Step-by-step drawing (How to Draw) teaches kids to build a character from shapes, a few lines at a time; grid drawing (Draw by Grid) teaches them to copy a picture by looking closely, one square at a time. Step-by-step suits kids who want to draw characters on their own; grid suits puzzle lovers and kids who want realistic results. Most kids benefit from both.
How each one works
How to Draw (step by step)
Each character is drawn in about six steps. On every step, a light gray outline shows the whole finished drawing, and kids add a few black lines at a time. See how a How to Draw page works.
Draw by Grid
A picture is divided into squares. Kids copy each square onto an empty grid until the whole picture appears. See what is grid drawing?
What each teaches
| Skill | How to Draw | Draw by Grid |
|---|---|---|
| Building from shapes | Strong | Some |
| Close observation | Some | Strong |
| Proportion | Guided by the gray outline | Built into the grid |
| Drawing without help later | Strong | Some |
| Focus and patience | Some | Strong |
| Math skills | Some | Strong |
Which suits your child?
- Loves cartoons and wants to draw their own characters? How to Draw.
- Loves puzzles, Lego or pixel games? Draw by Grid.
- Gets frustrated when drawings look “wrong”? Draw by Grid gives very accurate results.
- Wants to draw quickly? How to Draw lessons are shorter.
- Needs a calm, focused activity? Draw by Grid. See grid drawing for focus.
By age
Both are for ages 5 and up. Five and six-year-olds often find step-by-step easier to start with; grids become a favorite around 7 and up. Younger kids can begin with tracing.
Use both
The two methods support each other. Step-by-step teaches the shapes inside a character; grid drawing trains the eye to check proportions. A great combo: draw a character by grid, then draw it again step by step, then try it from memory.
Same theme, both ways
Many themes come in both formats, plus a tracing version. Pick your child’s favorite, from robot dinosaurs to cute animals. For a wider guide to choosing, see which series is right for my child?.
The book that helps
Try the same theme both ways. Robot Dinosaurs comes as a How to Draw book and a Draw by Grid book, so kids can compare.
How to Draw: Robot Dinosaurs
Draw by Grid: Robot DinosaursAs an Amazon Associate, FirstArtBooks earns from qualifying purchases.
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Questions
Is grid drawing or step-by-step drawing better for kids?
Neither is better overall. Step-by-step helps kids draw characters on their own; grid drawing builds observation and accuracy. Most kids benefit from both.
Which is easier, grid drawing or step-by-step?
Five and six-year-olds often find step-by-step easier to start. Older kids often prefer grids.
Can kids use both methods?
Yes. Drawing a character by grid and then step by step is a great way to learn it.