How to Draw a Banner

Learn how to draw a banner in three easy steps with our step-by-step drawing exercise! Banners are a simple way to add a touch of creative flair to your artwork. This tutorial will cover the basics of drawing a banner, including the different shapes and forms you can use for an eye-catching illustration.

Gather your art supplies, such as pencils, or paint, to start. If you like drawing digitally, you can use a digital art program like Illustrator or Procreate.

Tip: Use grid paper, Procreate drawing guides, or a ruler to perfect your proportions.

Why not explore our other free drawing tutorials to complement your banners? Decorate your banner by drawing a sunflower or add custom text with this tutorial on how to draw bubble letters.

Step 1 - Sketch the Basic Banner Shape

Start by sketching out the shape of the banner. A banner is typically a long, rectangular shape, but you can experiment with different sizes and shapes to suit your needs. You can use any sketching or light-colored medium to make your rough sketches.

Basic Shape

For the basic shape, draw a horizontal rectangle that will serve as the base of your banner. You can make your rectangle as long and wide as you want.

Creating Curves

Add a curve to your rectangle to make a curved banner. The curve can be in any direction, with multiple curving points on your banner. Our example sketch below shows our curve points.

Multiple Layers

Use any of the shapes mentioned above and stack two or more above each other. You can even mix different forms as we did. The more you stack, the more folds you will have in your banner.

Step 2 - Add the End Shape to your Banner

Once you have the main shape of your banner, it's time to start adding ends. Draw minimal ends, folds for dimension, and long folds between multiple layers.

Basic Ends

To make your banner minimal, draw a bow end with an inward "V" shape or flip the "V" shape outward, as we did with our bottom example.

Folded Ends

Create small folded ends at the top or bottom of your ribbon banner illustration. First, draw an extended basic end (shown in red) slightly lower or higher than your main center shape. Then create a fold by drawing a triangle that connects the corners (shown in blue).

Multiple Layer Ends

With multiple layers, you will have extended folds running between them. Looking at our red sketches, connect the corners of the shape above to the one below. Make sure your long center folds go from left to right or vice versa. Lastly, add either of the above two ends to finish your look.

Step 3 - Make your Sketches Permanent

Once your rough sketch is complete, take a fine-tip pen or inking brush and start outlining. When creating line drawings, use a steady hand and make the lines thick enough to be visible when you are done. After you have traced your sketch lines, clean up your drawing by erasing them.

Basic and Folded outlines

For most doodle banners, you can trace the outer sketch lines first. You won't need to trace other sketches on your basic ones, but you should outline the corner triangles on the folded ribbon clipart.

Multiple Layer Outlines

For multiple layers, begin by tracing the main shapes first. Then define the long center fold and corner folds as we did with red. Lastly, if there are any third-layer folds like our blue outlines, trace them.

Step 4 - Apply Color and Shading

Once your banner looks how you want it to, it's time to add color. You can use any medium and color palette you prefer. Some banner clipart requires two or more shades, so when coloring, consider the colors you want to use and make sure they complement each other.

Tip: When you have multiple layers or folds, apply your lightest color to the basic shapes and gradually get darker with each fold.

Now you know the three easy ways to draw a banner. We hope you have a fun time following our drawing guide. Remember to start with basic shape sketches and then define your outlines. Keep experimenting and trying new styles to create a whole collection for your digital library.