What Makes a Cartoon Drawing Competition Entry Stand Out?

A strong competition drawing should communicate an idea quickly. When a judge looks at your artwork, they should be able to understand its main character, theme, and message without needing a long explanation.

The most important elements include:

• Originality: Create your own concept rather than copying a popular cartoon.
• Creativity: Add an unexpected or interesting element to your idea.
• Clear storytelling: Make the artwork communicate a simple story or message.
• Strong composition: Arrange characters and objects so the drawing is easy to understand.
• Effective colors: Use colors that support the mood and theme.
• Clean execution: Keep outlines, coloring, and details neat.
• Theme relevance: Follow the competition topic carefully.
• Presentation: Make the finished artwork look polished and complete.

Quick Answer: How Can a Beginner Win a Cartoon Drawing Competition?

A beginner can improve their chances by choosing a simple but original concept, creating expressive characters, following the theme closely, using a balanced composition, applying colors carefully, and keeping the final artwork clean and easy to understand.

1. Understand the Competition Theme First

Before putting pencil to paper, read the competition instructions carefully.

If the theme is Save Nature, for example, don’t simply draw a tree and a few animals.Think about how you can turn the theme into a visual story.

You could show a cartoon character trying to protect a small forest from pollution, or create a humorous scene where animals teach humans about recycling.

Ask yourself:

• What exactly is the theme?
• Who is my target audience?
• Is there a message I want to communicate?
• What emotions should my drawing create?
• Are there restrictions on size, medium, or time?
• Does the competition require an original drawing?

Following the theme is especially important because even an excellent drawing can lose marks if it does not address the competition’s subject.

2. Choose a Simple but Powerful Idea

One of the biggest mistakes beginners make is trying to put too many ideas into one drawing.

Instead, choose one central concept.

For example, if the topic is environmental protection, your concept could be:

“A child superhero protecting the Earth from pollution.”

That single idea gives you plenty of opportunities for character design, facial expressions, background elements, and visual storytelling.

A Simple Idea-Generation Formula

Try this formula:

Theme + Character + Problem + Creative Solution

For example:

Environment + Cartoon Boy + Plastic Pollution + Superhero Recycling Machine

This approach makes brainstorming easier and gives your drawing a clear narrative.

3. Create an Original Cartoon Character

Your character is often the most noticeable part of a cartoon drawing.

You don’t need complicated anatomy. Instead, focus on recognizable shapes and expressive features.

Experiment with:

• Large or small heads
• Different body proportions
• Unique hairstyles
• Interesting clothing
• Distinctive eyes
• Exaggerated facial expressions
• Memorable accessories
• Funny poses

A character should have something visually distinctive.

For example, instead of drawing an ordinary superhero, give your character an unusual backpack that turns plastic waste into plants. That small detail can make the character more memorable.

4. Focus on Facial Expressions

Expressions can make a simple cartoon feel alive.

Use facial expressions to communicate emotions such as:

• Happiness
• Surprise
• Fear
• Anger
• Confusion
• Excitement
• Sadness
• Determination

Beginner Tip

Practice the same character with five different expressions before creating your final artwork. This exercise helps you understand how the eyes, eyebrows, mouth, and face shape work together.

5. Use Exaggeration to Make Your Cartoon More Interesting

Cartoon art allows you to exaggerate features.

If your character is surprised, make the eyes larger and the mouth wider. If the character is angry, emphasize the eyebrows and facial shape.

Exaggeration can communicate emotion much faster than realistic drawing. However, exaggeration should support your story rather than make the artwork confusing.

6. Plan Your Composition Before Drawing

Don’t immediately start with the final outline. Create a quick thumbnail sketch first.

A thumbnail is a small, rough version of your artwork that helps you decide:

• Where the main character will stand
• Where secondary characters will appear
• Where the background belongs
• Where text or speech bubbles might go
• Which part should attract attention first

The Main Focus Should Be Clear

Your viewer’s eye should naturally move toward the most important part of the drawing.

