July Make the hem of the kimono look organic. Add facial features and the belt tied in front. Make a heart shape with two openings atop the head. Finish by using two ovals to indicate crossed legs. Have the kimono sides overlap in a Y shape. Draw a single bun atop a rounded, squareish face with ears. Long narrow leaves Branches emerging from nodes on the trunk Show hanging strips of wishing paper, etc., suspended by string. It is said that it is better to wish for a specific thing to improve, not for an item you desire. Cowherds & Weaver girls Star festival decorations 100
August ▶ Regional variation exists. The relative sizes of the altar and other elements have been abstracted. Buddhist grave markers Lythrum anceps Chinese lantern plants Spirits are guided home by the light. Somen noodles Spirit horses A horse-like appearance Lanterns Spirit horses A cow-like appearance Altar sweets Hemp stalks to burn Manchurian wild rice Said to be a means of warding off evil spirits. Eggplant Cucumber Bon festival decorations 101
September Miscanthus sinensis One of the seven herbs of fall, said to ward off evil Make the ends fluffy Taro A traditional choice to celebrate the potato harvest. Moon viewing dumplings Symbolize the full moon Stack them in three layers Grapes Vines are auspicious as they connect people with the moon. Moon In Japan, it’s said if you look at the moon, you can see the figure of a rabbit pounding rice. Saké Draw the bottle and cup together as a set for a realistic look. Moon-viewing decorations 102
October (Halloween) Jack-o'-lanterns Wide open eyes and mouth Draw the vine of the pumpkin too if you like Skulls Draw this spooky motif so it has a bulbous cranium and large eye sockets. Vampires Candies Give him fangs and a long coat. Ghosts Taper the base to a point. Bats Draw pointy triangular ears. Make peaks in the top of the wings. Use wavy lines for the bottom of the wings. Witches 103
November (Shichi-Go-San festival) Place the legs apart for a wide stance. Use a trapezoid for the hakama pants. Make the haori jacket long. Show the obi belt tied behind. Add gorgeous color. Complete the kimono as rectangle. Draw the head, upper body, and trailing hair ornaments. Show a little of the kimono peeking out from underneath and add color. Continue drawing the outfit. Extend both arms in a natural pose. Start by drawing the large hair decoration. Add ornaments to the vest. b d t d he head, up Traditional chitose-ame candy Five-year-olds Seven-year-olds Three-year-olds 104
December Reindeer Long antlers, solid body Fluffy around the neck Santa Claus Make a plump belly Add a beaming smile for a kindly appearance Yule log (bûche de Noël) Resembles a cut log Add decorations around the base Roasted chicken Add colorful vegetables around the chicken Christmas trees Stack triangles to make the silhouette Decorate as you like Christmas decorations Stockings Miniature houses Candy canes Gingerbread men Christmas 105
Infant clothing Draw a long hem. Add the snaps. Draw the head and small hands emerging from sleeves. Add the snaps. Add diagonal lines for where the legs emerge. Draw chubby legs in an action pose. Draw the head with the arms up. Add swaddling behind the head. Make a Y shape to indicate how the fabric is lapped diagonally. Round off the shape. Draw the top half of the face. h h d d Bunting Onesies Swaddling 106
[ Baby items ] Baby baths Draw the baby first, and then the bath around it. Bouncers Draw a bean shape around the baby, as if loosely wrapping it. Strollers Draw it mostly from the side to make it easier. Mobiles Draw various decorations dangling from the ends of the rods. Baby bottles Make sure the nipple is connected to the bottle. Disposable diapers Potty seats 107
Nursery & elementary schools Add a large snap clasp. Add the side. Finish by drawing a shoulder strap. Complete the drawing with shoulder straps. Start by drawing two overlapping rectangles. Start by drawing two curves. Backpacks Nursery school hats Turn the brim up. Small brim Draw red and white caps for variety. Bucket hats Baseball caps Brim extends outward all around. School buildings Make a single-story building with a triangular roof for a realistic look. School buildings Add a clock. Leave the exterior white. Nursery school satchels Elementary school Nursery school 108
