Unleash your inner artist with our Kaws Drawing Guide! Dive into KAWS iconic style through videos, get the perfect materials list, and master shapes with our step-by-step tutorials. Test your skills with quizzes and join the community debate on KAWS most challenging techniques.
  • Learn how to create your own KAWS-inspired artwork with this step-by-step guide.
  • Understand KAWS' unique visual language and his use of emotion and repetition.
  • Gather your artistic toolkit, including pencils, markers, and acrylic paints.
  • Master the foundational elements of a KAWS drawing, starting with basic shapes and structures.



Delve into the world of KAWS, where the line between fine art and pop culture blurs with an infectious vibrancy. KAWS' artwork, a symphony of bold colors and striking figures, has captured the hearts of many. But what truly sets KAWS apart is his distinctive drawing technique—a style that has become synonymous with modern cool. Whether you're a budding artist or a seasoned enthusiast looking to infuse your work with a dose of KAWS' aesthetic, this guide will illuminate the path to creating your own KAWS-inspired artwork.

Understanding KAWS' Unique Visual Language

Before we dive into the technicalities, it’s essential to understand the visual lexicon that KAWS has developed. From his reinterpretation of iconic characters to his original figures known as Companions, each element is more than a mere design; it's a narrative piece in KAWS’ artistic universe. Familiarize yourself with his motifs and characters through our comprehensive exploration on The Magic of KAWS Drawings and Sketches. As you immerse yourself in his work, notice how emotion is conveyed through exaggerated features and how repetition plays a role in creating rhythm within his compositions.

Gathering Your Artistic Toolkit

No artist can create without their tools, and when it comes to emulating the KAWS style, there are certain essentials you'll need. While KAWS himself has used everything from paint to digital tablets to bring his creations to life, we'll focus on drawing—where many great ideas begin. To get started on your journey, we've curated a list of materials that will help you capture that sleek, clean line work and those vibrant colors that are quintessentially KAWS.

Artists' Essentials

  1. Graphite Pencils Set
    Graphite Pencils - Start with a range of pencils from hard to soft (2H to 6B) for sketching your KAWS-inspired figures with precision and depth.
  2. Kneaded and Plastic Erasers
    High-Quality Erasers - Use kneaded and plastic erasers to cleanly remove graphite and refine your drawings.
  3. Vibrant Marker Pens Set
    Marker Pens - Select a set of bold, vibrant marker pens to bring the iconic KAWS color palette to life in your artwork.
  4. Fineliner Pens
    Fineliners - Employ fineliners for crisp, clean lines that define the unique outlines characteristic of KAWS's style.
  5. Acrylic Paints Set
    Acrylic Paints - Choose a variety of acrylic paints to achieve the flat, matte finish often seen in KAWS's pieces.
  6. Paintbrushes and Airbrushes for Art
    Brushes and Airbrushes - Use a combination of paintbrushes for detail work and airbrushes for smooth, even layers of color.
  7. Paint Mixing Palette
    Mixing Palette - A mixing palette is essential for blending the perfect hues and shades for your KAWS-inspired creations.
  8. Heavyweight Drawing Paper
    Quality Drawing Paper - Invest in heavyweight, acid-free drawing paper to ensure your artwork stands the test of time.
  9. Digital Drawing Tablet
    Digital Drawing Tablet - For the digital artists, a responsive drawing tablet can bring your KAWS-inspired digital art to life with precision.
  10. Protective Spray for Drawings
    Protective Spray - Finish your artwork with a protective spray to prevent smudging and fading over time.

With your toolkit ready, remember that while tools are vital, it’s your creativity that will truly bring your artwork to life. If you're curious about how quickly one can go from concept to creation in this style, take a look at our insightful article on How Does KAWS Create His Artwork So Quickly?.

The Foundational Elements of a KAWS Drawing

Every masterpiece begins with a foundation. In the case of a KAWS-inspired piece, it's about understanding the basic shapes and structures that form the skeleton of his characters. Start by practicing simple geometric shapes—circles for heads, rectangles for bodies—and don't forget those signature crossed-out eyes! To ensure you're on the right track, engage with our interactive quiz on Understanding KAWS Art Techniques.