A useful hierarchy is:

Main character → Supporting character → Background → Small details

Avoid making every element equally large and detailed.

7. Tell a Story Through Your Cartoon

One of the strongest advantages of cartoon art is storytelling.

Instead of simply drawing objects related to the theme, create an interaction between them.

Weak concept: A cartoon Earth surrounded by trees.

Stronger concept: A cartoon Earth character looking worried while children plant trees around it and a factory in the background begins reducing smoke.

The second concept communicates a story and creates more emotional impact.

8. Use Colors Strategically

Color can dramatically change the appearance of your cartoon.

Beginners sometimes use too many bright colors. This can make the artwork look chaotic. Instead, choose a controlled color palette.

Don’t Overuse Black

Black outlines can help define cartoon characters, but excessively thick outlines may hide small details.Use consistent line weight and make important features slightly more prominent.

9. Make the Background Support the Character

A background should add context without competing with the main subject.

For example, a cartoon about protecting nature could include:

• Trees
• Birds
• Clouds
• Recycling bins
• Mountains
• A clean river
• A small village

But you don’t need to draw every possible object. Choose background elements that help explain the story.

10. Add Humor or Emotion

Cartoons are naturally suited to humor, but humor should be relevant to the theme.

Suppose the topic is healthy living. Instead of drawing a simple person exercising, you could create a funny character trying to escape from a giant pile of junk food while a tiny dumbbell acts like a superhero.

The idea is simple, but the visual story is more memorable.

If humor doesn’t suit the topic, focus on emotion instead.

11. Avoid Copying Famous Cartoon Characters

This is an important rule for competitions.

Drawing a recognizable character from an existing movie, television show, comic, or game may demonstrate drawing ability, but it doesn’t necessarily demonstrate originality.

Instead, study general cartoon principles and develop your own character.

You can learn from:

• Cartoon proportions
• Character expressions
• Shape language
• Line art
• Color theory
• Visual storytelling

Then combine those skills into an original creation.

12. Practice Before the Competition

Don’t wait until competition day to practice. Create small drawings regularly.

Even 20–30 minutes of focused practice can help you become more comfortable with your drawing process.

13. Practice Drawing Under Time Pressure

A Cartoon Drawing Competition may have a strict time limit. That’s why practicing only at your own pace isn’t enough.

Try setting a timer and completing a drawing within the same approximate time available in the competition.

• 10 minutes: Idea and thumbnail
• 15 minutes: Character sketch
• 20 minutes: Main outlines
• 20 minutes: Coloring
• 10 minutes: Background and details
• 5 minutes: Final corrections

Adjust the timing depending on the actual competition rules.

14. Keep Your Artwork Clean

Before submitting your artwork, check for:

• Unwanted pencil marks
• Smudges
• Uneven coloring
• Broken outlines
• Random objects
• Incomplete areas
• Poorly written text
• Distracting background details

A clean final presentation can make your artwork look much more professional.

15. Use Reference Images Wisely

References can help you understand poses, objects, animals, clothing, and environments. However, don’t simply reproduce another artist’s artwork.

Use references to understand how something works, then draw it in your own style. For a competition, originality should remain a priority.

16. Add a Strong Visual Message

If your competition has a social or educational theme, make the message immediately understandable.

For example, if the theme is Save Water, you could draw a cartoon child turning off a leaking tap while a giant water-drop character gives a thumbs-up.

The viewer immediately understands the message. This is particularly useful for competitions where judges evaluate creativity as well as thematic relevance.

17. Choose the Right Drawing Medium

Depending on the competition rules, you might work with:

• Colored pencils
• Crayons
• Oil pastels
• Watercolors
• Poster colors
• Markers
• Digital drawing tools

The “best” medium isn’t necessarily the most advanced one. Choose a medium that you can control confidently.

A beautifully finished colored-pencil drawing is better than an ambitious watercolor artwork that remains unfinished.

18. Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many beginners lose potential marks because of avoidable mistakes.

