Top 10 Cartoon Styles Every Artist Should Know & How to Create Them
- Matthew
- Jun 4
- 10 min read
Updated: Jun 23
Looking to explore different cartoon styles? You can use these styles to develop characters, but also to quickly establish mood, ask visual questions, or ask your artistic instincts to synthesize things in ways you'd never find in typical artwork. From classic to modern, learn what makes each style unique and how they influence animation today.
Key Takeaways
Classic cartoon styles, like Golden Age and Mid-Century Modern, lay the foundation for animation, influencing character design and storytelling.
Modern styles utilize digital tools, offering new creative possibilities through hybrid techniques, simplified designs, and vibrant visuals.
Understanding various cartoon styles, including anime, chibi, and experimental, helps artists discover their unique voice and enhance their storytelling.
Classic cartoon styles are the bedrock of animation, each possessing a unique look and feel often associated with specific cultural eras or geographical locations. These styles have evolved over time, yet their core elements remain influential in defining the aesthetic and emotional appeal of animated works. From the whimsical charm of early Disney animations to the iconic characters of mid-century cartoons, these styles continue to inspire and captivate audiences.
Mastering these foundational styles offers artists a historical perspective and a rich source of inspiration for creating new and exciting characters.
Golden Age Animation
This style, prominent from the 1920s to 1950s, features exaggerated, fluid movements and whimsical designs, often seen in early Disney and Warner Bros. cartoons. Defined by rubber-hose animation (flexible limbs, as in Steamboat Willie), it prioritized comedic timing and visual gags. Studios like Fleischer (Betty Boop) and MGM (Tom and Jerry) contributed to its legacy. Its cheerful, hand-drawn aesthetic laid the foundation for modern animation, with classics like Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and Looney Tunes remaining cultural touchstones.
Limited Animation
Limited animation, pioneered in the 1950s by studios like Hanna-Barbera, uses simplified movements and static backgrounds to reduce production costs, focusing on dialogue and character-driven stories. Seen in shows like The Flintstones and Scooby-Doo, it prioritizes efficiency over fluidity, contrasting with Disney’s full animation. Its influence persists in modern 2D cartoons like Phineas and Ferb, where stylized, minimal motion supports humor and accessibility, shaping TV animation’s economic model.
Modern Western Animation
Modern Western animation, evolving from the 1990s, blends clean lines, bold colors, and digital techniques, seen in shows like The Simpsons and Adventure Time. It emerged from the decline of hand-drawn animation, embracing computer-assisted designs and diverse storytelling. Networks like Cartoon Network and Nickelodeon popularized this style with series like SpongeBob SquarePants. Its versatility allows for both comedic and emotional narratives, influencing streaming platforms with shows like BoJack Horseman and Rick and Morty.
CG Animation (3D)
CG (computer-generated) animation, dominant since the 1990s, uses 3D modeling and rendering for lifelike visuals and dynamic camera work, as pioneered by Pixar with Toy Story (1995). It features realistic lighting, textures, and physics, seen in blockbusters like Frozen and Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. Its versatility allows for both stylized and hyper-realistic designs, driving modern blockbusters and video games, with studios like DreamWorks (Shrek) and Illumination (Despicable Me) leading the field.
Anime
Anime is a Japanese animation style characterized by vibrant visuals, expressive characters, and diverse genres ranging from action to romance. Originating in the early 20th century, with pioneers like Osamu Tezuka shaping its modern form in the 1960s through works like Astro Boy, anime blends detailed backgrounds, dynamic camera angles, and emotive character designs. Its global popularity surged in the 1980s and 1990s with series like Dragon Ball and Sailor Moon, influencing Western animation and spawning a massive cultural fandom. Popular references include Naruto, Demon Slayer, and Studio Ghibli films like Spirited Away.
Manga
Manga refers to Japanese comic-style illustrations, often serialized in magazines, featuring black-and-white art with intricate linework, exaggerated expressions, and dynamic panel layouts. Emerging in the 18th century with woodblock prints, it gained prominence post-World War II through creators like Osamu Tezuka, whose Mighty Atom set a standard. Manga spans genres like shonen (action-oriented, e.g., One Piece) and shojo (romance-focused, e.g., Fruits Basket). Its influence extends globally, inspiring graphic novels and adaptations into anime, with iconic works like Death Note and Fullmetal Alchemist.
Chibi
Chibi is a Japanese cartoon style featuring small, exaggeratedly cute characters with large heads, big eyes, and tiny bodies, often used for comedic or endearing effect. Originating within manga and anime culture, it gained traction in the 1990s with series like Sailor Moon using chibi forms for humor. Chibi art is prevalent in merchandise, fan art, and spin-offs like Chobits or Nendoroid figurines. Its playful aesthetic appeals globally, often seen in games like Genshin Impact or anime like The Helpful Fox Senko-san.
Stop-Motion Animation
Stop-motion animation involves photographing physical models frame-by-frame to create movement, resulting in a tactile, handmade aesthetic. Popularized by pioneers like Ray Harryhausen (Jason and the Argonauts) and studios like Aardman Animations (Wallace and Gromit), it uses clay, puppets, or objects. Its charm lies in its tangible textures, seen in films like The Nightmare Before Christmas and Coraline by Laika. Stop-motion remains a niche but beloved style for its unique, artisanal quality.