Graduations Draw long sleeves. Show a glimpse of the fingers. Add a ribbon at the front of the skirt. Draw a mid-length hem. Boots complete a fashionable look. Long gown Use the same color for the cap and the formal graduation gown. Draw wide sleeves on the gown. Add a diamondshaped cap. Round the top. Draw a diamond shape. Finish with color and a trailing tassel. Diplomas Female graduates Mortar boards Male graduates 109
Wedding ceremonies Draw a long jacket. Use triangles to make the lapels. Indicate a vest underneath. Draw hair decorations, and indicate the decolletage. Add a large bouquet. Western style hair decora d i di t t A-line Mermaid Princess Various dress silhouettes Grooms Brides 110
Start by indicating broad shoulders. Shift the bridal robe off the shoulders. Begin with an inverted V inside an incomplete circle. Show a glimpse of the Japanese hairstyle at the forehead and the sides. Draw a belt that sits low on the waist. Draw a folded fan in her hands. Finish with a trailing hem. Gift envelope Carp Japanese style Draw a folded f h ft th b d in her hands. Haori and hakama White kimono Congratulations! | | 111
Symbols Watching sports Watching movies Swimming Dry cleaning Library Beauty salon Sports related English-derived Japanese words Baseball Hitting the books Dentist Barber shop Study related Karate Soccer Piano Vaccination H tlospia t l Return date Date for collection 112
Instagram Twitter Facebook YouTube Shopping Meeting for coffee Lunch Dinner Anniversary Pay day Bill day Date Mixer Matchmaking Zoom conference Virtual meetup Phone call Mail School Office Bus Trolley 113
Birthdays Party poppers Party hats Presents Cakes Use these numerals for ages and birthdates! Message banners 114
Fashion
Small fashion items Shoes Watches The watch face is obvious even with no numbers drawn on. Pumps On men’s shoes, this section is long. Casual shoes Sneakers Leather shoes Flip-flops Hats The key is to draw the shape with eye toward indicating the material. Ski hat with pom poms Caps indicating the Caps Different hats Knitted caps Hat with a broad brim 116
Shawls Mufflers Scarfs Handbags There are various types of bags Simple ones are the easiest to convey e the ey Eyeglasses Change the lenses Use a colored pen for the frames if you like or th ike Wire-hook earrings Earrings k Necklaces N Neckwear Here are some fashion items for the neck. Accessories It’s fun drawing items that are trendy! 117
Festival fashion Happi jackets Make the sleeves short. Hyottoko masks Pucker the mouth and make the eyes large. Fox masks Show red markings on a white background. Draw narrow eyes. Add knee-length pants. Lap the front flaps like a kimono in a long Y shape. Keep the sleeves narrow. Show the tie at the side. Here are some fun fashions that continue traditions. Jinbei outfits 118
Okame masks The lower half of the face is plump. Hannya masks Two horns Large mouth Awa Odori festival costumes Semi-circular straw hat Long sleeves on the kimono Finish the drawing and add festive colors. Position the obi high on the waist. Start with a short Y shape at the neck. The sleeves are wide. Yukata outfits 119
Tempyo culture Drinking vessel Biwa (Japanese lute) (Ja Kofun period A person from the Nara period Nara period Tang-influenced costumes Historical costumes Finish with the long skirt. Make wide sleeve openings. Draw a bun on the top of the head. Indicate the wrists and knees bound with cord. Draw hair in buns next to the ears. Ancient imperial grave marker Terracotta funerary figurine Comma-shaped precious stones Kofun period Simple clothing Here are some fashions that symbolize Japanese culture. 120
Male imperial dress (sokutai ) Heian period Kokufu Bunka dress Finish with rounded shoes. Draw the baton. Indicate the just-visible kimono collar. Start with the lacquered head piece. Bow and arrow Flute Twelve-layered robe (junihitoe) Finish with the longhemmed skirt, with the hakama showing in the center. Add the fan in the hand. Layer Y shapes, one over the other. Indicate the forelocks. Ball Scroll Indicate the just-visible kimono collar. Start with the lacquere 121
Warring States period Depending on the family, the horns of the helmet and family crest changed during these turbulent times. Ninja Draw a mask that just shows the eyes. Draw one arm raised. Indicate the heirloom sword strapped to the back. Finish by drawing an imposing stance. Sickle and chain Dagger Throwing stars Warlord Start by drawing the helmet. Draw armor on the shoulders. Add the breastplate and sword hilt. Spear Standard Historical costumes Here are fashions for various historical professions. Finish with the legs and add color. 122
