If you have a cartoon image that you want to copy onto another piece of paper, you can do it with a simple technique using graphite. You do not need special transfer paper or expensive art supplies. A regular pencil, the cartoon image, and a clean sheet of paper can be enough.

How the Graphite Transfer Method Works

Suppose you take a cartoon image and heavily shade the backside of the paper with graphite from a pencil. You then place the cartoon on top of a clean sheet of paper, making sure that the graphite-covered backside is touching the clean paper.

Next, you trace the lines of the cartoon from the front.

Yes, the graphite should transfer onto the new piece of paper.

When you press down while tracing, the pressure pushes some of the graphite from the backside of the cartoon onto the paper underneath. Wherever you trace, a corresponding graphite line should appear on the new sheet.

This is essentially a homemade version of graphite transfer paper.

What You Need

The technique requires only a few basic materials:

• A printed or hand-drawn cartoon image
• A clean piece of paper
• A pencil for shading the back of the cartoon
• A pen or pencil for tracing
• Tape to keep the papers from moving

A softer graphite pencil, such as a 2B, 4B, or 6B, can make the process easier because softer pencils deposit more graphite onto the paper. However, an ordinary pencil can still work if you shade the back thoroughly enough.

Step 1: Shade the Back of the Cartoon

Turn the cartoon image over so that you are looking at the blank backside.

Using your pencil, shade the areas behind the lines you intend to trace. You do not necessarily have to cover the entire backside of the paper. If you know where the cartoon’s outlines are located, you can concentrate the graphite in those areas.

Apply enough graphite to create a reasonably dark layer. If the graphite layer is too light, the transferred lines may be difficult to see.

Step 2: Position the Cartoon

Place a clean sheet of paper on a flat, hard surface.

Put the cartoon on top of it with the graphite-covered backside facing downward. The graphite should be directly against the clean sheet of paper.

Make sure the cartoon is positioned exactly where you want the transferred drawing to appear.

It is a good idea to tape one or two edges of the cartoon in place. This prevents the image from sliding while you trace it.

Step 3: Trace the Cartoon

Trace over the important lines of the cartoon from the front.

As you trace, the pressure from your pen or pencil presses the graphite on the backside against the clean paper underneath. This deposits graphite along the same path that you are tracing.

Use firm, consistent pressure, but avoid pressing unnecessarily hard. Too much pressure can tear the original image, dent the new paper, or produce excessively dark transfer marks.

Step 4: Check the Transfer

Before completely removing the cartoon, carefully lift one corner while keeping the rest of the paper in position.

Look underneath.

You should see a light graphite version of the lines you traced. If some areas are too faint or missing, lower the cartoon back into place and trace those sections again.

Checking before removing the entire image is useful because repositioning the cartoon perfectly can be difficult once it has moved.

Step 5: Finish the New Drawing

Once all of the necessary lines have transferred, remove the cartoon.

The new sheet should now contain a graphite outline of the original image. You can use this outline as a guide for completing your drawing.

You might go over the transferred lines with a regular pencil, colored pencil, marker, or ink, depending on what you are creating. Afterward, unwanted graphite marks can usually be gently erased.

Why This Technique Works

Graphite does not permanently bond to ordinary paper when you shade with a pencil. A layer of loose graphite remains on and between the paper fibers.

When pressure is applied from the opposite side, some of that graphite rubs against the sheet underneath and sticks to it.

The traced line therefore acts almost like a stamp: pressure determines exactly where the graphite transfers.

Tips for Getting a Cleaner Transfer

For the best results, use a softer pencil and create an even graphite layer. Keep both sheets of paper firmly in place and work on a hard, smooth surface.

Try not to rest your hand too heavily on the cartoon while tracing. Pressure from your hand can accidentally transfer graphite in places where you do not want it, creating smudges.

You can also place a small piece of scrap paper underneath your drawing hand. This reduces accidental pressure and helps keep the work cleaner.

Most importantly, remember the orientation: the graphite-covered side must face the new sheet of paper. You then trace the visible cartoon from the opposite side.

A Simple Homemade Transfer Method

Shading the backside of a cartoon and tracing it onto another sheet is a simple and effective way to reproduce a drawing. It uses the same basic principle as commercial graphite transfer paper, but it can be done with materials you probably already have.

Shade the back, place the graphite against the new paper, secure everything in position, and trace the cartoon. When you lift the original image, the graphite should have transferred the traced outlines onto the sheet underneath, giving you a guide for your new drawing.