Surrealist Animation
Surrealist animation, sometimes often referred to as Psychedelic cartoons, employs abstract, dreamlike visuals and unconventional narratives, often bending reality with fluid shapes and bizarre imagery. Rooted in avant-garde art and early works like Max Fleischer’s Koko the Clown, it gained traction with creators like Jan Švankmajer and modern shows like Superjail!. Its influence appears in experimental shorts and music videos, with Yellow Submarine and Adult Swim’s Off the Air as key examples, pushing boundaries of visual storytelling.
Hybrid Animation
Hybrid animation combines 2D and 3D elements within a single frame, creating a distinct and immersive visual experience. This style can enhance storytelling by emphasizing different elements, often making the production more cost-effective than exclusive 3D methods. Shows like The Amazing World of Gumball use this technique to great effect, blending various animation styles to create a unique aesthetic. The integration of live-action footage with animated elements further enriches the viewing experience, allowing for creative storytelling that pushes the boundaries of traditional animation. This versatile approach offers artists new ways to experiment with their cartoon art styles.
Creating Your Own Cartoon Style Art
Creating you own cartoon art with the help of AI tools such as Leonardo AI is easy using its advanced features and flexibility. It has fine tuned models, guidance control and customizable elements that allows you to control many aspects of your art. Midjourney and Nightcafe AI are also great options for cartoon art.
My Favorite Prompts
Here are some of my favorite prompts for replicating these popular cartoon styles. Try using different variations of these prompts in the AI art generator of your choice to find the best results and what works for you.
Western Animation
Prompt:
"Masterpiece, minimalist illustration, vintage 90's cartoon of a boy and his dog on an adventure, full body character design in vintage cartoon style. Colorful, 8k, high definition, high quality, high resolution, smooth edges."
Model: AlbedoBase XL
Elements: Oldschool Comic 20%, Toon & Anime 20%, Cute Emotes 20%, Simple Icons 10%
Anime & Manga
Prompt:
"Masterpiece, Vintage 90's anime, sci-fi manga style full body. Girl riding futuristic hover scooter, cute helmet on, detail illustration, colors, neon lights, 8k, high definition, high quality, high resolution, smooth edges."
Model: Leonardo Anime XL
Elements: Toon & Anime 40%, Oldschool Comic 20%, Coloring Book 10%, Colorpop 10%
CG Animation (3D)
Prompt:
"A breathtakingly vivid and intricately detailed digital illustration of the most incredibly adorable figurine imaginable, Pop mart toy style. Set in a realistic forest scene, full retail display. Rendered in ultra-high resolution with impeccable texture and clarity, showcasing a mesmerizing play of soft, pastel hues and delicate, with bold lines and subtle shading that evoke a sense of wonder and enchantment, every delicate feature and intricate element meticulously crafted to transport the viewer into a world of dreamlike beauty and magic."
Model: Leonardo Phoenix 1.0
Limited Animation
Prompt:
"A cosmic kitten floating threw the galaxy. Illustrated in a flat vector style, using soft gradients, bright colors, clean outlines, and gentle shadows. Surround with minimal abstract space and calm space-inspired elements. The overall feel should be balanced, soothing, and cute."
Model: Leonardo Phoenix 1.0
Surrealist Animation
Prompt:
"Masterpiece, (((bioluminescence))), extremely high quality high detail RAW color photo, Psychedelic Alice in Wonderland, fluid landscapes merging with form, luminous 3D objects interplaying with figure, hyper-detailed illustrations, sensation of melting across the composition, flat yet expressive artistic approach, glow wave aesthetic, full body capture, illuminated textures, glowing accents, vivid color palette, energy and motion encapsulated, fluidity and light dynamics, striking visual contrast, artful fusion of figure and abstract elements."
Model: AlbedoBase XL
Elements: Psychedelic Art 30%, Sparklecore 30%, Colorpop 30%, Toon & Anime 20%
How to Choose Your Own Cartoon Style
Choosing your own cartoon style is a journey of self-discovery and artistic exploration. To find the style that best resonates with your artistic vision, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with various cartoon art styles, from cute and playful to serious and lifelike. Select a style that aligns with your personal preferences and the emotional response you wish to evoke in your audience.
Experimentation and practice are crucial in developing your unique voice in cartoon art. By mixing different styles and techniques, you can discover new ways to express your creativity and refine your skills. Whether using traditional methods like pens and paper or exploring digital tools, continuous experimentation and practice are key.
Assessing Personal Preferences
Assessing your personal preferences is the first step in choosing your cartoon style. Start with basic equipment like pen and paper to sketch out different styles and see which ones resonate with you along the line.
Consider the themes, emotions, and aesthetics that appeal to you, and let these preferences guide your artistic journey.
Experimentation and Practice
Experimenting with various cartoon styles in the studio helps artists discover what resonates most and can lead to innovative creations. Exploring different styles unlocks new techniques and perspectives, enriching your work. Regular drawing practice builds confidence and technical ability.
