How to Draw a Person Running: Easy 10-Step Guide

Draw a light, rounded shape that looks like an upside-down teardrop. Teacher's Tip: Keep your pencil pressure very light here; this is just a guide for the head and we will refine the shape in the next step.

Erase the front edge of your teardrop and replace it with a profile. Draw the forehead, nose, and chin using smooth, curved lines. Tip: Use small, jagged lines for the hair to give it a bit of texture and movement.

Add a 'C' shape for the ear and draw a small oval for the eye. Add a curved line above the eye for the eyebrow. Tip: Keep the eye simple; a small, filled-in oval creates a classic cartoon look.

Erase the bottom of the head to connect the neck. Draw two curved lines for the neck and outline the torso. Tip: Make the arm opening a 'C' shape to show where the arm will attach later.

Draw the arm bent at the elbow. Use curved lines to show the muscles of the shoulder and bicep. Tip: Don't worry about perfect fingers; simple rounded shapes work great for a cartoon style.

Draw the second arm swinging behind the body. Use a long, curved line that doubles back to show the position of the hand. Tip: Keep this arm slightly smaller to show it is further away (perspective).

Sketch the thigh and calf using pairs of curved lines. Finish the foot with a shoe shape. Tip: Make the shoe slightly rounded at the toe to look like a real running sneaker.

Draw the second leg bent behind the first. Use similar curved lines for the thigh and calf. Tip: Ensure the leg looks like it is mid-stride by keeping the knee bent.

Add the hem of the shorts and the top of the socks. Tip: Use simple horizontal lines to define these boundaries, making the character look like he's wearing athletic gear.

Add your favorite colors! Use bright colors for the shirt to make him look fast. Tip: Try coloring the background with motion lines to emphasize that he is running quickly.