How To Draw A Worm: A complete guide, by Will Mabbitt

Published on: 01 February 2017 Author: Will Mabbitt

People often assume doing the illustrations for my book I Can Only Draw Worms was easy.

They couldn't be more wrong! The whole book took at least ten minutes to draw. Here's how I did it...

1. Worm handling

Any proper artist will tell you that it's always better to draw from real life. As such it's important to choose a compliant worm. The following worm was too busy to have her portrait done.

2. View point

Your worm can be carefully adjusted to capture its most flattering angle. Worms can be drawn from many different views, so it's important to choose the right one...

Worm seen from above

Worm seen from below

Worm seen from the left

Worm seen from the right

3. Lighting

You can also adjust the lighting for dramatic effect. In the next illustration I've removed all the lighting to give the worm an air of mystery.

4. Mood

Expressing emotion through art is very important. Like us, worms are complex creatures capable of many different feelings. Here are some examples...

Happiness

Sadness

5. Composition

Once you are comfortable drawing worms try experimenting with different backgrounds. I asked my publishers to fly me to the Bahamas so I could sketch this worm relaxing on a tropical beach. Here's the result.

I can't draw tropical beaches but the hotel was nice.

6. Approval

Finally, when your worm portrait is finished, it's polite to check with your model that he/she is comfortable with how they are being represented in the final picture book.

My name is Will Mabbitt. I can only draw worms.

I Can Only Draw Worms by Will Mabbitt is out now, published by Puffin.