Felt-tip marker mode
Let's draw a cartoon stapler
Treat this as one playful practice round: sketch the idea loosely, simplify the shapes, then commit with confident marker outlines and bright fills.
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01
Block the stapler
Draw a long rounded top shell, then add a flat base underneath it at the same angle.
Doodle tip: Ghost the two long shapes first. Matching their angle makes the stapler look solid before any details appear.
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02
Square the nose
Add the squared front nose and clarify how the top shell meets the lower base.
Doodle tip: Leave a clean gap under the top shell. That negative space is what tells the viewer the stapler can press down.
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03
Add the hinge
Place a round hinge cap at the back and clean up the rear contour.
Doodle tip: Keep the hinge chunky and simple. Tiny hardware disappears fast in a marker drawing.
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04
Place slot and feet
Add a dark staple slot near the front and two tiny feet under the base.
Doodle tip: Draw the slot as one short, confident rectangle. Too much detail can make the front look busy.
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05
Fill the stapler colors
Fill the top shell teal, add coral to the base and nose, and place a small purple shadow underneath.
Doodle tip: Pull marker strokes along the stapler body. Directional streaks make the rounded top feel handmade instead of flat.
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06
Snap the stapler into shape
Thicken the black outlines, even the existing marker fills, clarify the nose, hinge, slot, feet, and same shadow.
Doodle tip: Stop before adding eyes, paper, words, or a border. The chunky top, base, hinge, slot, feet, and bright color carry the drawing.
