Anatomically speaking, the skull is the "skeletal framework of the head of vertebrates." It is made up of numerous bones. From Shakespearian plays to Saturday morning cartoons, skulls hold a lot of symbolism. Consider a few examples.
The skull and crossbones have been associated with pirate flags and used as a symbol for death-dealing poison. Animal skulls are may be used decoratively.
For example, a cow skull is a symbol of the American West, and bird skulls adorned the clothing of the Viking maiden Astrid in the animated film How to Train Your Dragon.
And, of course, skulls are an integral part of skeletons, whether these are characters, anatomical teaching models, or aspects of dans macabre art. Skeletons also feature prominently in Halloween decorations.
In Mexico, sugar skulls are decorated in celebration of a similar holiday, Dia de los Muertos or the Day of the Dead.
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Would you like to draw a cartoon skull? This easy, step-by-step cartoon drawing tutorial is here to help. All you will need is a pen or pencil and a sheet of paper. You may also wish to color your finished drawing.
If you liked this tutorial, see also the following drawing guides: Skull, Bull Skull, and Skull and Rose.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Drawing a Cartoon Skull
1. Begin by drawing the orbits, the openings that once held the eyes and their surrounding muscles. For each orbit, used a long curved line to enclose an irregular rectangular shape with rounded corners.
2. Use a long curved line to trace the zygomatic bone located to one side of the eye. Then, use curved lines to outline an inverted “V” shape. This is where the nose and sinuses once were.
3. Draw a curved line above and below the remaining orbit.
4. Begin drawing the dentition, or teeth. Draw a curved line to indicate the side of the jaw bone. Then, form the teeth using overlapping “C” shaped lines.
Did you know? Sometimes, the identity of a skull or skeleton can be determined by examining its teeth and comparing them to a missing person's dental records.
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5. Continue drawing the egg-shaped teeth. Then, enclose the other side of the jaw bone or maxilla with a curved line.
6. Begin drawing the lower jaw or mandible. Use “U” shaped lines to enclose the teeth. Use a curved line to begin the outline of the jaw.
7. Continue to draw the “U” shaped teeth, each matched to the tooth above it.
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8. Enclose the remainder of the jawbone with a long curved line that overlaps the first line. Then, use a “U” shaped line to enclose the opening between the jaws.
9. Draw a long curved line from above the orbit to the back of the mandible. Then, draw two curved lines to indicate the contours of the sphenoid bone on the side of the skull.
Color your cartoon skull. Bones are often represented as white, sun-bleached. Preserved bones may also be yellow, brown, or black.
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The Complete Cartoon Skull Drawing Tutorial in One Image
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