Preppy tekenen is all the rage on platforms like TikTok and Pinterest. It’s vibrant, colorful, and just plain fun. But if you’re like me, you might feel a bit intimidated.
Where do you even start? Well, I’m here to tell you it’s easier than you think. This guide breaks down the preppy style into simple steps.
You’ll learn the core elements, the basic supplies you need, and step-by-step tutorials to get you drawing in no time. Let’s dive in and make some art!
What Defines the ‘Preppy’ Drawing Style?
When you think of preppy tekenen, a cheerful and playful vibe comes to mind. It’s slightly retro, with clean lines and bold colors that make it stand out.
Smiley faces, lightning bolts, stars, hearts, cowboy hats, bows, and animal prints (especially cheetah and leopard) are common motifs. These elements add a fun and whimsical touch to the artwork.
The color palette is key. Bright, saturated colors like hot pink, turquoise, lime green, and sunny yellow dominate. Pastels often complement these bold hues, creating a balanced and eye-catching look.
One of the most distinctive features is the thick, confident black outline. This makes the colors pop and gives the art a sticker or cartoon-like quality. The outlines are what give the drawings their defined and polished appearance.
The style is meant to feel spontaneous and hand-drawn. It’s not about perfection; it’s about capturing a moment and expressing it in a lively, free-spirited way. This “doodle” aspect adds to the overall charm and relatability of the preppy drawing style.
Your Simple Preppy Art Starter Kit
Starting with preppy tekenen doesn’t have to break the bank. You can get creative with just a few basic supplies.
First up, you’ll need a smooth paper or a simple sketchbook. This is your canvas, and it’s where all the magic happens.
Smooth Paper vs Sketchbook:
– Smooth Paper: Perfect for detailed work. No texture to worry about.
– Sketchbook: Great for keeping all your art in one place. Easy to carry around.
Next, grab a good black permanent marker. A Sharpie or a Pitt Artist Pen works great. These markers give you those bold, clean outlines that make your art pop.
Sharpie vs Pitt Artist Pen:
– Sharpie: More affordable and widely available. Good for beginners.
– Pitt Artist Pen: Higher quality and more durable. Better for serious artists.
For color, a basic set of broad-tip markers like Crayola or a store brand will do. They’re perfect for filling in large areas with vibrant color.
Crayola vs Store Brand:
– Crayola: Trusted name, consistent quality. A bit pricier.
– Store Brand: Budget-friendly, still gets the job done. Great for starting out.
If you want to add some ‘pro-touch’ tools, consider fine-tip colored pens for smaller details. White or glitter gel pens are also fun for adding highlights and sparkle. But these are optional.
Start with the basics and build from there.
Remember, the key is to enjoy the process. Happy drawing!
Step-by-Step Guide: Drawing a Classic Preppy Smiley Face

Drawing a classic preppy smiley face is easier than you might think. Let’s break it down into simple steps.
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Draw the Circle, and lightly sketch a circle with a pencil. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect; a hand-drawn look adds to its charm.
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Add the Face. Draw two simple ‘X’s for the eyes and a wide, classic smiley mouth. Position them slightly off-center for a more dynamic look. preppy tekenen
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Add a Motif. Sketch a lightning bolt going through one of the ‘X’ eyes. This is a classic preppy design element that gives your smiley a unique touch.
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Ink the Outline. Carefully trace over all your pencil lines with your black marker. Make the lines thick and confident.
Erase any remaining pencil marks once the ink is dry.
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Fill with Color. Use a bright yellow or hot pink marker to color in the face. Choose a contrasting color like blue or orange for the lightning bolt.
Try to color evenly for a solid, flat look.
Now, let’s talk about the future. I predict that preppy tekenen will continue to be popular, especially as more people embrace a fun, retro aesthetic. It’s a style that’s both timeless and trendy, making it a great choice for anyone looking to add a bit of personality to their designs.
5 More Easy Preppy Drawing Ideas to Try Now
I love how preppy tekenen can be both fun and a great way to build your skills. Here’s a list of simple projects to boost your confidence.
The Preppy Cowboy Hat, and draw a simple cowboy hat shape. Decorate it with stars, hearts, or even a cheetah print pattern inside.
It’s all about adding that preppy flair.
Layered Hearts. Draw three hearts of different sizes overlapping each other. Outline them in black and fill each one with a different bright color or pattern.
It’s a classic yet playful design.
Bubble Lettering. Practice drawing words like ‘HOWDY’ or ‘XOXO’ in puffy bubble letters. Fill the letters with stripes, dots, or different solid colors.
It’s a great way to add some personality to your drawings.
The Funky Flower. Draw a simple daisy shape but make one petal a lightning bolt or a different color from the rest. This little twist makes it stand out and adds a unique touch.
A ‘Doodle Page’. Fill a page with multiple small preppy doodles like cherries, peace signs, and stars. It creates a cool, sticker-sheet effect.
Perfect for when you want to let your creativity flow freely.
These ideas are not just about drawing; they’re about having fun and expressing yourself. Give them a try and see where your creativity takes you.
Start Doodling and Make the Style Your Own
Preppy drawing is all about having fun with simple shapes and bright colors. By mastering a few basic motifs and the outlining technique, anyone can create this style of art.
Experiment by mixing different motifs, trying new color combinations, and adding your own personal touches. This will help you make the style truly your own.
Challenge yourself to pick one idea from the list and spend ten minutes drawing it right now. Put your new skills into practice and see where your creativity takes you!


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