Step By Step Guide How To Draw Patrick Mahomes Jersey With Easy Techniques

Drawing a football jersey, especially one as iconic as Patrick Mahomes’, doesn’t require advanced artistic skills—just patience, structure, and the right approach. Whether you're a young artist, a Chiefs fan, or someone looking to improve your sketching abilities, this guide breaks down the process into manageable steps. From understanding jersey proportions to capturing team colors and player number accuracy, you’ll learn how to create a clean, recognizable illustration of Mahomes’ #15 Chiefs jersey using only basic tools.

Understanding the Structure of an NFL Jersey

Before putting pencil to paper, it helps to study the anatomy of a modern NFL jersey. The Kansas City Chiefs’ uniform has distinct features: a tailored fit, bold red and white color blocks, a prominent collar, and precise typography for the player number and name. Recognizing these elements ensures your drawing looks authentic, not generic.

The jersey is symmetrical along the vertical centerline. The sleeves are tapered, the shoulders slightly angled, and the hem typically straight or subtly curved. The front displays the player’s last name above the number, while the back often features a larger version of the same number. Familiarity with these details prevents common mistakes like uneven sleeve lengths or misaligned numbers.

Tip: Use a real photo of Patrick Mahomes in his jersey as a reference. Pause during a game broadcast or search high-resolution images online to observe stitching lines, shadow areas, and font styles.

Materials You’ll Need

You don’t need expensive supplies to produce a quality sketch. Here’s what works best for beginners:

• Pencil (HB or 2B): For light sketching and darkening lines later.
• Ruler: Ensures straight seams, collar edges, and number alignment.
• Eraser: A kneaded eraser lifts graphite gently without damaging paper.
• Paper: Standard printer paper or a sketchbook (8.5” x 11” ideal).
• Colored pencils or markers (optional): Red, white, yellow, and black for accurate team colors.

Avoid using pens early on—mistakes are harder to correct. Work lightly at first; heavy lines can be added once the shape is confirmed.

Step-by-Step Drawing Process

1. Draw the Center Line: Lightly sketch a vertical line down the middle of your page. This acts as your symmetry guide.
2. Outline the Torso Shape: Draw a wide “U” shape for the upper chest and taper it downward into a slight “A” frame. NFL jerseys are fitted but not tight.
3. Add Shoulder Lines: Extend two diagonal lines upward from the top corners of the torso. These should mirror each other for balance.
4. Sketch the Sleeves: Draw narrow trapezoids extending from the shoulder lines. Keep them proportional—about 1/3 the length of the body.
5. Create the Collar: The Chiefs use a V-neck with a white trim. Draw a shallow “V” starting just below the neck point, then outline a thin border around it.
6. Mark Sleeve and Side Seams: Use the ruler to add vertical lines where the sleeves meet the body and along the sides. These enhance realism.
7. Draw the Player Number (15): On the lower back and front, block out large rectangles for the numbers. Use stenciled-style fonts—bold, sans-serif, with even thickness.
8. Add “MAHOMES” Text: Above the back number, write “MAHOMES” in capital letters. Keep letter height about 1/2 the size of the number.
9. Refine the Edges: Go over your sketch with a darker pencil, cleaning up curves and straightening lines where needed.
10. Color with Team Palette: Fill the main body and sleeves with Chiefs red (#E31837). Use white for the collar, side panels, and number outlines. Add yellow accents if including logos.

Take your time between steps. Rushing leads to skewed proportions. If one sleeve looks longer, erase and re-measure using the center line as a reference.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced artists make errors when drawing clothing. The following table highlights frequent issues and practical fixes:

Mistake	Why It Happens	Solution
Uneven sleeves	Lack of measurement or freehand inconsistency	Use a ruler and measure from the center line on both sides
Number too small or crooked	Guessing placement instead of blocking it out	Lightly draw a rectangle first, then add digits inside
Jersey looks boxy or stiff	Overly straight lines without natural taper	Add slight inward curves at the waist area
Colors bleed or look muddy	Pressing too hard with colored pencils	Layer lightly and build color gradually

“Accuracy in sports illustrations comes from observation, not imagination. Study real uniforms closely—the devil is in the details.” — Dana Reeves, Sports Illustrator & Instructor

Adding Realism: Shading and Detail Techniques

To elevate your drawing from flat to lifelike, apply basic shading. Identify a light source—say, from the top left. Areas opposite that direction (right side, under sleeves) should be slightly darker.

• Fold Shadows: Add faint gray tones where fabric would naturally crease, like under the arms or near the hem.
• Highlight Trim: Leave white gaps along the edge of the white collar and number borders to simulate reflection.
• Texture Hint: Use short, parallel lines to suggest fabric weave—especially effective on red sections.

If coloring, avoid filling every pixel. Let the paper show through slightly to prevent wax bloom or muddiness. For markers, place a second sheet underneath to stop bleeding.

Tip: Trace over your final lines with a fine-tip black marker, then erase the pencil marks. This gives a crisp, professional finish.

Mini Case Study: A Beginner’s First Attempt

Jamal, a 14-year-old fan from Missouri, wanted to draw Mahomes’ jersey for a school art project. His first try had lopsided sleeves and a tiny “15” barely visible on the back. After reviewing photos and using a grid method (dividing the paper into quarters), he redrew the piece with measured guidelines. He blocked out the number area first, used a ruler for symmetry, and applied layered red coloring. The final result earned praise from his teacher and was displayed in the classroom hallway. His key takeaway? “Measuring beats guessing every time.”

FAQ

Can I draw the jersey without knowing how to draw a person?

Absolutely. This guide focuses only on the jersey as a standalone object. No body or pose knowledge is required.

What if I don’t have red colored pencils?

You can still complete the sketch in pencil. Label the color zones (e.g., “red,” “white”) in the corner, or use digital tools later to color it.

How long does it take to draw the jersey?

For a beginner, expect 30–45 minutes. With practice, you can complete a clean version in under 20 minutes.

Final Checklist Before You Finish

Run through this list to ensure your drawing meets quality standards:

• ✅ Symmetrical sleeves and shoulder lines
• ✅ Clear “V” collar with white trim
• ✅ “MAHOMES” centered above the back number
• ✅ Number “15” large and bold on front and back
• ✅ Accurate red, white, and yellow coloring (if used)
• ✅ Clean, darkened outlines with erased guidelines
• ✅ Subtle shading for depth (optional but recommended)

Conclusion

Drawing Patrick Mahomes’ jersey is more than a tribute to a star quarterback—it’s a chance to build foundational art skills. By breaking down complex shapes, using reference images, and applying structured techniques, anyone can create a realistic and satisfying illustration. The process teaches patience, attention to detail, and the value of incremental improvement. Whether you’re creating fan art, practicing sketching, or supporting the Chiefs in creative form, this guide equips you with everything needed to succeed.

💬 Finished your jersey drawing? Share your experience or post your artwork online with #MahomesJerseySketch—we’d love to see your progress!