Avoid These Problems

• Copying existing cartoon characters
• Ignoring the theme
• Starting without a rough sketch
• Using too many colors
• Filling every empty space
• Making the background more detailed than the main character
• Adding unnecessary text
• Leaving the artwork unfinished
• Spending too much time on tiny details
• Forgetting to check competition rules

The goal isn’t to fill the page. The goal is to communicate a strong idea effectively.

19. A Simple Winning Strategy for Beginners

Step 1: Read the Topic

Understand exactly what the competition asks you to draw.

Step 2: Brainstorm

Write down three to five possible ideas.

Step 3: Select One Concept

Choose the idea that is easiest to understand and visually interesting.

Step 4: Make a Thumbnail

Plan your composition with a small rough sketch.

Step 5: Draw the Main Character

Focus on proportions, pose, and expression.

Step 6: Add Supporting Elements

Include only objects that strengthen the story.

Step 7: Outline Carefully

Create clean and confident lines.

Step 8: Apply Color

Use a balanced and consistent palette.

Step 9: Review the Drawing

Look for mistakes, smudges, gaps, and distracting elements.

Step 10: Final Presentation

Make sure your artwork meets the competition requirements before submission.

Cartoon Drawing Competition: Beginner Checklist

• ☐ Did I follow the exact theme?
• ☐ Is my concept original?
• ☐ Is the main character easy to identify?
• ☐ Does the artwork tell a story?
• ☐ Are the expressions clear?
• ☐ Is the composition balanced?
• ☐ Are my colors consistent?
• ☐ Is the artwork clean?
• ☐ Did I leave enough time for finishing touches?
• ☐ Does my drawing follow all competition rules?

If you can confidently answer “yes” to most of these questions, your artwork is ready for submission.

People Also Ask About Cartoon Drawing Competitions

How do I win a Cartoon Drawing Competition?

To improve your chances of winning, create an original concept that clearly follows the theme. Focus on expressive characters, strong composition, storytelling, appropriate colors, clean execution, and a polished final presentation.

What should I draw for a cartoon competition?

Choose a subject that matches the competition theme and gives you an opportunity to tell a visual story.Environmental issues, friendship, education, kindness, technology, healthy living, and imaginative characters can all inspire strong concepts when they fit the assigned topic.

How can I make my cartoon drawing more attractive?

Use expressive characters, clear outlines, balanced colors, interesting poses, and a simple background. Make the main subject visually dominant and avoid unnecessary details.

Can beginners participate in cartoon drawing competitions?

Yes. Beginners can participate and improve their chances through regular practice, creative ideas, good composition, and careful presentation. Artistic experience is helpful, but originality and execution are also important.

Should I copy a famous cartoon character?

No. For a competition, it is better to create an original character inspired by general cartoon techniques rather than copying a copyrighted or recognizable character.

How long should I practice before a drawing competition?

There is no fixed amount of time. Consistent short practice sessions can be more useful than occasional long sessions. Practice expressions, poses, composition, coloring, and complete drawings under time limits.

What makes a cartoon drawing unique?

A combination of an original character, distinctive visual style, creative storytelling, unusual details, and a clear message can make a cartoon drawing stand out.

FAQs

Explore a Cartoon Drawing Competition

If you’re looking for an opportunity to put your creativity into practice, explore the Cartoon Drawing Competition page on DOMS Art League.

Explore Cartoon Drawing Competition

Conclusion

Winning a Cartoon Drawing Competition isn’t about creating the most complicated drawing on the page. It is about communicating a creative idea in a way that is easy to understand, visually appealing, and memorable.

Start with the theme. Develop one strong concept. Create an original character with expressive features, plan your composition, choose colors carefully, and leave enough time to make the final artwork neat.

Most importantly, practice storytelling—not just drawing.

A beginner who consistently practices character expressions, poses, composition, coloring, and timed drawings can make significant progress. With creativity, preparation, and attention to presentation, your next cartoon drawing can have a much stronger chance of standing out from the competition.