Edo period Kimonos are standard. Use small items to distinguish between individuals. Courtesan Finish with a long hem, and add color. Show a large obi tied in front. Start with a Add layers. Japanese hairstyle. Samurai Pipe Old-fashioned coins It can be held like this too Merchant Various ways to hold a pipe Samurai Draw hair on both sides of the head. Indicate the topknot. Draw one hand on the sword at the waist, and add a long hakama. Add the final details and color to finish. Japanese sword Oiled-paper umbrella 123
1940s (wartime) Plain clothes for ease of movement 1950s A-line dress with flared skirt Distinctive or parachute shape ent 19 A f D p 1 ( Bamboo spear Canteen Air defense hood Military uniform Women’s work pants Decorated hats New look Flared dress (“parachute dress”) df h Japanese women’s activewear during wartime Historical costumes Here are some fashions reflecting events from modern times. 124
Hippie era Expresses a free way of living, embracing love, peace and nature Long hair for both men and women Bubble era Figure is accentuated Bold shoulder pads Bangs styled like a bird’s crest Sunglasses and hat that were popular in the 1970s Feather fan Pager Cell phone Shoulder phone Japan’s first cell phone Form-fitting glamour wear 1960s 1990s Psychedelic dress Go-go boots y Guitar 125
Northern climes Fleecy hat Dance with arms crossed Europe Depending on the region, draw a skirt with apron, hat, scarf, etc. Medieval costume Princely outfit Gentlemanly pose Middle east Turban Curved sword held high in the air Fierce expression Africa Flamboyant colors Various accessories World costumes Draw figures in poses that complement outfits symbolizing the culture of various countries and regions. 126
South-east Asia Baggy pants and flowing scarf Bright colors Depict with swaying hips and posed hands South America Patterned poncho and hat Hawaii Hula dance Gently swaying arms and legs China Cute costume Distinctive buttons Aborigine Powerful tribal dance Bent knees Legs pushed out Draw the distinctive elements for a good result! 127
Kings Proud stance Sumptuously decorated crown and cloak Princesses Small tiara Voluminous dress covered in frills Angels Wings on the back, halo above the head Use yellow and gold as key colors Mounted nobles Crown is bigger than a princess’s Flowing cloak A golden flowing tail for the horse increases the air of fantasy Fairytale fashions Here are some characters that appear in fairy tales. 128
Elves Spritely expression Slightly pointed ears Mermaids Lower half resembles the tail of a fish Long hair Don’t forget the starfish hair decoration Witches Triangular hood Slightly elongated nose Staff is crucial Evil spirits Pointy wings Fangs Slightly mischievous expression Pirates Peaked hat Striped shirt Torn pants 129
Sunscreens Various perfumes Dressing tables g Various skin care items Lip glosses Lipsticks Nail polishes Mascaras Makeup brushes Eyelash curlers Accouterments that make fashion fun Cosmetic items Eyeshadow compacts Powder puffs Makeup Mirrors ng tables Mirrors pstic 130
Houses and Interiors
Things to consider before drawing houses and interiors A modern, streamlined, stylish house? A stuffed leather sofa? An antique chair? A heated table (kotatsu)? The latest appliances? A Showa-era telephone? Western crockery? A cute, fairytalelike house? A Japanese-style cottage? What sort of house are you trying to create? What sort of furniture would you like to put inside? What about other objects? Visualizing the kind of house you want to portray from the start creates a cohesive interior for a stylish result! 132
External appearance Outer walls Doors Windows Mailboxes Play with the colors and patterns of the curtains. Wood lattice Unique semi-circle style Simple type House-shaped Retro Apartment type 133
Toilets Toilet paper Slippers Toilet brushes Toilet seats Draw the back with a straight line. Draw the front with a rounded line. Taper the sides downward. Make the lid large. Curve here. Inside the stand The brush alone Draw the handle first. Start with two concentric ovals. Shade the inside of the roll. Make the torn end of the paper jagged. Make the base slightly squared off. M k th 134
Bathrooms Basins Stools Shampoo & conditioner bottles Showers Draw a wide oval. Draw the handle with smooth curves. Indicate water spray for easy identification. Draw whatever bottle shape you like. Add the pump component. Add shampoo and conditioner labels. Shampoo guards In use Add a shadows to indicate depth and make the hole more obvious. 135
