How to Draw Countryballs: A Step-by-Step Guide

Countryballs, also known as Polandball, are a popular internet phenomenon and comic meme. They are simple yet expressive representations of countries as spherical characters, often used to depict historical events, political situations, and national stereotypes in a humorous and satirical way. Learning to draw Countryballs is a fun and easy way to participate in this online culture and even create your own comics. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process, from basic shapes to adding details and expressions.

## What You’ll Need

Before you begin, gather the following materials:

* **Paper:** Any type of paper will do, but smooth paper is ideal for drawing with pens or markers.
* **Pencil:** A standard HB pencil is perfect for sketching the basic shapes.
* **Eraser:** A good-quality eraser to correct mistakes.
* **Pens or Markers:** Fine-tipped pens or markers in various colors to outline and fill in the Countryballs.
* **Colored Pencils (Optional):** For shading and adding subtle details.
* **Compass or Circle Template (Optional):** To draw perfectly round circles, especially if you’re a beginner.
* **Ruler (Optional):** For drawing straight lines, especially when adding flags or borders.

## Step 1: Drawing the Basic Circle

The foundation of every Countryball is a perfect circle. Here’s how to draw it:

1. **Using a Compass (Recommended):** Place the compass point firmly on the paper. Adjust the compass width to your desired Countryball size. Rotate the compass to create a complete circle. This method provides the most accurate and consistent results.

2. **Using a Circle Template:** Place the template on the paper and trace around the desired circle size with your pencil. Circle templates are available in various sizes and are very helpful for beginners.

3. **Drawing Freehand:** If you don’t have a compass or template, you can draw a circle freehand. Start by lightly sketching a square or rectangle to help guide your hand. Then, round out the corners and gradually refine the shape into a circle. This method requires practice, but it’s a valuable skill to develop.

**Tips for Drawing a Good Circle:**

* **Lightly Sketch First:** Use light pencil strokes to sketch the circle initially. This allows you to easily erase and correct any imperfections before committing to darker lines.
* **Practice Makes Perfect:** Don’t be discouraged if your first few circles aren’t perfect. Keep practicing, and you’ll gradually improve your technique.
* **Rotate the Paper:** Rotate the paper as you draw to keep your hand and wrist comfortable and maintain a smooth, consistent line.

## Step 2: Adding the Country’s Flag

The most distinctive feature of a Countryball is its flag. Here’s how to accurately represent it:

1. **Research the Flag:** Before you start drawing, research the flag of the country you want to depict. Pay close attention to the colors, stripes, symbols, and their arrangement.

2. **Divide the Circle (If Necessary):** If the flag has horizontal or vertical stripes, use a ruler and pencil to lightly divide the circle into equal sections. This will help you ensure that the stripes are evenly spaced and of the correct proportions.

3. **Draw the Basic Shapes:** Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the flag using a pencil. This includes stripes, stars, crosses, or any other symbols that are part of the flag. Use a ruler for straight lines and geometric shapes.

4. **Outline with Pen or Marker:** Once you’re satisfied with the pencil sketch, carefully outline the flag with a fine-tipped pen or marker. Use the appropriate colors for each section of the flag.

5. **Fill in the Colors:** Use markers or colored pencils to fill in the colors of the flag. Ensure that the colors are accurate and vibrant. If you’re using markers, apply the color evenly to avoid streaks.

**Tips for Drawing Flags:**

* **Keep it Simple:** While accuracy is important, remember that Countryballs are simplified representations. Don’t try to include every intricate detail of the flag.
* **Use a Reference Image:** Keep a reference image of the flag handy while you’re drawing. This will help you ensure that you’re using the correct colors and proportions.
* **Adjust for the Curve:** When drawing symbols or stripes on the curved surface of the Countryball, slightly adjust their shape to account for the curvature. For example, straight lines may need to be slightly curved.
* **Practice Difficult Flags:** Some flags are more complex than others. Practice drawing these flags separately before incorporating them into the Countryball.