Ultimately, the combination of experimentation and regular practice helps artists identify and cultivate their unique voice. Not everyone dedicates time to explore and improve, but you can develop a distinctive cartoon style that sets your work apart.
Tools and Resources for Cartoon Artists
Modern cartoon artists have a wealth of tools and resources at their disposal. Digital drawing software like Procreate and Adobe Fresco provides powerful features for creating detailed and dynamic illustrations. These programs support multiple layers and a variety of brushes, making them ideal for both beginners and experienced artists.
In addition to software, online tutorials and courses on platforms like Skillshare and Udemy offer valuable resources for learning cartoon drawing techniques. These courses range from beginner to advanced levels, covering various aspects of cartoon art and character design. Utilizing these resources can significantly boost your creativity and technical skills.
Digital Drawing Software
Digital drawing software plays a crucial role in modern art creation, providing tools for artists to create detailed and dynamic illustrations. Procreate is widely used for digital art on the iPad, known for its user-friendly interface and extensive brush library. Adobe Fresco offers similar features, supporting layered artwork and a variety of brushes to enhance your creative process.
These tools allow artists to experiment with different styles and techniques, making the process of creating cartoon art more accessible and efficient. By leveraging digital software, you can bring your artistic visions to life with precision and ease.
Online Tutorials and Courses
Online tutorials and courses provide valuable resources for artists looking to learn and enhance their cartoon drawing techniques. Platforms like Skillshare and Udemy offer a range of courses specifically designed for cartoon art, from beginner to advanced levels. These courses cover various aspects of cartoon art, including character design and animation techniques.
By utilizing these online resources, you can significantly improve your creativity and technical skills. Whether you’re just starting or looking to refine your techniques, this course offers a structured and effective way to learn and grow as a cartoon artist.
Enhancing Creativity with AI Tools
AI tools have opened new avenues for creativity, giving artists the ability to experiment and explore different artistic styles more efficiently. Examples include:
AI image generators like Midjourney and Leonardo AI, which allow artists to create unique cartoon-style images by inputting descriptive prompts.
Tools that leverage deep learning algorithms to recognize and replicate specific art styles.
Enabling the creation of new and innovative cartoon images.
Automated cartoon filters enable users to quickly convert real photos into cartoon versions, making cartoonization accessible for everyone. By using AI tools, artists can enhance their efficiency and expand their creative possibilities, pushing the boundaries of traditional cartoon art.
AI Image Generators
AI image generation tools can produce cartoon-style images by analyzing existing artworks and creating new variations based on learned styles. Leonardo AI, for example, enables users to transform text prompts into animated cartoons automatically. These tools allow for customization of elements like character styles and visual tone, giving artists full control over the final product.
AI image generators enable artists to create unique and innovative cartoon images with ease, enhancing creative efficiency and allowing for greater experimentation with different styles and techniques.
Automated Cartoon Filters
Automated filters can transform photographs into cartoon-like images, allowing users to explore artistic styles effortlessly. Mobile apps like Filmora offer cartoon filters for editing photos and videos, making it easy to create cartoon-style art with just a few clicks. Various other applications provide similar features, enabling users to cartoonize themselves without requiring any drawing skills.
These tools make it possible for anyone to create cartoon-style images, democratizing the process of cartoon art creation. By using automated filters, artists can quickly and easily explore new artistic possibilities and enhance their creative work.
Summary
In exploring the top 10 cartoon styles every artist should know, we’ve journeyed through the rich history and diverse techniques that define cartoon art. From classic styles that shaped the foundation of animation to modern digital and AI-enhanced methods, each style offers unique ways to express creativity and tell compelling stories. By understanding and experimenting with these various styles, artists can develop their unique voice and continue to push the boundaries of cartoon art. Keep exploring, practicing, and innovating to find the style that resonates with you and brings your artistic visions to life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key characteristics of Golden Age Animation?
Golden Age Animation is all about those charming high-contrast visuals and quirky characters with short bodies and long limbs, like Mickey Mouse and Betty Boop. It's a distinct style that really brings nostalgia to life!
How does digital animation differ from traditional animation?
Digital animation stands out with its bright colors and sleek designs, making production easier and allowing for smoother animations, like those in Adventure Time. It's all about getting that eye-catching look while keeping things efficient!
What defines the chibi cartoon style?
Chibi style is all about those super cute, tiny bodies and giant heads that make characters look adorable, perfect for adding a fun vibe in anime and manga!
How can AI tools enhance cartoon art creation?
AI tools can really amp up your cartoon art game by helping you create unique styles and designs quickly, so you can explore your creativity without getting bogged down. It's all about making the process fun and fast!
What are some resources for learning cartoon drawing techniques?
Check out Skillshare and Udemy for tons of cartoon drawing courses that cater to all skill levels. They're a great way to boost your character design game!
If you'd like to know more you can head over to AIArtKingdom.com for a curated collection of today's most popular, most liked AI artwork from across the internet. Plus explore an extensive array of AI tools, complemented by comprehensive guides and reviews, on our AI blog.
