Ever since the iconic anime series Dragon Ball first aired, Goku has become a beloved character whose unique design has inspired countless artists. If you're eager to learn how to draw Goku's full body art in a simple way, you've come to the right place. This step-by-step guide will break down the process into manageable steps, helping you create your own rendition of the mighty Saiyan in no time.
Before we dive into the drawing process, let's appreciate Goku's characteristic features. The manga and anime have spotlighted his-toned muscles, spiky hair, wide-eyed expression, and tall stature. The simplicity of his design belies the depth of his character, and capturing essence of Goku is a rewarding artistic challenge.
Understanding the Basic Structure
Goku's body structure is not overly complex, making him an excellent subject for beginners. He has a well-defined muscular physique, with noticeable pecs, abs, and mountainous shoulders. To capture his essence, we'll start by drawing his basic structure using simple shapes.
Begin by drawing an oval for Goku's head. From this oval, sketch a straight line down for his vertical spine. Extend two diagonal lines from the bottom of the oval for the arms and, at the end of this line, draw another oval for Goku's hands. A simple stick figure will be the foundation for our Goku drawing.
Sketching the Torso and Shoulders
Using the basic structure we created, sketch two half-ellipses at the end of the spine for Goku's hips. This will give him a muscular look without overwhelming your initial sketch. Draw two more lines extending from the hips to indicate Goku's powerful legs.
Next, focus on Goku's shoulders. To maintain his muscular appearance, draw exaggerated ellipses at the top of his arms. This will give him the broad, powerful shoulders characteristic of his design. With the basic structure complete, let's move on to the details that make Goku who he is.
Adding the Detail: Hair and Face
Goku's hair is one of his most recognizable features, so we'll give it the attention it deserves. Draw a large, round shape on top of his head, then cut it gradually into a spiky peak. Within this main shape, draw individual spikes that radiate outwards. Remember, Goku's hair is separate from his head, so leave some space between the hair and the top of his head.
Under Goku's hair, sketch a circle for his face. Since Goku has a friendly, almost goofy expression, it's important to capture the playful curve of his cheeks and the wide-set placement of his eyes. His nose is small and unassuming, while his mouth is usually turned up in a slight smile. Add a few simple lines for his eyebrows and, if you'd like, some eyelashes to emphasize his wide eyes.
Capturing the Ultimate Saiyan's Power
Now that we have the basic structure and facial features down, it's time to beef up Goku's appearance with some serious muscles. We'll need to erase some of our initial lines to accommodate the new additions.
First, draw Goku's pecs. Unlike many characters, Goku's pecs are not overly exaggerated. They're large, but not abnormally so. Sketch two half-ellipses on either side of Goku's neck, making sure they don't connect at the bottom. This will give him the rounded muscle shape we're after.
Adding the Six-Pack
Below Goku's pecs, sketch four long, vertical lines. These will represent the muscles that run down the center of Goku's six-pack. Next, draw two curves at the bottom of each line to connect them to his abdomen. Above these lines, draw two smaller, curved lines to create the illusion of the space in between his six-pack muscles.
To make Goku's six-pack really pop, draw a smaller set of muscles on top of our initial lines. These secondary muscles should be more pronounced at the bottom, tapering off as they reach the top. This will give Goku's abs some depth and definition. Finally, add a cute belly button to complete the look.
Muscles, Muscles, and More Muscles
Goku's arms and legs are also finely honed, so we'll tackle them next. Start with his arms, sketching a series of biceps and triceps on either side of his basic structure. Remember that muscles usually bulge in the middle and taper off at the ends, so adjust your lines to reflect this.
Capturing Goku's leg muscles is a similar process. Sketch the prominent quads and hamstrings on the front of his legs and the calves at the bottom. Don't forget to give Goku's thighs a little bulk, as he's a powerful warrior. With the basic structure and muscles in place, you can start refining your drawing with more detailed lines and shading.
Congratulations! You've successfully drawn Goku's full body art in a simple way. Now that you have the basics down, feel free to experiment with different poses and outfits to make the character your own. Don't forget to practice regularly to improve your skills and gain a deeper understanding of the art. Happy drawing!