## Step 3: Adding Eyes and Expressions

The eyes and facial expressions are crucial for conveying the Countryball’s personality and emotions. Here’s how to add them:

1. **Choose the Eye Style:** There are several eye styles commonly used in Countryball art. Some popular options include:
* **Simple Circles:** Two small circles are the easiest and most common eye style. They can be positioned in various ways to convey different emotions.
* **Dots:** Small dots can be used for a minimalist and subtle look.
* **Semicircles:** Semicircles can be used to create a surprised or sad expression.
* **Angry Eyes:** Angled or squinted eyes can convey anger or frustration.
* **Detailed Eyes:** You can add more detail to the eyes, such as pupils and highlights, for a more expressive look.

2. **Position the Eyes:** The position of the eyes significantly affects the Countryball’s expression. Placing the eyes higher up on the circle can make the Countryball look innocent or surprised, while placing them lower down can make it look sad or grumpy.

3. **Add Other Facial Features (Optional):** You can add other facial features, such as a mouth, eyebrows, or tears, to further enhance the Countryball’s expression. A simple curved line can represent a smile or frown, while small lines above the eyes can represent eyebrows.

**Tips for Adding Expressions:**

* **Experiment with Different Styles:** Try out different eye styles and positions to see what works best for the Countryball you’re drawing.
* **Consider the Context:** The expression should be appropriate for the context of the comic or artwork.
* **Keep it Simple:** Don’t overcomplicate the expression. Simple expressions are often the most effective.
* **Use Reference Images:** Look at examples of Countryball art to get inspiration for different expressions.

## Step 4: Adding Shadows and Highlights (Optional)

Adding shadows and highlights can give your Countryball more depth and dimension. Here’s how to do it:

1. **Determine the Light Source:** Decide where the light is coming from. This will determine where the shadows and highlights will be placed.

2. **Add Shadows:** Use a slightly darker shade of the flag’s colors to add shadows to the opposite side of the light source. For example, if the light is coming from the top left, add shadows to the bottom right of the Countryball.

3. **Add Highlights:** Use a lighter shade or white to add highlights to the side of the Countryball facing the light source. This will create the illusion of light reflecting off the surface.

4. **Blend the Shadows and Highlights:** Use a blending stump or your finger to gently blend the shadows and highlights into the base colors. This will create a smoother and more natural-looking effect.

**Tips for Adding Shadows and Highlights:**

* **Use Subtle Shades:** Don’t use colors that are too much darker or lighter than the base colors. Subtle shades will create a more realistic effect.
* **Start Lightly:** Start by adding the shadows and highlights lightly, and then gradually build up the intensity as needed.
* **Use Reference Images:** Look at examples of shaded Countryball art to get inspiration for how to add shadows and highlights.

## Step 5: Adding Accessories and Props (Optional)

Accessories and props can be used to further customize your Countryball and add more personality or context to the artwork. Here are some ideas:

* **Hats:** Hats can be used to represent a country’s culture or history. For example, a cowboy hat for the United States or a ushanka for Russia.
* **Eyewear:** Glasses, sunglasses, or monocles can add a touch of humor or sophistication.
* **Weapons:** Weapons, such as swords, guns, or bows and arrows, can be used to represent a country’s military history or conflicts.
* **Food and Drink:** Food and drink items, such as baguettes for France or vodka for Russia, can represent a country’s culinary traditions.
* **Flags and Banners:** Small flags or banners can be used to represent a country’s identity or political affiliation.

**Tips for Adding Accessories and Props:**

* **Keep it Relevant:** The accessories and props should be relevant to the country you’re depicting.
* **Don’t Overcrowd:** Don’t add too many accessories or props, as this can make the artwork look cluttered.
* **Consider the Scale:** Make sure the accessories and props are appropriately sized in relation to the Countryball.

## Step 6: Outlining and Inking

Once you’re satisfied with the pencil sketch, it’s time to outline and ink your Countryball. This will make the lines crisp and clean and prevent the pencil from smudging.

1. **Choose Your Inking Tools:** Select your preferred inking tools, such as fine-tipped pens, markers, or brush pens. Experiment with different tools to see which ones you like best.

2. **Outline the Pencil Lines:** Carefully trace over the pencil lines with your inking tool. Use smooth, consistent strokes to create clean lines.

