How does one draw a circle?

[Lyipheoryia]

I can sketch.  I can (sorta) paint.  I can make comics.  I can write fanfiction.  I can get a research/best paper award.  I can draw still life.  I can mix and match different colours of paint to make a nice result.  I CANNOT DRAW A CIRCLE.  I've tried searching online.  I've tried a gazillion methods.  I've practiced (trust me-a lot).  HOW DO I DRAW A NICE, GOOD Ol' CIRCLE?  

 

I could really use some help.  I know there are plenty of circle generators I can use when drawing with my tablet, but I would like to be able to do it myself.  Even when I'm doing traditional art, my circles always tend to look a bit...misshapen.  Or deformed.  Whichever you prefer.  It's very strange, considering how well I can sketch and all of that more complicated stuff.  I mean-I can do some of the harder art techniques if I try, but I cannot do the basics of drawing a circle.  Help?

[QuickLime]

Okay so you start at the beginning, and when you come to the ennnd


Stop

[MidnightMask]

I'm right there with you on this. I think, drawing bigger or smaller can help for some people, using the arm rather than the hand, but I think it depends on the person and practice.

[Rosewind]

Draw a light + sign with equal sides, that will give you a good basis for your circumference, then draw your circle around it. 

[Lyipheoryia]

Draw a light + sign with equal sides, that will give you a good basis for your circumference, then draw your circle around it. 

It often turns into this strange, deformed egg or malfunctioning oval...Or a really strange looking circle...thanks for the advice, though!  Maybe I need more practice with this method .

[Dubstep]

Sorry, couldn't resist. But yes, Rosie's idea seems to be a good idea. My first thought would be, like, use a compass to get some practice in, before trying freehand *shrug* xD

[moonshineTheleocat]

Something I learned in my engineering classes... it's a little more than practice to do a circle freehanded.

 

To draw a circle, you'll want to hold the pencil perpendicular to the surface, and lock your wrist. Use your shoulder for the motion. Just do these a lot and make adjustments. Start slow, and get used to the feeling. Then speed it up. Muscle memory will eventually take over and you will have near perfect circles in no time. And yeah... being fast does make a difference. Especially if you have unsteady  hands.

To draw an ellipse... a circle in perspective. Same method. but you are pivoting on your elbow. Keep doing these at varying angles and watch which way your ellipses lean, and which ones are more perfect. You will need to learn how to turn the paper to adjust for that tilt. That is just a mechanical uniqueness to everyone's arms, and coordination. Example... I tend to need a 40-45 degree adjustment

 

if... accuracy does matter... or you are drawing something that is machined... you might just want to pick up some circle templates. They aren't cheap though...

[Lux]

I have trouble with circles, so when drawing it I first use my ruler to draw two points, then I use my protractor to draw the circle. It's tedious but it works.

[Lyipheoryia]

Something I learned in my engineering classes... it's a little more than practice to do a circle freehanded.

 

To draw a circle, you'll want to hold the pencil perpendicular to the surface, and lock your wrist. Use your shoulder for the motion. Just do these a lot and make adjustments. Start slow, and get used to the feeling. Then speed it up. Muscle memory will eventually take over and you will have near perfect circles in no time. And yeah... being fast does make a difference. Especially if you have unsteady  hands.

To draw an ellipse... a circle in perspective. Same method. but you are pivoting on your elbow. Keep doing these at varying angles and watch which way your ellipses lean, and which ones are more perfect. You will need to learn how to turn the paper to adjust for that tilt. That is just a mechanical uniqueness to everyone's arms, and coordination. Example... I tend to need a 40-45 degree adjustment

 

if... accuracy does matter... or you are drawing something that is machined... you might just want to pick up some circle templates. They aren't cheap though...

Oh...yeah.  I think I have very "unsteady hands".  I shall try your method next time I need a circle.  I can neither find circle template nor own enough money to purchase them, so that's out of the question for me.  Thank you very much!  Engineering was pretty hard for me (I took a week-long session on it), also because I'm not all that great with the type of balance or accuracy required for the more hands-on-materials.

[Noedig]

If this question was asked in Minecraft, I'd put you on a stake to burn you for inquiring about the "forbidden shape".

... But, this is not Minecraft!

 

Drawing a circle takes practice. Which involves using lots of time, like many other skills!

Try sketching a rough one for starters, meaning don't use a straight single line to make a circle. Keep making these rough circles, and then try making a single line circle. If it fails, keep making your rough circles, it will smooth up over time.

[Sky]

Usually when it comes to sketches and such, I just do this, but that could be because I'm using a mouse.

Then again, it's not really making a circle, is it? It's more just... Erasing a circle.

[Lyipheoryia]

On 2/9/2016 at 5:35 AM, Sky said:

Usually when it comes to sketches and such, I just do this, but that could be because I'm using a mouse.

Then again, it's not really making a circle, is it? It's more just... Erasing a circle.

I'n not exactly awesome when it comes to mouse vectoring/rastering.  I prefer drawing by hand or using a digital tablet...kinda harder in my case with your method~

[KaityKat]

I know this is super old, but I just have to say mine.

I have a favorite way to draw circles.

 

I use my hand as a compass.

 

Holding the pencil in my index and thumb, and using my pinkie as a pivot point. it's easiest to make work by turning the paper around.

 

For small circles, tho, you'll have to bite the bullet, so to speak, and just make due with good ol' "practice makes perfect".

 

It's much easier when you move your arm instead of your hand. just start practicing drawing a sh!tton of circles. Pivot your arm at the shoulder, it makes for smoother lines and more uniform circles.