Illustrations — makhanko

Sketching and Construction

The process begins with a loose construction sketch. Basic shapes like circles and ovals form the foundation for a dynamic karate stance. The focus is on the line of action and gesture to convey movement and personality.

Inking

The sketch is refined with clean and confident line art. Details like the hippo’s expressive face, bandana, and tail are emphasized to enhance its character. This step ensures clarity and consistency in the design.

Flat Coloring

Flat colors are added to separate the design into distinct areas. The gray body, peach belly, and blue bandana create contrast and bring vibrancy to the character. This step prepares the drawing for shading and highlights.

Shading and Highlights

Shadows and highlights are applied to add depth and dimension. Soft shadows enhance the rounded forms, while highlights give a polished, three-dimensional appearance. The final result is a lively and dynamic cartoon karate hippo.