How to Draw Stick Figure Comic Strips
Here are some examples of stick figure comic strips which are easy to create and fun to do.
Strips are a series of pictures that tell a short story or a joke. Heavy on the visual and light on reading they should offer a satisfaction to the visitor when they get the idea the artist is delivering.
People are more likely to glance at a cartoon than read a two thousand word article. A strip can be an obvious gag or it can have more subtle meaning. It is rewarding when you figure out what the creator was trying to say.
The comic strip is accessible across languages and education. There should be no need for a lot of words because the illustration is sufficient.
Strips are a series of pictures that tell a short story or a joke. Heavy on the visual and light on reading they should offer a satisfaction to the visitor when they get the idea the artist is delivering.
People are more likely to glance at a cartoon than read a two thousand word article. A strip can be an obvious gag or it can have more subtle meaning. It is rewarding when you figure out what the creator was trying to say.
The comic strip is accessible across languages and education. There should be no need for a lot of words because the illustration is sufficient.
The beauty of using stick figures in a strip is it means anyone who can hold a pen can create one.
The message you want to tell the world can be drawn, published and put out there for a billion internet users in a very short time.
This page is not a collection of the world's greatest comic designs or humor. It is from one Average Joe (me) to anyone else who is interested.
It consists of some simple short cartoon comic strips and brief discussion about creating them.
Some of them are hopefully funny.
The message you want to tell the world can be drawn, published and put out there for a billion internet users in a very short time.
This page is not a collection of the world's greatest comic designs or humor. It is from one Average Joe (me) to anyone else who is interested.
It consists of some simple short cartoon comic strips and brief discussion about creating them.
Some of them are hopefully funny.
Some Honesty
I am not a comic strip creator and this page is not very good.
A while back it seemed putting stick figures into a few boxes with a sort of joke would be worth attempting. It might make some money.
After having that idea and creating this page I gave up. The reason being that comic creation is hard work and my results were not good enough.
But having written this page and with people occasionally landing on it the question was this. Should it be deleted or left because some of the thoughts in here might be useful?
Well it is not deleted yet.
I think the best way to become a reasonable comic strip creator would be to view lots of paper and online comics. Find styles you like, practice and develop your own, and work very hard.
Anyhow, apologies if this page is disappointing. It was started with good intentions.
A while back it seemed putting stick figures into a few boxes with a sort of joke would be worth attempting. It might make some money.
After having that idea and creating this page I gave up. The reason being that comic creation is hard work and my results were not good enough.
But having written this page and with people occasionally landing on it the question was this. Should it be deleted or left because some of the thoughts in here might be useful?
Well it is not deleted yet.
I think the best way to become a reasonable comic strip creator would be to view lots of paper and online comics. Find styles you like, practice and develop your own, and work very hard.
Anyhow, apologies if this page is disappointing. It was started with good intentions.
The Simplest Two Panel Comic Strip
The purpose of this section was to show the simplest two panel cartoon featuring setup and payoff - the two key elements of humor.
Comic strip life on the internet is a bit more complicated than that for reasons explained after the two panels below.
A lot of comedy requires a straight man or stooge. The straight guy makes a statement - the funny guy does the funny.
It is not so clear in the example below who the funny guy is.
In the example below one of the guys laughs way too early.
A comic must be funny, right?
So he leaps in with laughter to make sure he isn't some slow fellow who missed the joke.
Comic strip life on the internet is a bit more complicated than that for reasons explained after the two panels below.
A lot of comedy requires a straight man or stooge. The straight guy makes a statement - the funny guy does the funny.
It is not so clear in the example below who the funny guy is.
In the example below one of the guys laughs way too early.
A comic must be funny, right?
So he leaps in with laughter to make sure he isn't some slow fellow who missed the joke.
He laughed too soon...
So that was hilarious.
Funnier perhaps, is my journey to creating those two panels, rather than a single strip with two pictures - setup and payoff.
As someone who existed before the internet, in those dark times where we knew nothing and scraped in the dirt looking for stuff to eat, my experience of comic strips is terribly dated.
I used to read them on paper! In a newspaper or Mad magazine or the Marval comics. A page of comic creations, reading from left to right and top to bottom.
For a while that format was OK on nice big wide screens. When I first created this page I thought it was still OK.
One big problem is mobile phones which are addressed further down.
The other problem is Google Search results. If Google decides you have some pictures worth seeing - thanks Google - a few of them are displayed as part of the search results. This is prime marketing real estate.
