Football is one of the most popular sports in the world, with millions of fans who love the excitement and strategy of the game. If you want to show your team spirit by drawing their helmet, this comprehensive guide will walk you through each step. With some basic sketching skills and the right tools, anyone can learn how to draw a football helmet.
This article will cover tips and techniques for drawing helmets from different angles, adding details like facemasks and decals, using color effectively, and more. We’ll also look at common mistakes to avoid. Follow along with the step-by-step instructions and you’ll be able to create an accurate drawing of a football helmet to proudly display.
Why Learn to Draw a Football Helmet?
Drawing a helmet is a great way to show your fandom and appreciation for the sport. It allows you to recreate iconic helmet designs in your own style. Learning this skill can also help you:
- Improve your drawing techniques – helmets have interesting shapes and angles to practice.
- Understand proportions better by breaking down a complex object.
- Add football-themed art to school projects, gifts, apparel, and more.
- Recreate favorite team helmets by looking at reference photos.
With a little guided practice, drawing helmets can become a fun hobby for any football fan.
How to Choose a Helmet to Draw
When deciding which helmet to draw first, consider the following:
- Your favorite NFL, college, or local team – start with a helmet design you love and know well. This familiarity will make it easier to draw accurately.
- A simple design – helmets with only a few elements like stripes or logos are ideal for beginners. Avoid highly detailed airbrushed helmets for now.
- A classic or iconic helmet – choose a recognizable helmet from a popular team like the Dallas Cowboys, Pittsburgh Steelers, Oakland Raiders, or Notre Dame Fighting Irish.
- Different sides – pick a helmet where the right and left side designs are not identical, as this will allow you to practice drawing mirrored elements.
Don’t be afraid to start simple – you can work your way up to more complex designs as your skills improve. Use reference images so you can clearly see all the elements you’ll need to recreate.
Gather Your Drawing Materials
Drawing a helmet accurately requires having the right tools and materials on hand. Here’s what you should gather before you start:
Drawing Tools
- Pencils – HB and 2B pencils are ideal. A set that includes HB, B, 2B, 4B, and 6B will give you variety.
- Eraser – both a standard pink eraser and a plastic drafting eraser to easily remove pencil lines.
- Ruler or straightedge – for making clean lines and measuring proportions.
- Compass – to help draw the curved dome shape.
Paper
- Printer paper – use thicker paper like cardstock for practice. Thinner paper can cause shading to smear.
- Bristol board – for finished detailed drawings. The smooth surface allows for fine details.
- Tracing paper – helpful for tracing the initial outline multiple times to perfect the shape.
Other Supplies
- Pencil sharpener – for keeping tips fine and precise.
- Blending stumps or tortillons – to smoothly blend shading for a polished look.
- Paper towels – these can be shaped into a blending tool and wiped clean as needed.
- Kneaded erasers – soft erasers that can be molded into points to erase fine details.
Optional Extras
- Colored pencils or markers
- Football helmet reference photos
- Compass protractor – for exact measurements
Gather as many of these tools as you can before starting. Having the right materials makes the drawing process much easier.
Sketch the Basic Helmet Shape
When drawing any object, always begin with basic shapes. This allows you to map out proper proportions accurately before adding finer details.
To start a football helmet:
1. Draw the Center Line
Use a straightedge to lightly draw a vertical line in pencil. This center line will help ensure both sides are symmetrical.
2. Draw the Dome Shape
Using a compass, draw a semicircle on the upper half of the page around the center line. This will form the rounded dome shape of the helmet.
3. Draw the Neckguard
Below the dome, draw another smaller semicircle extending downwards. Connect the edges to the bottom of the previous arc. This forms the neckguard portion.
4. Add the Side Panels
On the left and right sides, sketch two curved lines connecting the edges of the dome to the neckguard. These outline the side helmet panels.
5. Erase Extra Lines
Erase any early guidelines outside the main helmet shape. You can now start to see the basic football helmet form.
Take the time to refine the shape and symmetry until you have accurate proportions. Having a solid foundation will make the rest of the steps much easier.
Draw the Facemask
The metal facemask covering the front of a football helmet is its most identifiable feature. Facemasks come in a variety of styles, so pay close attention to your reference image.
Draw the Center Bar
Start by using a straightedge to draw a vertical line directly down the center of the helmet front. This attaches the upper and lower parts of the mask.
