how to draw a labubu

Drawing Labubu, the iconic mischievous monster, is a fun and rewarding process! Its "ugly-cute" aesthetic, characterized by big eyes, prominent ears, and jagged teeth, makes it distinctive yet surprisingly approachable for artists of various skill levels. This guide will break down the process step-by-step, focusing on its key features.

Before you begin, gather your materials:

• Pencil: A graphite pencil (HB or 2B recommended) for sketching.
• Eraser: A good quality eraser to clean up guidelines.
• Paper: Any drawing paper will do.
• Optional: Black fine-liner pen for outlining, colored pencils or markers for coloring.

Let's begin!

Step-by-Step Guide to Drawing Labubu

Step 1: The Basic Head Shape

Labubu's head is the most recognizable part. Start with a simple, foundational shape.

1. Draw a Large Circle: Lightly sketch a large circle in the center of your paper. This will be the main part of Labubu's head. Don't worry about making it perfect; it's just a guideline.
2. Add Jawlines: Below the circle, draw two slightly curved lines extending downwards from the bottom sides of the circle, meeting at a soft, rounded point to form a "U" shape or a slightly flattened "V". This creates Labubu's distinct jawline and chin. The overall head shape should be a bit like an upside-down egg or a rounded teardrop.
3. Draw a Central Guideline: Lightly draw a vertical line straight down the middle of the head shape. This will help you keep the features symmetrical.
4. Draw Eye Guidelines: Roughly halfway up the circle, draw a light horizontal line across the head. This will guide the placement of the eyes. You can also add another horizontal line slightly below the first one to indicate the bottom of the eyes.

Step 2: The Eyes

Labubu's large, expressive eyes are central to its appeal.

1. Draw Two Large Ovals: On the horizontal eye guideline, draw two large, slightly squashed ovals for the eyes. They should be quite prominent and take up a good portion of the head's width, separated by a small space in the center. Ensure they are symmetrical using your central guideline.
2. Add Pupils: Inside each large oval, draw a smaller, dark circle or oval for the pupil. Position them slightly looking inwards or straight ahead for a classic Labubu gaze.
3. Highlight Sparkle: For added life, draw two small white circles or ovals inside each pupil (one larger, one smaller) to represent highlights or reflections. These will remain uncolored.
4. Eyelids/Browline: Above each eye, draw a soft, slightly curved line to suggest the upper eyelid or browline. This adds to the depth of the eyes.

Step 3: The Nose and Mouth

These features define Labubu's "monster" and "mischievous" aspects.

1. Draw the Nose: Below and between the eyes, draw a small, rounded triangular or bean shape for the nose. It's usually fairly small in comparison to the eyes.
2. Sketch the Mouth: Labubu's mouth is a wide, slightly curved line. Draw a curve extending from below one eye, through the center of the face, and ending below the other eye. It should have a slight upward or neutral curve, giving it a subtle grin.
3. Add the Blue Gum Line: A key Labubu feature! Along the bottom edge of the mouth line, draw a slightly thicker, darker curved line. This represents Labubu's blue gum line.
4. Draw the Jagged Teeth: This is where Labubu gets its signature look. Along the blue gum line, draw nine sharp, pointed triangles for the teeth. They should be slightly uneven in size and spacing, giving a characteristic "jagged" appearance. Ensure there are clear gaps between them.

Step 4: The Ears

Labubu's large, distinct ears contribute significantly to its character.

1. Draw the Outer Ear Shape: On either side of the head, starting roughly at the height of the eyes, draw a large, elongated oval or tear-drop shape for each ear. They should point slightly outwards and upwards. Think of them as large, somewhat floppy rabbit ears.
2. Add Inner Ear Details: Inside each outer ear shape, draw a smaller, similar shape to represent the inner ear. This adds dimension.

Step 5: The Body (Simplified)

For a basic Labubu drawing, a simplified body is often used.

1. Sketch the Torso: Below the head, draw a relatively short, somewhat cylindrical or barrel-shaped body. It should be wider at the top and narrow slightly towards the bottom. Think of it as a small, sturdy torso.
2. Add the Arms: From the upper sides of the torso, draw two short, stubby arms. They are usually simple, rounded shapes without much articulation. They can hang by its sides or be slightly bent. Add a small, rounded three-fingered hand/paw at the end of each.
3. Draw the Legs: From the bottom of the torso, draw two short, stocky legs. They are also simple, rounded shapes.
4. Add the Feet: At the end of each leg, draw a slightly larger, rounded oval or bean shape for the foot. They are simple, flat feet.

Step 6: Refine and Outline

Now it's time to make your Labubu pop!

1. Erase Guidelines: Gently erase all the initial sketch lines and guidelines you used.
2. Darken Lines: Go over your chosen lines with a darker pencil or a fine-liner pen. Pay attention to the curves and the crispness of the teeth.
3. Add Blush: On the cheeks, just below the eyes, lightly shade in two small, rounded areas for blush. This can be a very light pink or a soft orange.
4. Details: Add any small details like the small "buttons" or details that might appear on a specific Labubu outfit if you're drawing one.

Step 7: Color (Optional)

Coloring brings Labubu to life.

1. Body: Labubu's main body color is typically a pale, light blue, or teal. However, there are many variations (pink, yellow, brown, etc.), so choose your favorite.
2. Eyes: The large part of the eyes is usually white. The pupils are black. Don't forget to leave the small highlight circles white.
3. Nose: The nose is often a dark brown or black.
4. Gums: The gum line should be a distinct blue.
5. Ears (Inner): The inner part of the ears often matches the body color or is a slightly lighter shade.
6. Blush: Use a soft pink or peach for the blush.
7. Teeth: Keep the teeth white.

Tips for Drawing Your Own Labubu

• Practice Basic Shapes: Getting the head and body shapes right is key. Practice drawing ovals, circles, and rounded rectangles.
• Reference Images: Look at various official Labubu figures. Notice how the eyes, teeth, and ears are consistently drawn across different series.
• Exaggerate Features: Labubu's charm comes from its slightly exaggerated features – large eyes, prominent ears, and sharp teeth. Don't be afraid to emphasize these.
• Experiment with Expressions: While the classic Labubu has a subtle grin, you can experiment with slightly different mouth curves or pupil placements to give it various mischievous or curious expressions.
• Add Accessories: Once you're comfortable with the basic Labubu, try drawing it with different hats, clothes, or small props to personalize your drawing.
• Don't Aim for Perfection: The "ugly-cute" style means a little quirkiness can add character. Enjoy the process!

With these steps and a bit of practice, you'll be drawing your own adorable and mischievous Labubu monsters in no time!