It works OK for squared pictures but a linear comic strip? Forget it.
So I split my two panel strip above into two separate panels. I figure it will look better in the Search Results.
Funnier perhaps, is my journey to creating those two panels, rather than a single strip with two pictures - setup and payoff.
As someone who existed before the internet, in those dark times where we knew nothing and scraped in the dirt looking for stuff to eat, my experience of comic strips is terribly dated.
I used to read them on paper! In a newspaper or Mad magazine or the Marval comics. A page of comic creations, reading from left to right and top to bottom.
For a while that format was OK on nice big wide screens. When I first created this page I thought it was still OK.
One big problem is mobile phones which are addressed further down.
The other problem is Google Search results. If Google decides you have some pictures worth seeing - thanks Google - a few of them are displayed as part of the search results. This is prime marketing real estate.
It works OK for squared pictures but a linear comic strip? Forget it.
So I split my two panel strip above into two separate panels. I figure it will look better in the Search Results.
Comic Strips and Mobile Phones
I put a fair amount of time into traditional style comic strips with color, several boxes and an attempt to be funny.
Then I realized you can't read them on a mobile phone.
So some of these strips are reworked into a square format which looks a little silly on a widescreen monitor. Fortunately, as the mobile is taking over as the prime viewing method of the internet, widescreen and desktop users are getting accustomed to compromise.
Widescreen versus mobile screen real estate is a challenge. It is hard enough drawing a cartoon, making it funny and presentable without the problem of squeezing it into a small restrictive space.
When and IF people move on to displays like the Apple iWatch it could be the end of displaying anything apart from a few words and some colored pixels.
Maybe Ascii drawings will make a comeback.
Here is a reworked "Need A Cat" idea in a square meme style four panel strip below. Paying particular attention to the balance of the four squares and the legibility / visibility of the writing.
The most funny thing about it is the time and effort required on something that will not make me a single penny.
Then I realized you can't read them on a mobile phone.
So some of these strips are reworked into a square format which looks a little silly on a widescreen monitor. Fortunately, as the mobile is taking over as the prime viewing method of the internet, widescreen and desktop users are getting accustomed to compromise.
Widescreen versus mobile screen real estate is a challenge. It is hard enough drawing a cartoon, making it funny and presentable without the problem of squeezing it into a small restrictive space.
When and IF people move on to displays like the Apple iWatch it could be the end of displaying anything apart from a few words and some colored pixels.
Maybe Ascii drawings will make a comeback.
Here is a reworked "Need A Cat" idea in a square meme style four panel strip below. Paying particular attention to the balance of the four squares and the legibility / visibility of the writing.
The most funny thing about it is the time and effort required on something that will not make me a single penny.
Mobiles and Responsive Comic Design
Apologies for banging on about mobile phones.
The difference in presentation and screen acreage between a wide-screen desktop and a mobile phone is huge. There is no comparison between them.
The old luxury of a super-width screen to play with has ended for the majority of web traffic. Sites talk about responsive layouts which means juggling and compromising your look on the fly to suit all screen types. But they can't handle a single comic strip in a jpeg.
A web designer with resource could create multiple versions of the same strip and deliver the most appropriate layout depending on the user.
Unfortunately I can't make that kind of effort. Not on these rates. That means finding a square or tall square design which fits everything and making sure every pixel counts. There is no room for extra detail when your visitor is sat on a tube train or rickshaw.
Here is a fun square cartoon which covers most of where my stuff is at. As few details as possible, a touch of colour and hopefully a gag that works.
The difference in presentation and screen acreage between a wide-screen desktop and a mobile phone is huge. There is no comparison between them.
The old luxury of a super-width screen to play with has ended for the majority of web traffic. Sites talk about responsive layouts which means juggling and compromising your look on the fly to suit all screen types. But they can't handle a single comic strip in a jpeg.
A web designer with resource could create multiple versions of the same strip and deliver the most appropriate layout depending on the user.
Unfortunately I can't make that kind of effort. Not on these rates. That means finding a square or tall square design which fits everything and making sure every pixel counts. There is no room for extra detail when your visitor is sat on a tube train or rickshaw.
Here is a fun square cartoon which covers most of where my stuff is at. As few details as possible, a touch of colour and hopefully a gag that works.
Set Up and Pay Off
Here is the smallest number of pictures a strip can have - two. The set up is in the first picture where our hero is being advised to use Ctrl and F to look for something - and in the second picture his screen catches on fire as a result.