Unleash Your Inner KAWS: A Vibrant Step-by-Step Drawing Guide

artist's desk with pencils, erasers, markers, and blank canvas
Gather Your Tools
Ignite your creative spark by assembling your artist's toolkit! You'll need pencils for sketching, erasers for refining, markers or paints for bold color, and paper or canvas to bring your vision to life. Embrace the excitement of starting a new KAWS-inspired masterpiece!
basic sketch of KAWS skull-and-crossbones head
Sketch the Basic Outline
Begin your KAWS journey by lightly sketching the iconic skull-and-crossbones head or the Companion figure. Focus on simple shapes - circles for the head, ovals for the eyes, and crosses for the hands. Remember, these are the scaffolding of your artwork, so keep it light and easy to adjust.
detailed sketch of KAWS character with X eyes and gloves
Refine the Details
With the basic shapes in place, it's time to refine. Sharpen the outlines, define the eyes with bold, emotive X's, and articulate the gloves and shoes. This step breathes life into your drawing, transforming simple shapes into a recognizable KAWS figure.
shaded drawing of KAWS figure showing depth
Add Depth with Shading
Shading is where your KAWS character starts to pop off the page. Use your pencils or markers to add shadows and depth, paying attention to how light naturally interacts with the form. This will give your artwork a three-dimensional feel, just like KAWS' own sculptures!
KAWS drawing being colored with vibrant hues
Bring in the Color
KAWS' art is known for its vibrant color palette. Choose your hues with intention, whether you're replicating a classic KAWS colorway or inventing your own. Apply color evenly and consider layering to create rich, dynamic tones that make your artwork stand out.
KAWS artwork with final touches and texture details
Final Touches and Texture
Add the final touches by incorporating texture and cleaning up any stray marks. Use fine lines to suggest fabric folds or the subtle nuances of the Companion's space suit. Your KAWS-inspired artwork is nearly complete—just a few more strokes of passion and precision!

Once you have these basic shapes down pat, it’s time to refine them into more complex forms. This involves adding layers of details such as facial expressions and unique postures that make each character stand out. Remember that proportion is key in achieving the characteristic look of a KAWS figure.

Crafting Your Character: From Sketch to Refined Drawing

Moving from rough sketches to refined drawings is where your practice begins to take shape—literally. This stage involves cleaning up your lines, perfecting curves, and ensuring symmetry where needed. Patience is crucial here; even seasoned artists know that great art isn’t rushed.

Mastering Kaws Drawing Techniques

Test your knowledge on refining sketches into finished Kaws-inspired drawings with this interactive quiz!

To gain further insight into this process and see real-time examples of sketches being transformed into polished works of art, consider exploring our detailed guide at Can I Learn How To Create Pop Art On KAWS ART?. It's one thing to read about techniques; it's another entirely to see them in action!

Inspiration can strike anywhere, so always be prepared for when creativity calls! Stay tuned as we continue our step-by-step journey through creating your very own piece inspired by the incredible world of KAWS.

Exploring Kaws' Color Palette

One of the most captivating aspects of KAWS' artwork is his bold and thoughtful use of color. His palette often includes vibrant hues that evoke a strong emotional response. To create your own KAWS-inspired artwork, start by selecting colors that are not only visually striking but also convey the mood you wish to represent. Think about how KAWS uses color to highlight features or to set the tone in pieces like COMPANION and ACCOLADE. Experiment with different combinations, and don't be afraid to use contrasting colors to make your piece pop.

The Signature Elements: Xs for Eyes and Popped Ears

The iconic X-ed out eyes and popped ears are signature elements in many KAWS characters, which give them a unique blend of whimsy and melancholy. When drawing these features, pay attention to their placement and proportion relative to the rest of the face. The eyes, for example, are typically large and evenly spaced, while the ears often extend beyond the top edge of the head. These features can be exaggerated or minimized depending on the emotion you want your character to express.

