Introduction: The Joy of Drawing and Why It Matters
Drawing isn’t just an artistic skill — it’s a powerful form of self-expression, stress relief, and creative play. Whether you’re holding a pencil for the first time or you’ve been sketching for years, there’s a unique kind of joy that comes from creating something on a blank page. But have you ever stopped and asked yourself: what’s the funnest thing to draw?
The word “funnest” may not be textbook grammar, but it captures a feeling perfectly — that burst of delight when your imagination takes over and the act of drawing becomes pure play. What makes a drawing experience fun isn’t just talent or technique; it’s about engagement, challenge, whimsy, and the thrill of creation.
This article dives deep into the most enjoyable, exciting, and imaginative subjects to draw — from adorable doodles to intricate fantasy creatures. We’ll explore why certain themes ignite creativity, what tools you need, and how to turn drawing into a fun hobby anyone can enjoy.
Why Drawing Should Be Fun, Not Perfect
Before we explore the funnest subjects, it’s important to reframe our mindset about drawing. Many people believe art must be perfect or photorealistic to be valuable. But the most fulfilling drawings are often the ones that spark joy, not judgment.
The Emotional Power of Playful Art
Drawing for fun activates the same parts of the brain associated with play and imagination. According to studies in art therapy, expressive doodling helps reduce anxiety, boost memory, and improve focus. When drawing feels light-hearted, it opens the door to innovation and emotional release.
Children often draw crooked houses, three-eyed cats, and floating rainbows — and they do it with glee. As adults, we can re-adopt this playfulness. The “funnest” thing to draw is something that makes you smile, laugh, or lose track of time.
Letting Go of Perfectionism
Art doesn’t have to be museum-worthy to matter. Fun drawing removes pressure. It’s not about winning awards — it’s about enjoying the process, experimenting with lines, shapes, and ideas. This shift in mindset allows creativity to flow freely.
What Makes a Drawing “Funnest”?
So, how do we define the “funnest” thing to draw? It’s subjective, but several factors contribute to a drawing experience that’s more fun than frustrating.
Personal Interest and Emotional Connection
You’re more likely to enjoy drawing something that resonates with you emotionally. Whether it’s your favorite animal, a dream vacation destination, or a fictional character from your childhood, personal attachment fuels creativity.
Room for Creativity and Imagination
The best subjects to draw allow for artistic freedom. Drawing a cartoon creature with five legs and a jetpack is inherently more flexible than trying to render a perfectly proportioned human portrait.
Approachability
Fun drawings are accessible. You don’t need years of training or expensive tools. Start with basic shapes and simple lines — many of the most fun ideas are beginner-friendly.
Unexpected Twists and Humor
Humor is a key ingredient. Try drawing a dog in a superhero costume or a banana doing yoga. The sillier, the better. Funny art gives permission to be absurd, and that’s often where the fun lies.
Top 7 Funnest Things to Draw (And Why They Work)
Let’s explore the subjects that consistently bring artists joy and keep them coming back to the sketchpad.
1. Cartoon Animals with Human Traits
Animals dressed as people, driving cars, or sipping coffee are endlessly charming. Think of characters like Paddington Bear, Scooby-Doo, or the cast of Zootopia.
Drawing animal characters allows you to exaggerate features and inject humor. A grumpy cat wearing a top hat, a squirrel lifting weights, or a giraffe trying to fit in a tiny car — all are ripe for funny interpretations.
- Start with basic animal outlines (circle for head, oval for body)
- Add exaggerated expressions (big eyes, frowns, grins)
- Dress them in human clothing or place them in human situations
- Use speech bubbles to add humor (“I hate Tuesdays!”)
The fun comes from playing with contrasts: animal instincts vs. human behavior, size mismatches, and absurd scenarios.
2. Doodle Creatures (Invented Beings)
Sometimes, the funniest, most exciting drawings are ones that don’t exist. Doodle creatures — imaginary beings with mismatched parts, glowing eyes, or floating limbs — invite unstructured creativity.
These beings can be:
- Fluffy, one-eyed moon monsters
- Robot animals with spaghetti legs
- Cloud-shaped aliens delivering pizza
Start with a random shape and build from there. Ask yourself: “What would this blob do for a living?” Let your imagination run wild without rules.
3. Surreal or Whimsical Landscapes
Imagine a world where trees grow cupcakes, rivers flow with glitter, and houses sit on clouds. Drawing whimsical landscapes is like building a dream playground.