Add the Upper Sections
Draw a “T” shape coming off the top of the center bar – these represent two upper metal strips that connect to the helmet edge.
Draw the Lower Sections
Then add the lower strips framing the neckguard on each side – some angle back towards the center bar. Leave a gap in the middle for the face opening.
Draw Smaller details
Add any small vertical or horizontal bars connecting the upper and lower sections, depending on the mask type. Leave the sections that cover the eyes open.
Erase Extra Lines
Erase any early sketch lines, leaving the clean final facemask shape. Make sure the whole mask aligns to the helmet front.
Take your time here to accurately portray the exact facemask design found on your helmet reference. The details matter!
Add the Helmet Decals
Team logos, stripes, and other decals are key components of any football helmet design. Here are tips for realistically drawing these elements:
Approach by Sections
Break the helmet surface into different planes – sides, back, and upper front. Add decals systematically to each section.
Use Rulers and Stencils
Logos and stripes require clean, sharp lines. Use rulers or pre-made stencil shapes to maintain consistency.
Observe Shapes and Sizes
Study the decal shapes closely on a reference photo. Recreate the sizing and proportions as accurately as possible.
Consider Overlap
Layer decals logically, with some on top of others. For example, side stripes should go over logos.
Remain Consistent
Make decals on the left and right sides perfect mirror images in size, shape, and placement.
Take it slow here – rushing can lead to messy, crooked decals. Nailing down the fine details now prevents issues later.
Shade the Helmet Form
Once the structure is complete, you can start shading. Proper shading adds depth and realism to make your football helmet drawing pop off the page.
Shade the Dome
Using light pressure and a blunt HB pencil, shade the top dome area. Gradually blend the shading darker towards the top center to create a rounded effect.
Shade the Sides
On the left and right side panels, apply light side-to-side pencil strokes to convey the curved surface. Blend slightly darker along the edges.
Shade the Facemask
Closely study how light hits the mask. Shade the recessed bar areas darker, leaving highlights along the ridges.
Shade Decals
Lightly shade logos, stripes, and other decals to help them stand out against the helmet color. Apply minimal shading.
Blend Shading
Use tortillons and paper towels to softly blend and smooth all shading. Create gradual tonal transitions.
Shading can be built up slowly in layers. Start very light, gradually darkening and blending to develop realistic helmet contours.
Tips for Accurate Proportions
Correct proportions are crucial for drawing a realistic football helmet. Here are some tips:
- The dome should take up 1/3 to 1/2 of the overall helmet height. Don’t make it too small.
- Facemasks are generally as wide as the center helmet front section. Make sure they align.
Add Details and Texture
Once you’ve nailed down the form and shading, it’s time to bring your football helmet drawing to life with finer details:
Draw Air Vents
Study your reference image to see the air vent pattern. Use a ruler to draw precise rows of small circles or ovals along the dome.
Add Helmet Texture
To convey the rugged helmet exterior, apply crosshatching or dotted shading along the surface. This adds realism and visual interest.
Define the Facemask
Use sharp, fine lines to bring out details of the facemask like bolts, connectors between bars, and openings. Darken shaded areas as needed.
Add Logo Details
Carefully replicate smaller decal elements like outlines, shadows, and textures with a sharp HB pencil. Keep a light touch.
Erase Stray Lines
Reinforce the clean edges of decals by erasing any stray shading. This makes logos and stripes really stand out.
Take your time bringing out finer details. Subtle elements like texture and smaller decal features can make a big visual impact.
Finish With Color (Optional)
For a more dynamic, true-to-life football helmet drawing, carefully add color using colored pencils or markers:
- Match colors precisely – sample team colors from a photo to color match as closely as possible.
- Shade shadows – use darker shades of the base color to show dimension in shaded areas.
- Limit outlining – avoid relying on black outlines, which flattens the look.
- Blend gently – light blending promotes a smooth, painted finish. Don’t over-blend.
- Work slowly in layers – build up even layers of color to prevent a scratchy appearance.
Color can bring energy and realism to your helmet drawing, but remember that shading does most of the work in conveying form. Use color thoughtfully as the finishing touch.
Common Helmet Drawing Mistakes to Avoid
When tackling your first football helmet drawing, it’s normal to make some mistakes. Being aware of common errors will help you avoid developing bad habits:
- Inaccurate proportions – if the helmet looks skewed or warped, carefully check your proportions against a reference.
