How to Draw a Scroll

Reviewed by Jeanine Hattas Wilson

Last Updated: March 3, 2021

People often read scrolls in medieval times as a means of announcing information to a large crowd. Here is how to draw one of your own.

Steps

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This will be the scroll's unfolded sheet.
These will serve as the scroll's rolls.

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Make a few holes/tears on the edges so your scroll will look more timeworn and medieval.
They should be sort of shaped like umbrella handles, or like grips on swords--look at the illustration for reference.
Try to make a modular line, which passes from a thin to a thick line and vice versa. This will make your drawing look better and more professional.
Use light, warm colors, like beige and light yellow.

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What are scrolls used for?

Community Answer

Books, before they were flat bound paper, were scrolls. If you're drawing something in an ancient setting, go for a scroll. Scrolls are also still used for religious texts like the Qur'an, or can be used to symbolise maps.

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How do I paint it to look like it is old?

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Use shading and grayish, brownish colors. Add little cracks and tears.

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What colours should be used?

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That depends on what kind of scroll you would like to draw. If drawing an old, forgotten one, go for neutral browns and greys, maybe adding some texture with shade. A more modern one would have clean and crisp colors, like white with a blue shade. If doing a rich, important scroll, try deep, expensive-looking colors such as dark purples and reds. Do what you think suits what you want to do!

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Tips

If you're drawing a scroll to be the background of a poster for a treasure hunt-themed birthday party, for example, you might want to put it on thicker paper and try crumpling it or burning the edges so it appears more ancient. Be careful if you decide to use fire for your project, though!

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