17 Cool Girl Drawing Ideas and References

Drawing is a wonderful way to express creativity and capture the essence of characters. If you're looking to draw girls in various styles and contexts, here are 17 cool ideas and references to inspire you:

1. Vintage Fashionista
Capture the elegance of the past by drawing a girl in vintage clothing from the 1920s or 1950s. Think flapper dresses, high-waisted skirts, or polka-dot patterns. Add accessories like wide-brimmed hats or retro sunglasses to complete the look.

Reference Tip: Look up old fashion magazines or vintage fashion photos to get an idea of the clothing styles and accessories.

2. Cyberpunk Chic
Create a futuristic girl with a cyberpunk aesthetic. Imagine neon lights, sleek, high-tech outfits, and cybernetic enhancements. Use bright, neon colors and high-contrast lighting to bring this world to life.

Reference Tip: Explore cyberpunk movies, games, and art for inspiration. The visuals from “Blade Runner” or “Altered Carbon” can be particularly useful.

3. Fantasy Warrior
Design a girl as a powerful fantasy warrior. This could involve intricate armor, magical weapons, and mythical creatures. Consider different fantasy settings, from enchanted forests to medieval castles.

Reference Tip: Look at concept art from fantasy video games or movies. Characters from “The Lord of the Rings” or “Game of Thrones” could provide some great ideas.

4. Modern Day Hero
Illustrate a girl in the role of a modern-day hero or activist. She could be involved in social justice, environmental causes, or any contemporary issue. Focus on expressions and attire that reflect her cause and dedication.

Reference Tip: Check out photos of activists and community leaders for real-world inspiration.

5. Retro Cartoon Style
Draw a girl in the style of classic cartoons from the 70s or 80s. Use bold lines, simple shapes, and vibrant colors. Think of the exaggerated features and playful expressions found in that era's animation.

Reference Tip: Watch old cartoons or look up illustrations from classic animation studios like Hanna-Barbera or Looney Tunes.

6. Supernatural Creature
Create a girl with supernatural attributes. This could be anything from a mermaid with flowing scales to a girl with angelic wings or mystical aura. Experiment with colors and textures that emphasize her otherworldly nature.

Reference Tip: Look at mythological art and illustrations of supernatural beings for ideas on how to blend fantasy elements with human features.

7. Steampunk Adventurer
Design a girl with a steampunk twist. Incorporate Victorian-era fashion with mechanical gadgets, brass goggles, and gear-based accessories. Steampunk combines historical aesthetics with imaginative technology, making it a visually rich theme.

Reference Tip: Browse steampunk art and literature for a blend of history and futuristic design.

8. Sporty Enthusiast
Draw a girl engaged in her favorite sport or activity. This could be anything from soccer and skateboarding to gymnastics and surfing. Capture her in action, focusing on dynamic poses and athletic gear.

Reference Tip: Watch videos or look at photographs of athletes in action to understand movement and body posture.

9. Urban Street Style
Illustrate a girl with a trendy urban street style. Think of modern fashion elements like oversized hoodies, ripped jeans, and sneakers. Add some graffiti or cityscape elements in the background to enhance the urban vibe.

Reference Tip: Explore street fashion blogs and urban photography for the latest trends and styles.

10. Anime Inspiration
Create a girl in the style of anime or manga. Use exaggerated facial expressions, large eyes, and dramatic hair styles. Incorporate themes common in anime, such as magical girls or high school students with unique powers.

Reference Tip: Watch popular anime series or look at manga for inspiration on character design and style.

11. Gothic Elegance
Design a girl with a gothic aesthetic. Think dark, dramatic clothing, Victorian elements, and a touch of mystery. Incorporate elements like lace, corsets, and dark makeup to bring out the gothic elegance.

Reference Tip: Check out gothic fashion and art for details on how to achieve a sophisticated, dark look.

12. Sci-Fi Explorer
Draw a girl as a futuristic space explorer. Equip her with high-tech gear, space suits, and alien landscapes. Imagine her on distant planets or navigating through advanced space stations.

Reference Tip: Look at sci-fi films and concept art for ideas on futuristic technology and space environments.

13. Bohemian Dreamer
Create a girl with a bohemian style. Think flowy dresses, flower crowns, and a relaxed, carefree vibe. Capture a sense of freedom and natural beauty with soft colors and whimsical elements.

Reference Tip: Browse bohemian fashion photography and art for inspiration on patterns, colors, and accessories.

14. Classic Pin-Up
Design a girl in the style of classic pin-up art. Use bold, stylized poses and bright, retro colors. The pin-up aesthetic often features playful, glamorous poses and attire from the mid-20th century.

Reference Tip: Look at classic pin-up art from the 1940s and 1950s for style and pose ideas.

15. Chic College Student
Illustrate a girl as a stylish college student. Focus on trendy campus outfits, like comfy sweaters, jeans, and casual shoes. Add elements like textbooks, backpacks, or coffee cups to emphasize the student life.

Reference Tip: Observe current college fashion trends and student life for a realistic touch.

16. Mythical Creature Hybrid
Combine human and mythical creature elements to create a unique girl character. She could be part dragon, part human, or have features like elven ears or fox tails. Blend these elements seamlessly for an imaginative character.

Reference Tip: Explore fantasy art that features mythical creatures for inspiration on blending human and mythical traits.

17. High Fantasy Royalty
Draw a girl as high fantasy royalty. Design elaborate gowns, tiaras, and regal accessories. Imagine her in a grand palace or magical kingdom, reflecting her royal status with elegance and grandeur.

Reference Tip: Look at fantasy films, books, and historical royal attire for inspiration on royal fashion and settings.