- Messy lines – use rulers and light sketching to keep lines neat. Don’t press too hard.
- Skipping essential steps – resist the urge to rush ahead. Mastering the foundations first leads to better results.
- Flat lighting – study your reference to see how light hits the rounded helmet shape. Add appropriate highlights and shadows.
- Over-shading – build up shading gradually in thin layers. Let the white paper show through for highlights.
- Over-detailing – focus on nailing the overall structure before getting lost in smaller details.
Stay patient, use reference images, and stick to the essential steps in this guide to avoid common mistakes. The more helmets you draw, the more you’ll improve!
Drawing Helmets from Different Angles
Once you’ve mastered drawing a helmet head-on, try experimenting with different perspectives:
Side View
- Show less of the facemask and more helmet curvature
- Angle decals to wrap around the dome
- Emphasize side shade transitions
Three-Quarter View
- Draw the facemask at an angle
- Show more distortion in the shapes
- Capture how light wraps around the form
Rear View
- Hide the facemask behind the dome
- Focus on the back decals and neck guard
Practicing from different views challenges your brain to break down the helmet structure in new ways. This improves your overall drawing ability.
More Tips for Realistic Results
Follow these additional tips for taking your helmet drawing skills to the next level:
- Use a realistic helmet 3D model for reference instead of flat photos
- Look for the cross contour lines that show the form turning in space
- Vary your shading texture – try both smooth blending and rougher hatching
- Shade the holes in letters like “o” and “b” to make decals look more three-dimensional
- Study light logic and shadows to create a consistent light source
- Draw helmets in different positions – looking up, down, rotated, etc.
- Try drawing the same helmet multiple times – repetition boosts learning
- Invest in professional drawing pencils with a range of lead softness
With regular practice and by actively studying references, you’ll gain skills with each helmet you draw. Focus on gradual improvement, not instant perfection.
Displaying Your Football Helmet Artwork
Once complete, be proud to display your helmet drawing for all to admire! Here are some creative ways to present your artwork:
- Frame it alongside team jerseys or photos for a personalized sports collage
- Turn your drawing into greeting cards for fellow football fans
- Post it on sports fan forums and communities to inspire others with your skills
- Recreate an entire team’s helmets in a collection drawing
- Gift it to friends and family who will appreciate the time you put into your art
However you choose to share your helmet drawings, it’s a great conversation starter that immediately conveys your passion for football. Drawing helmets is also excellent artistic practice that can lead to bigger and better creative projects.
Conclusion
Drawing a realistic football helmet requires careful observation, patience, and practice. But the sense of satisfaction you’ll get from creating detailed artwork of an iconic helmet design makes the effort well worthwhile.
Follow the steps in this guide to learn the foundations: sketching the basic shape, adding facemask and decal details, shading to convey form, and finally coloring for extra realism. Avoid common mistakes like inaccurate proportions and messy lines by taking your time.
Drawing helmets from different views, trying new techniques, and actively studying references will speed your improvement. In no time you’ll be able to convincingly draw helmets of any style.
So grab your pencils, find a great helmet photo reference, and get drawing! Whether you’re an artist looking to expand your sports drawing skills or simply a football fan, learning to draw helmets allows you to deepen your appreciation of the game.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about how to draw football helmet:
What drawing pencils are best for beginners?
Beginners should start with basic pencils – HB, B, and 2B. HB is ideal for light sketching. B makes darker lines for early shading. 2B is soft for darker blacks in shadows. A starter set with multiple grades will offer flexibility.
Should I use sketch paper or Bristol board?
For initial practice, use sketch or printer paper to make mistakes without wasting expensive supplies. Once your skills progress, invest in smooth Bristol board for finished detailed drawings.
How long does it take to sketch a helmet before shading?
It takes most beginners 1-2 hours to carefully sketch a helmet outline, facemask, and decals before starting shading. But don’t rush – take as long as you need to get the structure right.
What’s the best way to shade the metal facemask?
Study photos to see how light reflects off a real metal facemask. Shade recessed areas darker and allow highlights to fall along the ridges. Use sharp transitions between light and dark.
Is it better to use markers, colored pencils or paint?
For drawing helmets, colored pencils allow for greater blending and shading control. Markers tend to look flat. Save paint for larger helmet paintings. But use whatever medium you enjoy most!