A simple idea represented with minimal drawing. Fast and easy to do in response to forum posts, Twitter threads, general flaming, mild amusement - well. Whatever YOU want to use the cartoon for.
It is essential to keep the detail to an absolute minimum. The less you draw the less mistakes you make is one point. Equally important is the ability for the viewer to quickly scan and process the strip.
It is a big internet - fast-moving and with little dwell time anywhere.
A simple idea represented with minimal drawing. Fast and easy to do in response to forum posts, Twitter threads, general flaming, mild amusement - well. Whatever YOU want to use the cartoon for.
It is essential to keep the detail to an absolute minimum. The less you draw the less mistakes you make is one point. Equally important is the ability for the viewer to quickly scan and process the strip.
It is a big internet - fast-moving and with little dwell time anywhere.
The Standard Two Man Talking Setup
Here are a couple of stick men talking to each other. The standard set up for straight guy and comic since forever. It is an easy vehicle for a comic strip - relying on a mostly verbal rather than visual gag.
There is too much talking in the cartoon. The more words, the smaller the text has to be. You are limiting your readers to those with extremely good eyesight.
The best cartoons - arguably - have no talking at all.
There is too much talking in the cartoon. The more words, the smaller the text has to be. You are limiting your readers to those with extremely good eyesight.
The best cartoons - arguably - have no talking at all.
It Must Be Funny!
Not all of these strips are funny which is a slight downside. That is a common problem even for professional cartoonists.
They may have excellent characters, superb drawing skills and a strip laid out with the practised eye of someone who does it for a living but it is essential to laugh at the end.
A comic strip that wants the reader to look through to the end needs to reward them. Starting with the joke and working backwards may be one way to create a humorous strip.
I like the cartoon below because it is simple, effective and possibly funny. One lesson for the would-be cartoonist or comic strip creator is to be a savage editor. If it does not work then get rid and move on.
They may have excellent characters, superb drawing skills and a strip laid out with the practised eye of someone who does it for a living but it is essential to laugh at the end.
A comic strip that wants the reader to look through to the end needs to reward them. Starting with the joke and working backwards may be one way to create a humorous strip.
I like the cartoon below because it is simple, effective and possibly funny. One lesson for the would-be cartoonist or comic strip creator is to be a savage editor. If it does not work then get rid and move on.
A Comic Story in Pictures
The hangman series tells a simple tale of stickman escaping the noose.
The problem is presented, there are a few steps and a pay-off at the end. That is the basis for most comic strip story-telling.
The problem is presented, there are a few steps and a pay-off at the end. That is the basis for most comic strip story-telling.
Get Your Character Doing Something
A series of pictures can show your hero doing something. It might be physical or some word-play.
I tried to find the least possible exciting thing which was the day when stickman got a new pullover.
Although I called it "Gift" it might well have been a delivery from Amazon or some other woollen item distributor.
I tried to find the least possible exciting thing which was the day when stickman got a new pullover.
Although I called it "Gift" it might well have been a delivery from Amazon or some other woollen item distributor.
Stickman Becomes a Meme
I created this set of drawings when the word meme first entered my consciousness. My old stick figures were a bit drab and boring so they needed a lift.
Even though I now get the idea of a meme it does not feel funny. The same picture with different words. The dog that is called a doge or that Lord of the Rings guy.
In my picture stick man decided to change his look and become famous around the internet. It didn't work.
Even though I now get the idea of a meme it does not feel funny. The same picture with different words. The dog that is called a doge or that Lord of the Rings guy.
In my picture stick man decided to change his look and become famous around the internet. It didn't work.
Continuing Story Lines
Some lucky people get a regular gig for a comic strip. Perhaps in a newspaper, magazine or online site. If they keep up the standard people will return, share and hopefully generate more interest.
Peanuts is one of the great examples of this - running for an incredible fifty years.
Earlier on this page stickman was thinking about getting a cat. In what may be the world's shortest syndication the next strip shows him buying one.
Peanuts is one of the great examples of this - running for an incredible fifty years.
Earlier on this page stickman was thinking about getting a cat. In what may be the world's shortest syndication the next strip shows him buying one.
Talking Heads Comic Strip
This is less visual and more wordy. A simple idea of two stick heads in conversation. It is not particularly funny but I was experimenting with how little drawing I could get away with.
It is surprisingly difficult to get drawing continuity from one picture to another.
The lesson to take away from that picture is just how much effort creating a comic strip is. I tip my hat to the guys who did the original Marval comics. Their effort, skill and ingenuity puts my attempts to shame.