These scenes don’t have to obey physics, geography, or scale. You can:
- Make the sky green and the grass purple
- Place giant mushrooms next to tiny castles
- Add floating cars or upside-down waterfalls
This kind of drawing fosters deep creative engagement. Artists often find themselves inventing entire backstories for the worlds they draw — adding to the fun.
4. Funny Self-Portraits or Caricatures
Drawing yourself — especially in an exaggerated or absurd way — can be hilarious and insightful. Caricatures that stretch your nose, enlarge your ears, or give you eight arms are a playful way to explore self-image.
Try these fun twists:
- Draw yourself as a superhero with a laundry basket shield
- Turn your pet into your sidekick
- Give yourself a superpower based on your hobbies (coffee brewing, couch lounging, etc.)
This exercise isn’t vanity — it’s vulnerability and humor blended into one rewarding creative act.
5. Food with Faces (Edible Characters)
Who said a donut or a taco couldn’t have feelings? Giving food expressive faces and limbs turns a simple still life into a whimsical character sketch.
Draw:
- A crying onion with tiny tears
- A confident avocado flexing its pit
- Spaghetti with googly eyes and arms made of noodles
This idea works especially well for children and beginner artists, but even seasoned illustrators enjoy the charm of “foodimals.” Use bright colors and bold lines to enhance the cartoonish look.
6. Monsters for a Kids’ Room
Contrary to popular belief, not all monsters are scary. Drawing friendly, goofy monsters has become a popular trend in children’s books and decor.
Try monsters that:
- Are afraid of the dark
- Collect socks instead of eating kids
- Have flippers, antennae, or multiple tongues
These drawings are fun because they subvert expectations. Using crayon textures, exaggerated proportions, and bright colors makes the process joyful and stress-free.
7. Everyday Objects with Personalities
One of the most unexpectedly fun drawing challenges is turning ordinary items into animated characters. A stapler with legs, a smiling toaster, or a grumpy traffic cone opens up possibilities for storytelling.
Popular options include:
- Keyboard keys escaping from a laptop
- A lonely sock on a laundry day adventure
- Office supplies rebelling against their desk trays
The key is anthropomorphism — giving inanimate objects human emotions and behaviors. This concept is used in movies like “Toy Story” and “Cars,” and it’s just as fun to draw as it is to watch.
Tools and Techniques to Maximize Drawing Fun
The materials you choose can deeply impact how enjoyable the process is. You don’t need a professional art studio — just a few simple tools can make drawing feel like play.
Essential Supplies for Joyful Drawing
| Tool | Why It’s Fun |
|---|---|
| Pencil and Eraser | Low risk, easy corrections — perfect for experimentation |
| Felt-Tip Pens (e.g., markers) | Bright colors, bold lines — great for cartoon-style art |
| Colored Pencils | Blending and shading with playful control |
| Digital Drawing Tablets | Undo button, layers, and infinite colors — ideal for risk-free creativity |
Try These Fun Drawing Techniques
- Blind Contour Drawing: Draw without looking at your paper. The results are often hilariously messy and surprisingly expressive.
- Exquisite Corpse Game: Fold a paper into sections. One person draws a head, another the torso, another the legs — then unfold to reveal a bizarre combined character.
- Random Shape Challenge: Scribble random shapes and turn them into animals, objects, or creatures. The more abstract, the better.
These techniques minimize pressure and maximize joy by embracing imperfection and surprise.
How to Find Your Personal “Funnest” Drawing
“Fun” is different for everyone. The best way to find your ideal drawing subject is through exploration and reflection.
Ask Yourself These Questions
- What animated movies or cartoons make me laugh?
- What silly ideas pop into my head when I’m bored?
- What animal or object would I love to see having a personal adventure?
- When was the last time I laughed at a doodle?
Your answers will guide you toward themes that resonate with your humor and imagination.
Keep a Fun Sketch Journal
Dedicate a notebook to playful, no-rules drawing. Every day, spend 5 minutes drawing something silly — a dancing lamp, a nervous cloud, or a sandwich with anxiety. Over time, you’ll notice patterns in what makes you smile.
Inspirational Artists Who Make Drawing Fun
Sometimes, seeing how others enjoy drawing can reignite your own passion. Consider these artists known for their playful, imaginative work:
Matthew Inman (The Oatmeal)
Inman’s cartoons mix absurdity with relatable humor. His drawings of cats plotting world domination or squirrels causing chaos are exaggerated, energetic, and hilarious.