First floor living areas Washing machines Vacuum cleaners Draw a hose to connect the parts. Begin by drawing a large square. Top loader Stick type Robot Draw an egg shape with a circle. ape . Make the wand section straight. Cats like riding on them Add the front-loader door and feet. Draw tumbling clothes and the controls. 136
Living room furniture Curtains Indicate gathers in the fabric. Sofas Change the cushions and armrests to create a style you like. Side tables Make the closest side longer, and the side farthest away shorter. Chairs Create variations by changing the backrest! Tables Make the closest legs longer, and the legs farthest away shorter. 137
Second floor dining rooms and kitchens Refrigerators Add a rectangle off to the side and draw in the contents to show an open refrigerator. Televisions Remote control Large appliances have similar shapes, so alter how they are drawn to create distinction, such as in the following ways: Open a door Add small items Draw in the floor plan by hand for a cute look. Lighting Change the fixture to suit your taste. 138
Seasonal appliances Place a kettle on it if you like. Add the control dial and foot. Add vertical lines. Draw rectangles of different sizes on the top and bottom. Use just a marker to color in the blades instead of drawing the outline, if you prefer. Draw two concentric circles; make the one in the middle small. It’s fine to only color in certain sections. Draw a sturdy base at the bottom. Add a long, slender stand. Fans Kerosene heaters You can grill potatoes on it too! Add the fuel-reservoir base. 139
Kitchen utensils Rice cookers Indicate steam if you wish. Scales Coffee makers Cutting boards and knives Kettles Gas ranges This is a kitchen with an island. 140
Crockery Plates Small bowls Frying pans Pots Storage containers Enameled vessels Butter dishes Teapots Cutlery Coffee cups Draw ones you’d like to have for yourself! Depending on the colors, they can look modern or refined. Pot shapes vary depending on their purpose. Draw ones that suit what you like to cook. Create your own designs 141
Third floor bedrooms and personal spaces Chairs Visualize a 3D rectangle. Flesh in the mattress. Draw the headboard. Bunk beds Four-poster beds Single beds Draw the frame, curtains and bed, in that order. 142
There’s no need to draw individual keys in detail. How about these? Home office-related items Draw the display and the keyboard. Make the sides of the base diagonal. Make the screen rather wide. Accessorize with buttons, display, etc. Add a substantial rectangular face. Start by drawing a trapezoid. Lamps Desktop PCs Cell phones Headphones w . Around the desk All-in-one printers Notebook computers 143
On the desk Books Pencil cases Stamps Tape rolls Rulers Protractors Set squares Binder clips Inks Glue products Various pens Tape measures Favorite photos Bulldog clips Paper clips Fountain pens 144
Cutting/Gluing Add another Open scissors “b.” Add a long blade. Draw a “b” on an angle. Closed scissors Draw a diagonal blade and add color. Indicate a button for moving the blade. Start with two long, Add lines. thin rectangles. When you want to draw a simple scissors motif such as for indicating a cutting line, just draw two circles and lines! Add the spindle and tape extending to the blade. Draw the visible part of the roll. Draw a small valley Square it off. and large mountain. Box cutters Scotch tape dispensers Scissors 145
Writing utensils Make the nib trapezoidal for highlighters and the like. Retractable pens with various colors Make the edge of the painted barrel jagged for a sharpened pencil. Eraser tip Colored pencils For pens and pencils, create variations on long, thin rectangles. Thin line Mechanical pencils Triangular Ballpoint pens Rounded Pencils Markers The tips differentiate each type 146
Various thicknesses Paper items Clear folders Notebooks Spiral-bound notebooks Paper with the corner turned up Join two pieces to make an opened notebook. Round the tops to create a supple look. Round the corners. Add rings at the top for a memo pad. Draw a little of the page edges to make 3D. Add a little more thickness for a book. Make a dictionary even thicker. For paper items, create variations on rectangles. s, ns Differentiate between book types by thickness. 147
Drills Screws and nails DIY tools Sewing machines Yarn Use colorful thread for a fun look. Thread Irons Scissors Pins and pin cushions Sewing items Hammers Wrenches Saws Pliers Screwdrivers Brushes Don’t draw in too much detail; keep things rounded for a cute result. 148
Vehicles