3. **Erase the Pencil Lines:** Once the ink has dried completely, erase the pencil lines with a good-quality eraser. Be careful not to smudge the ink.

**Tips for Outlining and Inking:**

* **Use a Light Touch:** Apply light pressure when outlining to avoid creating thick, uneven lines.
* **Rotate the Paper:** Rotate the paper as you outline to keep your hand and wrist comfortable.
* **Use a Ruler for Straight Lines:** Use a ruler to ensure that straight lines are perfectly straight.

## Step 7: Coloring and Shading (Optional)

If you want to add more depth and dimension to your Countryball, you can color and shade it. Here’s how to do it:

1. **Choose Your Coloring Tools:** Select your preferred coloring tools, such as markers, colored pencils, or watercolors. Experiment with different tools to see which ones you like best.

2. **Apply the Base Colors:** Use the appropriate colors to fill in the different sections of the Countryball. Apply the color evenly to avoid streaks.

3. **Add Shadows and Highlights:** Use darker and lighter shades of the base colors to add shadows and highlights. This will create the illusion of light and depth.

4. **Blend the Colors:** Use a blending stump or your finger to gently blend the colors together. This will create a smoother and more natural-looking effect.

**Tips for Coloring and Shading:**

* **Use High-Quality Materials:** Use high-quality coloring materials to ensure that the colors are vibrant and long-lasting.
* **Start Lightly:** Start by applying the colors lightly, and then gradually build up the intensity as needed.
* **Use Reference Images:** Look at examples of colored Countryball art to get inspiration for how to color and shade your own artwork.

## Step 8: Adding Text and Speech Bubbles (Optional)

Text and speech bubbles can be used to add dialogue or narration to your Countryball comic. Here’s how to do it:

1. **Write the Text:** Write the text you want to include in the speech bubble or caption.

2. **Draw the Speech Bubble:** Draw a speech bubble around the text. The shape of the speech bubble can vary, but it typically has a tail that points towards the character who is speaking.

3. **Add the Text to the Speech Bubble:** Write the text inside the speech bubble. Use a clear and legible font.

4. **Position the Speech Bubble:** Position the speech bubble so that it is clear and easy to read.

**Tips for Adding Text and Speech Bubbles:**

* **Keep the Text Concise:** Keep the text short and to the point.
* **Use a Clear Font:** Use a font that is easy to read.
* **Position the Speech Bubble Carefully:** Position the speech bubble so that it doesn’t cover any important details of the artwork.

## Step 9: Final Touches and Finishing Up

Before you consider your Countryball complete, take a step back and review your artwork. Look for any areas that need improvement or adjustments. Here are some final touches you can add:

* **Clean Up the Lines:** Use an eraser to remove any stray pencil lines or smudges.
* **Add More Details:** Add any additional details that you think would enhance the artwork.
* **Sign Your Artwork:** Sign your artwork with your name or initials.
* **Protect Your Artwork:** Protect your artwork by storing it in a safe place or framing it.

## Examples and Inspiration

To further inspire you, here are some examples of popular Countryball tropes and scenarios:

* **Poland cannot into space:** A recurring joke about Poland’s inability to achieve space travel.
* **Reichtangle:** A rectangular version of Germany, representing the German Empire.
* **USA being loud and boastful:** Depicting the United States as an overconfident and arrogant character.
* **Russia being drunk and aggressive:** Representing Russia with a ushanka and a bottle of vodka, often acting aggressively.
* **Historical events depicted with Countryballs:** Recreating historical events like World War II or the Cold War using Countryballs.

Browse online forums, websites, and social media platforms dedicated to Countryballs for more inspiration and examples of different drawing styles and comedic scenarios.

## Conclusion

Drawing Countryballs is a simple yet rewarding creative outlet. By following these steps and practicing regularly, you can easily create your own unique and humorous representations of countries. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different styles, expressions, and accessories to develop your own signature Countryball art. Have fun and let your creativity flow! Remember to always respect cultural sensitivities and avoid perpetuating harmful stereotypes when creating your Countryballs. Happy drawing!