Q&A for How to Draw a Basketball

That's just how they chose to color it. They're usually orange, but can really be any color.

Trace something that looks like a perfect circle, like the bottom of a cup or anything circular.

Start by drawing a slightly curved line. Make another curved line and connect it to the first. Draw a straight line in the center. Add three marks to the line.

You can use a compass, protactor, or ruler to help make your lines better. The pictures here are animations, meaning that they can be perfect. It's harder to do the same freehand.

Print a picture of the logo the size you want it. Trace around it facing the paper to light. That makes it clearer to see.

To shade a basketball, start with a light layer of shading over the entire area. Then, darken the area farthest from the light and gradually lighten it. Avoid straight lines; instead, use scribbles and smudge them to create shape. Follow the contour of the ball to emphasize its roundness.

To draw a shadow around the ball, lightly shade with a pencil in the area opposite the light source. Using a pen can be more challenging for shading.

Use a reference image, possibly with a signature from your favorite player. You can use the grid method or draw freehand. Avoid tracing, as it may be considered plagiarism.