Cockroaches are among the most reviled insects on Earth. Their nocturnal and scavenging habits, combined with their ability to thrive in almost any environment, have led to them being associated with filth and disease. This has led many people to fear the sight of a cockroach almost as much as they might fear spiders or snakes. However, despite their unappealing reputation, there is much that is endearing about these misunderstood creatures. In fact, some species of cockroach are even popular pets! If you’re ready to give them another shot and learn how to draw a cockroach—or cockroaches—then keep reading for our handy tips and tricks.
How to Draw a Cockroach
The first step to drawing any insect is to find a good reference photo. When you’re trying to draw something as complex as a cockroach, a photo with a clear, top-down shot of the insect’s head, torso, and legs will be extremely helpful. The more angles you can see the insect from, the better. Next, you’ll want to find a quiet, uncluttered space where you can comfortably draw without being interrupted. You’ll also want to make sure you have all the supplies you’ll need within easy reach. This means having a clean, well-lit surface to draw on, a pencil (any brand will do), an eraser, and a paper or sketchbook to record your progress. You’ll also want to have a ruler or measuring tape nearby in case you need to measure the length of certain parts of the cockroach, like the legs.
Step 1: Find a Reference Photo
First, begin by finding a good reference photo of a cockroach. Any side or top-down shots will be helpful, although you’ll want to pick one that shows the cockroach from as many different angles as possible. Place the photo of the cockroach next to your sketchbook and make sure that the proportions are correct. Ask yourself if the legs are too long or if the head is too small. Make any necessary adjustments while you can.
Step 2: Sketch the Basic Shapes
Once you’ve got your photo reference pinned to your sketchbook, it’s time to start sketching in the basic shapes. In this step, you’re not trying to create an accurate drawing of the cockroach. Instead, you’re simply trying to find an arrangement of shapes that looks like the insect in question. You can always adjust the size, proportions, and even the details of your sketch as you work. Feel free to sketch out your cockroach on several pieces of paper or on the back of your sketchbook, as well. This will help you keep your drawings separate and make it easier to flip back and forth between them.
Step 3: Add Shading and Textures
Once you’ve sketched out the basic shapes of your cockroach, it’s time to add a bit more detail. Start by adding shading to your cockroach sketch and shading in areas like the top of the head and the area between the legs and the body. Next, add textures to your cockroach by adding lines and markings anywhere you feel they would naturally appear on the insect. This could include lines on the legs and antennae, spots on the body, or even the ridges on the cockroach’s eyes.
Step 4: The Final Touch
Now comes the fun part: adding colour and finishing touches to your cockroach drawing. This step is all about adding colour, shadows, highlights, and any other finishing details you want to include in your drawing. Try to find the best colour palette for the cockroach you’re trying to draw. This could be anything from a warm orange to a cool blue depending on the species. You can also try mixing a few different colours together to create your own unique colour palette.
Conclusion
Now that you’re finished, you can proudly say that you know how to draw a cockroach! While cockroaches may not be the most popular or cuddly insects in the world, they are fascinating creatures. And if you’ve made it this far, you know that drawing one isn’t as easy as it might seem. These helpful and interactive creatures are around us all the time, but we seldom see them. Cockroaches are nocturnal and survive by scavenging at night. They can also fit through cracks as small as 1/2 inch wide. Cockroaches are very resilient and can survive even in extreme conditions”