In this lesson, I'd like to show you how to draw Link – the hero from Nintendo's Legend of Zelda – an extremely popular video game series. And as you can see – instead of sticking EXACTLY to how he looks, I've come up with a different look – unique to my own style of drawing.

From A Link to the Past to Ocarina of Time to Twilight Princess – there are specific features maintained with each variation of the character. Have a look for yourself and see what sort of unique take on the character – you can come up with!

Onward!

First Step – Emphasize those Features You Want to Draw

Before drawing this character, I decided to first sketch out a simple framework – a structure from which to solidify proportion ahead of time – before the actual drawing part. You can do the same with lightly sketched pencil lines.

Here it is…

How to draw Link from Ocarina of Time - drawing a simple framework How to draw Link from Ocarina of Time - adding details to the framework

As you can see, there are two parts – I definitely want to ensure show up in the finished drawing – his sword, and the tail end of his cap. I thought about drawing in the shield as it rests on his back – but really – it appears the furthest back in the drawing, and so, we can easily sketch it in when the core part is complete.

Let's draw!

Second Step – How to Draw Link, Step by Step

Use the following steps as a guideline from which to develop your own version of the character. Think about (and look at) examples of the different appearances he's taken on over the years.

Link's had tons of different weapons from swords to boomerangsto gust jars!? 🙂 If you wanted to, you could even draw in the 'Minish Cap' from the GBA game. Get those ideas flowing!

Step by step, here's the lesson…

How to draw Link from Ocarina of Time - drawing the eyes and nose How to draw Link from Ocarina of Time - drawing the head How to draw Link from Ocarina of Time - drawing the hair How to draw Link from Ocarina of Time - drawing the hat How to draw Link from Ocarina of Time - drawing the shirt How to draw Link from Ocarina of Time - drawing the arms How to draw Link from Ocarina of Time - drawing the hands How to draw Link from Ocarina of Time - drawing the sword and boomarang How to draw Link from Ocarina of Time - drawing the skirt How to draw Link from Ocarina of Time - drawing the legs How to draw Link from Ocarina of Time - black and white cartoon image How to draw Link from Ocarina of Time cartoon picture

When all's said and drawn – this version of the character looks sort of 'animeish' in a way. But all in all – I'd say it has more of a 'Western' look to it. How about yours?

Well – that wraps up this lesson. What a fun tutorial this was to create!!