Takashi Murakami
Though a fine artist, Murakami blends pop culture, anime, and whimsical characters in colorful, joyful compositions. His “DOB” character and smiling flowers inspire playful creativity.
Lisa Congdon
Congdon’s work celebrates bold patterns, simple shapes, and joyful imperfection. She encourages people to embrace messy, personal, and fun art.
Drawing Challenges to Spice Up Your Fun
If you’re looking for a structured way to rediscover drawing joy, try these popular challenges:
30-Day Doodle Challenge
Draw one small, fun thing each day for 30 days. Example prompts:
- Day 1: A monkey eating pizza
- Day 7: A robot taking a nap
- Day 15: A shark wearing glasses
Inktober (Annual Drawing Challenge)
Every October, artists worldwide commit to drawing one ink sketch per day based on a theme list. The emphasis is on consistency, creativity, and community. Even if you’re not using ink, the prompts (like “crumble,” “magnet,” “symbiotic”) spark imaginative drawings.
Collaborative Drawing with Friends
Grab a friend and take turns adding to a drawing. One person draws a head, the next adds clothes, then someone draws a background. The result is often absurd, shared laughter guaranteed.
Making Drawing a Daily Source of Fun
To truly enjoy drawing as a hobby, it helps to integrate it into daily life in low-pressure ways.
Keep a Sketch Kit Handy
Create a small pouch with a pencil, eraser, and pocket-sized sketchbook. Use it during coffee breaks, commutes, or while waiting for appointments. Quick, playful sketches add up over time.
Share Your Fun Art Online
Posting silly drawings on Instagram, Reddit, or art communities like DeviantArt can be surprisingly rewarding. You might inspire others, gain followers, or simply enjoy the interaction.
Teach a Child (or Relearn from One)
Sit down with a child and draw together. Notice how freely they invent stories and characters. Their unfiltered creativity is contagious and can remind you how joyful drawing can be.
Conclusion: There’s No Wrong Answer — Only Fun to Be Found
So, what’s the funnest thing to draw? The truth is — it’s whatever makes you smile, laugh, or lose yourself in the moment. It could be a taco with arms, a three-headed llama, or a self-portrait as a potato.
The act of drawing doesn’t need to be serious to be valuable. In fact, some of the most meaningful creations come from lighthearted exploration. By freeing yourself from perfectionism and embracing your inner child’s imagination, you turn every blank page into an opportunity for fun.
So pick up your pencil, open a new notebook, and draw something utterly ridiculous today. Because when it comes to fun, there are no rules — only wonder, humor, and the joy of making something uniquely yours.
Now, the only question left is: what fun thing will you draw next?
What makes drawing a fun activity for people of all ages?
Drawing is a universally enjoyable activity because it taps into creativity, imagination, and self-expression in a way that few other hobbies can. Regardless of skill level, people find joy in turning abstract thoughts into visual forms, whether it’s sketching a whimsical character or capturing the beauty of nature. The act of drawing offers a sense of freedom—there are no strict rules, and mistakes can often become part of the art’s charm. This low-pressure, exploratory process encourages playfulness and reduces stress, making it both entertaining and therapeutic.
Moreover, drawing fosters a personal connection between the artist and their creation, providing a sense of accomplishment and pride. Children enjoy drawing because it lets them create fantastical worlds, while adults often use it as a mindful escape from daily routines. Tools like pencils, crayons, or digital tablets make drawing accessible to anyone, anywhere. The integration of humor, personal interests, and experimentation with styles enhances the fun factor, making drawing a timeless pastime that continuously evolves with the individual.
What are some of the funniest subjects to draw for creative inspiration?
Some of the funniest and most entertaining subjects to draw include exaggerated creatures, like cats wearing bow ties or dogs driving tiny cars, which blend animal behavior with human traits in absurd ways. Cartoonish monsters with too many eyes or limbs, or aliens exploring Earth with bizarre gadgets, also provide endless comedic potential. Drawing everyday objects with faces and emotions—such as a grumpy toaster or a cheerful coffee cup—adds humor by personifying the inanimate. These imaginative twists turn ordinary concepts into something delightfully unexpected.
Another great source of humor in drawing comes from surreal mashups, like a pineapple wearing sunglasses and playing guitar, or a tree sprouting pizza slices instead of fruit. Including visual puns or absurd scenarios, such as animals having a tea party on the moon, encourages both creativity and laughter. The key is not technical precision but the willingness to be silly and explore the ridiculous. These humorous subjects not only spark joy during the creation process but also bring smiles to viewers, amplifying the fun.