Crafting the Gaze: Kaws-Inspired Eyes and Ears

basic head outline sketch
Sketch the Basic Head Shape
Begin your Kaws-inspired masterpiece by lightly sketching the basic outline of the head. Think of it as a balloon - round with a slightly pointed chin. Keep your strokes light; this is just the blueprint for your Kaws character.
face with marked spots for eyes
Mark the Eye Positions
Identify the horizontal center of the face, and gently mark two spots where the eyes will be. Kaws' characters are known for their symmetrical X-ed out eyes, so placement is key. Imagine the face divided into equal thirds vertically, and place a mark on the first and third division for the eyes.
drawing X's on face for eyes
Draw the X-ed Out Eyes
Now, let's bring those iconic eyes to life. Draw two X's where you've marked the spots, ensuring they're of similar size and shape. The X's should be bold and clean, as they're a signature feature of Kaws' characters. Feel the flow as your pencil crafts these iconic symbols.
thick outlines around X-ed eyes
Add Depth to the Eyes
To give the eyes some depth, add a thick outline around each X. This will mimic the effect of the eyes being closed, with eyelashes casting a shadow. The boldness of the lines adds to the dramatic effect so characteristic of Kaws' style.
sketching semi-circle ears on head
Outline the Popped Ears
Above the horizontal line of the eyes, on the sides of the head, sketch the outlines for the popped ears. They should resemble small semi-circles or 'C' shapes that pop out from the head. These give the character its playful and animated look.
inner semi-circle for ear detail
Detail the Ears
Within the outlines, draw a smaller semi-circle to represent the inner ear. This adds depth and brings a touch of realism to your Kaws character. The ears are simple, yet they contribute significantly to the overall personality of the artwork.
refined drawing of Kaws character
Refine and Define
With the key features in place, it's time to refine your drawing. Erase any unnecessary guidelines and strengthen the outlines of your Kaws character. Your X-ed out eyes and popped ears should stand out with confidence and clarity, ready to captivate any onlooker.

Crafting Your Own Character in KAWS' Style

Beyond replicating his famous characters, developing your own creation within the KAWS aesthetic is where you can truly let your imagination soar. Begin with a simple sketch that outlines basic shapes and forms. As you refine your drawing, incorporate elements from KAWS' work that resonate with you—perhaps it's a pair of gloves or a certain posture. Remember, while it's essential to draw inspiration from KAWS, infusing your personal style will make your artwork genuinely unique.

Understanding KAWS Figures

Test your knowledge on the key characteristics of KAWS figures and see if you can identify what makes his artwork unique.

Incorporating these techniques into your art practice not only pays homage to an influential contemporary artist but also challenges you to think critically about style, form, and composition. Whether you're just starting out or you're an experienced artist looking to explore new avenues, there's something incredibly rewarding about creating something in the vein of an artist you admire.

If you're interested in learning more about how these techniques translate into other forms of art or merchandise, consider exploring our comprehensive guides on mastering the art of KAWS collection, styling a KAWS hoodie, or even designing a room with a KAWS theme.

To further test your knowledge on KAWS' artistic methods and their impact on pop culture and contemporary art, take our interactive quizzes available at Understanding KAWS Art Techniques Quiz and Test Your Knowledge: KAWS Art Techniques and Impact Quiz.

If this guide has inspired you to start collecting or even creating pop art yourself, don't miss our resources on how to begin at How To Start Your Own KAWS Art Collection. For those looking to purchase original pieces by the artist himself, our buyer's guide at Unearthing The Best KAWS Art For Sale: A Buyer’s Guide is an invaluable resource.

Drawing inspiration from an artist like KAWS can open up new avenues for creative expression. As you continue honing your skills with each stroke of color and line formation, remember that every artist finds their unique voice through practice and exploration. So grab those markers or paints—and let's create something unforgettable together! And always keep an eye out for new insights into his work by visiting pages like The Magic Of KAWs Drawings And Sketches: Unveiling The Creative Process for continuous inspiration.

Which KAWS Style Element Challenges You the Most?

KAWS' artwork is distinct and captivating, but recreating his style can be quite a challenge. Which aspect of KAWS' drawing techniques do you find the most difficult to master?


Mariam Terry
Interests: Art Education, Blogging, Kaws' Art, Pop Culture, Painting

Mariam is a passionate art educator and blogger with a keen interest in exploring the crossroads of art and pop culture. A long-time admirer of Kaws since her university years, she frequently incorporates his work into her lesson plans. Mariam earned her Master's degree in Art Education from the University of California, Los Angeles.

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