PDF download Download Article PDF download Download Article

Since his premiere in Action Comics #1, June 1938, Superman has risen to iconic status faster than a speeding bullet. The Man of Steel's distinctive appearance has been rendered by artists ranging from his co-creator, Joe Schuster, to Wayne Boring, Win Mortimer, Al Plastino, Curt Swan, Dick Dillin, Alex Ross and other DC Comics greats. It doesn't require powers and abilities far beyond those of mortal men to draw Superman, but drawing him well requires knowledge of anatomy and perspective and attention to detail. Here's what it takes to draw Superman.

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Starting with a Stick Figure

PDF download Download Article
  1. Advertisement
  2. Take note on the details such as his hairstyle, logo on his chest, belt, the design of his boots and his cape.
  3. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Starting with the Head

PDF download Download Article
  1. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    How do I draw a line of hair?
    Community Answer
    You won't be able to draw every line, but start out with just the shape of the hair, then fill in details and accessories.
  • Question
    How can I do different poses?
    Community Answer
    Use a poser. They sell small mannequins at Michael's or any art supply store. You can also find digital posers in the App Store.
Ask a Question
      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      • If you're drawing Superman with a drawing program such as Photoshop or Paint Shop Pro, use separate layers for the reference lines and the final drawing. Then, when you've finished drawing the Man of Steel's image, delete the layers with the reference lines. Color in the Last Son of Krypton's image, then merge the layers.
      • When drawing Superman on paper, draw the reference lines lightly and the figure lines more distinctly in pencil. Then, when you've finished drawing the Man of Steel's image, erase the reference lines and ink in the figure lines before you color him in.
      • If you're showing the Man of Tomorrow using his vision powers, draw narrow cone-shaped beams from his eyes and follow the convention to indicate which power he's using: X-ray vision is shown with yellow beams, heat and infrared vision with red beams and telescopic and microscopic vision with whitish beams.
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      References

      1. http://www.dragoart.com/tuts/118/1/1/how-to-draw-superman.htm
      2. Rodney Ruff, Omaha, NE; lifelong Superman/DC Comics fan

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To draw Superman, start by lightly sketching a stick figure, using pipes and circles to represent the volume of the muscles. Next, sketch the design of Superman’s costume over the stick figure drawing. Then, draw in the finer details like his hairstyle, the Superman logo on his chest, the belt, boots, and cape. Lastly, add details to Superman's face, finalize your lines, and erase the unnecessary sketched lines to bring your drawing to life. For more tips on how to draw Superman in different poses, keep reading!

      Did this summary help you?
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 222,491 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Timothy Hay

        Apr 19, 2017

        "Helped me with a Superman drawing."
      Share your story

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement