“Rick and Morty” is one of the most popular animated television shows of the modern era. Known for its sharp humor, philosophical depth, and irreverent take on science fiction tropes, the show has garnered a massive fanbase since its debut in 2013. The series, created by Justin Roiland and Dan Harmon, follows the interdimensional adventures of an eccentric, often drunk scientist named Rick Sanchez and his good-hearted but easily influenced grandson, Morty Smith.
While “Rick and Morty” is beloved for its storytelling and complex characters, its unique art style also plays a crucial role in shaping the show’s overall appeal. This article delves into the iconic visual style of “Rick and Morty” and explores how fans can create their own drawings inspired by the show. We will also address some frequently asked questions about drawing Rick and Morty characters.
Table of Contents
The Art Style of Rick and Morty
The art style of “Rick and Morty” is distinctive, featuring simple yet expressive character designs combined with vibrant, often surreal backgrounds. The show’s creators embraced a cartoonish aesthetic, which makes it accessible to a wide audience while allowing for endless creativity in terms of alien worlds, bizarre creatures, and wild visual gags.
Key Features of the Rick and Morty Art Style:
- Simplified Characters: The characters in “Rick and Morty” have exaggerated, almost caricatured features, with large eyes and expressive facial structures. Their designs are relatively simple, yet they convey a wide range of emotions, allowing the show’s humor to shine through visually.
- Bold Colors: The show uses bold, vibrant colors to bring the characters and environments to life. The backgrounds often feature psychedelic, otherworldly colors to represent the numerous alternate dimensions that Rick and Morty travel to.
- Distinct Facial Expressions: The characters in the show are known for their exaggerated facial expressions, especially Rick, whose eyes and mouth stretch in comedic ways to emphasize his drunken or annoyed demeanor. Morty, on the other hand, often looks wide-eyed and nervous, reflecting his constant sense of anxiety.
- Fluid Animation: The animation in “Rick and Morty” is smooth and fast-paced, often following the chaotic, unpredictable nature of the characters’ adventures. The fluidity of the animation contributes to the show’s fast humor and high-energy action.
Drawing Rick and Morty Characters
If you’re a fan of the show and want to try your hand at drawing Rick, Morty, or any of the other beloved characters, here’s a simple guide to help you get started:
- Basic Shapes:
Begin by sketching basic shapes to form the foundation of the character’s body. For example, for Rick, you could start with an oval for the head and elongated rectangles for the body and limbs. Morty’s body is typically more compact, with a rounder head and shorter limbs. - Facial Features:
The eyes are one of the most important aspects of any “Rick and Morty” character. For Rick, draw large, circular eyes with smaller pupils that can be positioned in various ways to convey his mood. Morty’s eyes are typically more centered and round, and his expression often shows worry or confusion. - Details and Accessories:
Rick’s distinctive spiky blue hair and lab coat are key parts of his look. Be sure to include these details when drawing him. Morty’s design is more straightforward, with a plain yellow shirt and blue jeans. Pay attention to the details of their expressions and posture as well—Rick often slouches or looks irritated, while Morty’s body language reflects his unease. - Shading and Colors:
After sketching the basic outline, move on to adding colors. Rick’s iconic blue hair and green lab coat should stand out, while Morty’s yellow shirt and brown shoes should be used to complete his simple but recognizable look. Shading can be minimal in the style of “Rick and Morty,” but it can be added for depth, especially around the eyes and mouth. - Background and Additional Elements:
Depending on the scene you’re drawing, you can experiment with surreal or abstract backgrounds to reflect the outlandish worlds Rick and Morty travel to. For example, you might add floating planets, sci-fi machinery, or bizarre creatures to make your drawing even more dynamic.
Tips for Improving Your Drawing Skills
If you’re just starting with drawing or you want to improve your ability to draw in the “Rick and Morty” style, here are some useful tips:
- Practice Basic Shapes: Practice drawing circles, squares, and rectangles in various positions. This will help you break down more complicated character shapes into manageable parts.
- Study the Show: Watch “Rick and Morty” episodes closely to understand the character designs, expressions, and movements. Analyzing the animation will give you a better sense of how to capture the style in your drawings.
- Use References: Search for references online, such as images or fan art, to help you get a better understanding of how others interpret the characters and scenes.
- Add Your Own Twist: While it’s fun to replicate the characters, don’t be afraid to add your own unique spin. You can try drawing Rick and Morty in different art styles, changing their outfits, or putting them in new and creative situations.
- Experiment with Digital Tools: If you’re working digitally, software like Procreate or Adobe Photoshop offers tools and brushes that can help you achieve the bold lines and smooth gradients typical of the “Rick and Morty” art style.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What makes Rick and Morty’s art style unique?
A: The art style of Rick and Morty is characterized by simple but expressive character designs, bold colors, exaggerated facial features, and surreal backgrounds. This visual style enhances the show’s humor and allows for creative freedom in the various alternate dimensions and bizarre scenarios depicted in the series.
Q: Can I draw Rick and Morty characters in my own style?
A: Absolutely! While the show’s art style is unique, many fans enjoy creating their own renditions of Rick and Morty characters. You can experiment with different art styles—such as anime, realism, or minimalist approaches—while still maintaining the characters’ recognizable traits.
Q: Do I need to be an expert artist to draw Rick and Morty?
A: No, you don’t need to be an expert! The simplicity of the characters’ designs makes them accessible to beginners. With practice and patience, you can improve your drawing skills and achieve a great likeness of the characters.
Q: Where can I find drawing tutorials for Rick and Morty?
A: There are plenty of drawing tutorials available online, including YouTube channels and art blogs. Some fan websites also provide step-by-step guides that break down how to draw Rick, Morty, and other characters in the show’s distinctive style.
Q: Can I sell my Rick and Morty fan art?
A: While creating fan art is a fun and creative way to express your love for the show, selling it could lead to copyright issues. It’s important to respect intellectual property laws, so make sure you understand the legalities before selling fan art based on copyrighted characters.
Conclusion
Drawing “Rick and Morty” characters is a fun and creative way to connect with the show’s unique art style. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced artist, there’s plenty of room to experiment with these characters and bring your own imagination into the mix. With practice, you can capture the essence of Rick, Morty, and the show’s universe while putting your personal artistic touch on your creations. So grab a pencil, put on your best “Rick and Morty” episode, and start drawing!
