Stick figures are the first step many kids take when learning to draw people. But here’s the thing—stick figures don’t have to stay simple. With a little creativity and the right techniques, your students can transform their stick figures into something way more exciting!
Let’s dive into four super fun techniques that help teach kids how to upgrade their basic drawings into detailed, dynamic characters. Click here to download a free worksheet with spaces for your students to practice all 4 of techniques below.
Technique 1: Start with Simple Shapes
The first step is all about breaking things down into simple shapes like circles, ovals, and rectangles. It’s amazing how much easier it is for kids to create realistic figures when they see people as a combination of basic shapes. Simple Shapes Figure Handout (inside Princess Artypants Membership)
How You Can Use This in Class:
Start by having your students draw a stick figure doing something simple, like standing, waving, or sitting. Then, show them how to add a circle for the head, ovals for the arms and legs, and rectangles for the torso. Watch their faces light up when they realize how much structure these shapes give their stick figures.
Technique 2: Move to More Complex Shapes
Once your students are comfortable with basic shapes, it’s time to step it up a notch. Introduce them to more complex shapes like trapezoids and half-circles to add even more depth and dimension to their drawings. More Complex Shapes handout (inside Princess Artypants membership)
Try This in Your Lesson:
Show your students how a trapezoid can make a torso look more realistic or how half-circles can create curved limbs. Challenge them to use these shapes to reimagine their stick figures from Technique 1. Suddenly, their stick figures look a little less “stick” and a lot more “wow”!
Technique 3: Add Joints, Movement, and Details
Now it’s time to bring those stick figures to life! Adding joints (like elbows and knees) lets students show movement and action. Then, the fun really begins when they start layering on details like hair, clothes, and facial expressions.Add Joints and Movement handout (inside Princess Artypants membership)
Here’s a Fun Idea for Class:
Have students create a stick figure doing something active—running, jumping, dancing, or even doing karate! Show them how bending at the joints makes their figures look dynamic and real. Then, let them add personality with fun details like hats, shoes, or props. A stick figure kicking a soccer ball? Awesome. A stick figure rocking out on a guitar? Even better!
Technique 4: Trace Around the Stick Figure
This technique is a total game-changer. Tracing around a stick figure gives it volume and makes it look more three-dimensional. It’s the perfect way to transition from flat, skinny stick figures to fuller, more lifelike ones. Trace Around It handout (inside Princess Artypants membership)
Classroom Activity:
Give your students a stick figure to trace, or let them draw their own first. Show them how to outline the figure with rounded shapes to create thicker arms, legs, and a more solid torso. For a fun twist, pair students up: one draws the stick figure, and the other traces around it to add volume. Collaboration for the win!
Why Your Students Will Love This
These techniques make it easy for kids to see progress in their drawings, and they’ll feel super proud of their work. The step-by-step approach builds their confidence, while the creative challenges keep things exciting. Whether you use this resource as part of an art unit, a warm-up activity, or a character design project, your students will have a blast upgrading their stick figures.
Use these techniques and watch your students go from basic stick figures to dynamic works of art. You’ll be amazed at what they can do with just a little guidance—and so will they!
Stay inspired,
Kristin