Here I will divulge my secrets to making cartoon cutouts.  Wow!  If you can draw characters exactly like the original and you have the following supplies, you're all set!

First you need to assemble the following items:

• A flat piece of foam board of any size that you desire.  You can purchase this in the craft aisle of your local supermarket or hobby store.   You could start with a 20" x 30" piece.  As an alternative, you could also use a good, thick piece of cardboard instead.  Make sure there are no creases or indentions whatsoever.

• Pencil

• Eraser

• Paint brushes.

• Craft paints.

• Acrylic paint pen.  This is used to define the outline of the character you are drawing.  Most cartoon characters are outlined in black. However, these pens come in a variety of colors and can also be found in the craft aisle or at a hobby store.

• A box cutter.

• Sand paper (if you are using foam board).

• A paint palette.  You mix your paints here.  If you don't want to buy one, a piece of wax paper or a paper plate works fine. 

Now that you've got all that you need, it's time to get started!  I usually find a reference picture of the character that I want to draw so that I have a guide to go by.  

Step One:

If you are using cardboard as your material, it's a good idea to paint the entire thing a certain color before you begin to draw.  I usually go with white.  If you're using white foam board, then this step is not necessary.  Let the paint dry for a few hours.

Step Two:

Using your pencil, lightly sketch your character as large or as small as you want.  Keep your eraser handy in case you mess up.  When you are happy with what you have, trace over your pencil marks with a paint pen.  

Step Three:

Now that you have the outline of your character, it's time to add some color.  You can look at my character as an example on how to do yours.  All characters are different, but this will give you an idea of how to start with the main color and work your way up.  

This particular character is wearing a red kimono with some designs on it.  So I'll start with the base color, red, and work my way up.  I paint her kimono red and blue, then add some shading by using darker hues of blue and red.

Step Four:

While the freshly-painted kimono dries, I paint the black hair and flesh colors on her face, leg, and hand.

Step Five:

Now that the red kimono is dry, it's time to paint some designs on it.  Let's go with some squiggly yellow designs, and maybe paint the hair ribbon.  Don't forget to add a darker hue on the shadowy areas.  

Step Six:

While I let the yellow paint dry, I paint the feet.  Now I paint some nice flowers to complete the design.  Add any other finishing touches like hair highlights and shadows. 

Step Seven:

All that is left to do now is to draw, color, and shadow the face.  Outline the entire character again.

Now just cut out your character with the box cutter.  If you are using foam board, use your sand paper to buff out the edges when you have cut it out.

  And voila!  You're finished!  Easy, right?