Drawing may seem a bit daunting if you’re just starting out, but what if I told you that even the most complex drawings start from simple shapes? This guide is here to show you just that. Today, we’re venturing into the realm of 90’s animation and showing you how to draw the icon of teenage cynicism, Daria Morgendorffer.
The Art of Daria: Understanding the Character’s Appearance
The distinct art style of the animated series ‘Daria‘ separates it from its peers. Here’s what to focus on when you start drawing Daria:
- Signature Spectacles: Daria’s glasses are almost as iconic as the character herself. Drawing them correctly is crucial.
- Monotonous Expression: Daria is known for her deadpan facial expressions, which contribute to her unique charm. Always remember, less is more when it comes to her expressions.
- Casual Attire: Daria’s attire consists of a basic green jacket and black skirt, staying true to her simplistic yet distinctive style.
With a little practice, you’ll be able to draw Daria and other famous characters like Beavis and Butt-head for example.
Decoding the Guide
This step-by-step guide comprises 14 steps, with the first one focusing on creating the basic sketch. It uses a color-coding system to make the process more understandable:
- Red Color: Signifies the lines drawn in the current step.
- Grey Color: Represents the basic structure sketch that aids in getting the proportions right.
- Black Color: Indicates the lines drawn in previous steps.
After you finish sketching, you can choose to ink your drawing. Use a fine-liner or a black pen to go over the pencil lines. It’s important to let the ink dry before erasing the pencil sketch to avoid smudging. The last image in the guide can be used as a color reference for coloring your drawing.













Your first attempt at how to draw Daria in full growth probably won’t be perfect, and honestly, that’s completely fine. Daria’s proportions and that deadpan posture take a few tries to get right, so don’t toss the page. Keep it as a reference, try again, and if you want more guides to practice with, SketchOk posts new ones regularly on Pinterest, Facebook, and YouTube.