It is surprisingly difficult to get drawing continuity from one picture to another.
The lesson to take away from that picture is just how much effort creating a comic strip is. I tip my hat to the guys who did the original Marval comics. Their effort, skill and ingenuity puts my attempts to shame.
A Simple Four Picture Story
The discovery of fire was nothing like this but that is the first part of the joke. Create something that cannot happen and play with the idea.
Throw in some plausible fake science, surprise and eventual failure and you have yourself a comic strip.
Throw in some plausible fake science, surprise and eventual failure and you have yourself a comic strip.
Making a Point
A comic can be a fun way to make a point. The example below is about a writing site where they mark articles down.
That makes people sad.
I imagined the rejected writer selling their articles and doing a happy dollar dance.
It was fun to play with the idea and good practice too.
The cartoon is updated from an original scruffier version.
It has straight separator lines, my name, and a color coding for hero and stooge.
Using easy draw characteristics like straight and spiky hair can help distinguish different characters. Adding simple color clothes makes it even more obvious.
That makes people sad.
I imagined the rejected writer selling their articles and doing a happy dollar dance.
It was fun to play with the idea and good practice too.
The cartoon is updated from an original scruffier version.
It has straight separator lines, my name, and a color coding for hero and stooge.
Using easy draw characteristics like straight and spiky hair can help distinguish different characters. Adding simple color clothes makes it even more obvious.
Creating a Character
There are many benefits to having a regular character for your comic strip. A hero or maybe anti-hero who is a recognisable and repeatable image in the story lines.
Once the character is created there is a theme for future strips.
He should be easy to draw. It is important that our character is identifiable in each picture and has a connection or appeal to your intended audience.
Like most things worth doing in life it takes time, effort, luck and hard work to develop your character.
The strip below plays with the idea of TechGuy - an office IT support worker - who is a hero to some when he fixes their problems.
Once the character is created there is a theme for future strips.
He should be easy to draw. It is important that our character is identifiable in each picture and has a connection or appeal to your intended audience.
Like most things worth doing in life it takes time, effort, luck and hard work to develop your character.
The strip below plays with the idea of TechGuy - an office IT support worker - who is a hero to some when he fixes their problems.
Strip With a Message
The Troll strip works well for me. It is what we would all like to happen to trolls. The ability to reach through the screen and thwack them firmly.
It combines humor and surprise with some retribution that mostly the viewer will agree with. And maybe it is funny too.
It combines humor and surprise with some retribution that mostly the viewer will agree with. And maybe it is funny too.
Telling a Story
The main point of the cartoon comic strip is to tell a story in as few words as possible. It should not require a whole lot of reading to get the point.
The picture strip below came from a request for a drawing of a guy carrying a guitar which was proving difficult to get done. So I drew them in cartoon stages and created a little strip. It made the job more fun and the guy still got his guitar in the end.
The picture strip below came from a request for a drawing of a guy carrying a guitar which was proving difficult to get done. So I drew them in cartoon stages and created a little strip. It made the job more fun and the guy still got his guitar in the end.
An Example Four Panel Comic Strip
Here is a four panel design.
The first panel has the strip and my name in prime position.
The importance of that is obvious - ownership, copyright and an opportunity to point the browser back to the site or wherever you want them.
The other three panels tell the story - the first two for the set up and the last is the pay off.
The pay off in this case is colour.
There is little excuse for using purely black and white if you are drawing using graphics tools or even felt tip pens.
The first panel has the strip and my name in prime position.
The importance of that is obvious - ownership, copyright and an opportunity to point the browser back to the site or wherever you want them.
The other three panels tell the story - the first two for the set up and the last is the pay off.
The pay off in this case is colour.
There is little excuse for using purely black and white if you are drawing using graphics tools or even felt tip pens.
The Comic Strip And The Internet
Strips have been a popular part of traditional printed papers and of course comics for many years. The internet breathes new life into them.
In a world of browsing and snacking on information the bite size message in comic strips is ideal for the viewer. Quick and easy to understand they add extra value to pages whether humorous or serious.
The comic strip can be used to entertain, inform or subvert.
A simple joke can make a powerful point far more quickly than a thousand word article which no one will read.
Long may the tradition continue.
In a world of browsing and snacking on information the bite size message in comic strips is ideal for the viewer. Quick and easy to understand they add extra value to pages whether humorous or serious.
The comic strip can be used to entertain, inform or subvert.
A simple joke can make a powerful point far more quickly than a thousand word article which no one will read.
Long may the tradition continue.