How to draw Goku from imagination - 3 easy steps for beginners

Learning how to draw Goku (or anything, really) from imagination is a fun way to improve your skills! Instead of relying on references, let’s understand Goku’s proportions and iconic features, that will help you to draw him from memory in any pose and with any expression. Whether you’re a beginner or an aspiring professional, this Goku drawing tutorial will help you develop the ability to draw straight from imagination.

I know we said “no reference”, but before starting drawing from imagination, you need to spend some time analyzing the subject. Take a couple references of Goku, and separate the parts that make him iconic - squarish anime head, thick neck and, of course, the amazing spiky hair.

Try to understand what volumes are hiding behind the cool anime shapes that represent Goku. Can you see that his hair is made of triangular peaks, that his eyes are bigger than normal? Make sure to indicate the volume with contour lines.

Don’t worry about the proportions yet. Also, don’t get discouraged if your result doesn’t seem amazing. This step is purely for making you understand what makes Goku Goku.

It would be very naive to think that you can draw anything from imagination without proper practice. Dedicate some hours to different studies of Goku. After finishing the first step of this tutorial, you now know what makes him iconic, so it will be 10 times easier, trust us! Because you now know the shapes and volumes that Goku’s made of, you will be faster and more confident.

Now you’re ready! Close all your references, and proceed to drawing Goku from imagination. After understanding all of the parts and volumes that make Goku Goku, drawing from imagination will feel natural.

If it doesn’t, don’t worry! Just do a couple more studies, and try to understand which shapes and forms escaped your attention.

You now know how to draw Goku from imagination! Moreover, you have a clear pipeline that you can apply to anything. Just remember - practice makes perfect!


Share your Goku with us on social media, we’re always happy to see your progress!