Rayquaza: As a large, dragon-type Pokémon with intricate details, Rayquaza offers a significant challenge for even the most experienced artists.
  • Arceus: Known as the "Original One," Arceus has a complex design with many small, delicate features, requiring exceptional attention to detail.
  • Zygarde: With its multitude of forms and cell-like compositions, Zygarde requires a deep understanding of form, structure, and proportion to draw effectively.

Mastering Complex Linework and Outlines

Drawing advanced Pokémon requires a solid understanding of complex line work and outlines. Study your reference image closely, breaking down the Pokémon into smaller, manageable sections. Focus on drawing each section accurately, paying close attention to the Pokémon's overall structure, proportion, and alignment.

Tip: Use multiple reference images to capture the Pokémon from different angles. This will help you better understand the Pokémon's 3D shape and form, making it easier to draw accurately.

Refining Shading and Lighting Techniques

As you tackle advanced Pokémon, continue refining your shading and lighting techniques. Experiment with different lighting sources, color combinations, and blending methods. Remember, practice makes perfect, so keep honing your skills until you find a technique that works best for you.

Example: Rayquaza's intricate, feather-like patterns along its body can be emphasized using varied shading techniques, such as hatching or cross-hatching, to create a sense of depth and texture.

Embracing Advanced Pokémon Features

Advanced Pokémon often have unique and complex features that require exceptional attention to detail. To replicate these features accurately, study your reference image carefully, paying close attention to their shape, size, proportion, arrangement, and the intricate details that make them distinct.

Example: Zygarde's cell-like form is composed of many small, irregular shapes. To draw these effectively, break down each cell into a series of simple, geometric shapes, then manipulate them to replicate the cell's complex outline and arrangement.

As your skills grow, you'll find that the Pokémon you once struggled to draw become easier and more enjoyable to create. Embrace the challenge of advanced Pokémon, and watch your artistry flourish.

In the vast world of Pokémon, there are countless designs waiting to be discovered and explored. From the simplest starter Pokémon to the most intricate legendary creatures, the journey of drawing Pokémon is endless and ever-rewarding. Start with the basics, challenge yourself with intermediate designs, and eventually tackle the advanced Pokémon that will push your artistic boundaries. With patience, practice, and a genuine love for Pokémon, you'll become a skilled and versatile Pokémon artist.