How can doodling simple objects lead to more creative drawings?
Doodling simple objects is a gateway to unlocking deeper creativity because it starts with manageable, low-pressure ideas. Drawing basic shapes like circles, stars, or household items such as shoes or lamps allows the mind to relax and wander, often leading to spontaneous additions—a sun with a hat, a stapler with legs. These small embellishments can spark bigger imaginative leaps, transforming an ordinary doodle into a whimsical character or scene without effort or expectation.
Over time, doodling familiar objects trains the brain to see possibilities in the mundane. For example, a coffee mug might evolve into a robot’s torso, or a lamp could become a character with a glowing personality. This playful approach nurtures artistic confidence and encourages experimentation. Because there’s no need for perfection, doodling fosters a joyful mental space where creativity can thrive organically, making it a powerful first step toward more elaborate and fun drawings.
Can drawing funny animals increase artistic skills and enjoyment?
Yes, drawing funny animals combines entertainment with skill-building by encouraging observation, exaggeration, and storytelling. When illustrating animals with silly expressions or humorous scenarios—like a giraffe trying to fit into a sports car or a penguin on roller skates—artists practice proportions, forms, and movement while infusing their work with humor. These creative liberties help improve confidence in drawing anatomy and support the development of a unique artistic style.
Additionally, funny animal drawings often rely on capturing personality, which enhances an artist’s ability to convey emotion through subtle changes in facial features or posture. This focus on expression deepens the connection between artist and artwork, making the process more engaging. Whether through bold cartooning or playful realism, drawing humorous animal scenes keeps the activity light and enjoyable while steadily building core drawing techniques that apply across all genres.
What role does color play in making drawings more fun and expressive?
Color transforms drawings from simple sketches into vibrant, dynamic experiences that amplify joy and emotion. Bright, unexpected color combinations—like a purple cat with green polka dots or a rainbow octopus—add a layer of whimsy and surprise, evoking smiles and making artwork more engaging. Using color thoughtfully can also convey mood: warm tones suggest excitement or comfort, while cool tones might imply calm or humor in contrast. This emotional resonance makes the drawing process more immersive and satisfying.
Beyond aesthetics, experimenting with color encourages creative exploration and reduces fear of mistakes. Digital tools and coloring supplies offer endless options, from neon markers to gradient watercolors, allowing artists to play and discover new effects. Color can turn a plain sketch into a joyful celebration, inviting both the creator and viewer into a more lively, imaginative world. This playful interaction with hues keeps drawing fresh, fun, and deeply personal.
How can themed drawing challenges boost creative fun?
Themed drawing challenges, such as “Draw a superhero who uses pizza as a weapon” or “Create an animal wearing your favorite outfit,” provide structured inspiration that fuels creativity in a lighthearted way. These prompts eliminate the blank-page dilemma by offering a starting point, allowing artists to focus on humor, originality, and personal flair. Whether participating in daily challenges like Inktober or casual sketch prompts with friends, themes add excitement and anticipation to the drawing routine.
Moreover, themed challenges often lead to surprising ideas and encourage risk-taking in artistic choices. They foster a sense of community when shared online or with peers, creating opportunities for laughter, feedback, and shared inspiration. The combination of playful prompts and public engagement turns drawing into an interactive and joyful experience. Over time, these exercises stretch creative muscles, making it easier to generate fun and imaginative concepts independently.
Why is embracing imperfection essential for fun in drawing?
Embracing imperfection removes the pressure to create a “perfect” masterpiece, freeing artists to focus on enjoyment rather than technical precision. Wobbly lines, asymmetrical faces, or mismatched proportions often add charm and personality to drawings, especially in humorous or whimsical contexts. For example, a lopsided robot dancing in the rain feels more endearing because of its flaws. This mindset shift transforms drawing into a playful experiment rather than a performance, encouraging frequent and carefree practice.
When artists let go of perfection, they become more willing to take creative risks, try new subjects, and explore absurd ideas without fear of failure. Imperfections often lead to unique, memorable art—like a monster with one giant ear or a tree growing tacos. This freedom fosters innovation and emotional expression, making the experience far more rewarding. Ultimately, the fun in drawing comes not from flawlessness but from the joy of creating something uniquely and authentively your own.