Today I’m talking about how to make goofy expressions, mainly with the intent of creating illustrations with them but they can also come in handy for fun photography moments, on social media and at social gatherings. You never know when you might need to lighten the mood so unleash your inner comedian with these top notch goofy expressions.

The Art of Making Goofy Expressions

Facial expressions are the universal language of emotions and humor, playing a crucial role in how we communicate feelings without saying a word. Comedians or cartoon characters are wizards of humour who can crack us up with just a look.  How do they do it?  It’s all in the mastery of manipulating facial features to create exaggerated, goofy effects. If you’re curious about how to make goofy expressions that light up the room, start with the eyes—wide open for surprise or squinted for mischief. Then, move on to the eyebrows; arch them for an element of shock or furrow them for confusion. Your mouth can stretch into an enormous smile or a dramatic frown, while puffing your cheeks adds an extra dose of silliness. 

How to Make Goofy Expressions 1: Cross-eyed Surprise.

 

Goofy Owl Illustration
Beak agape

Ready to master the art of goofy expressions? Let’s try one of the classics – the exaggerated surprised look, perfect for adding that extra fun to photo booths! Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to get you started:

1. Focus Inward: Begin by focusing on the tip of your nose. This helps in crossing your eyes slightly, which is essential for that comically surprised look.

2. Open Wide: While you’re concentrating, slowly open your mouth wide. Think of it as your face saying “Oh no!” without making a sound. The wider, the funnier!

3. Raise Those Brows: Elevate your eyebrows as if they’re trying to escape your forehead. This adds to the overall shock factor and completes the expression.

Looping animation of stylised owl characterImagine using this expression when someone reveals a surprise birthday party for you. As you walk through the door, instead of the usual gasp, you go full cartoon-character mode. Not only will it get a great laugh, but it’ll also make for an unforgettable photo op. This goofy expression is your secret weapon for lightening the mood and bringing a bit of slap-stick into everyday situations. If you’ve been wondering ‘how to make goofy expressions’ now you have one under your belt.

How to Make Goofy Expressions 2: Elastic Smile

Donkey watching carrot swing
there it goes again …

Want to learn how to make goofy expressions that’ll light up any room, illustration or comic strip? Here’s a funny one to try: the wide, ear-to-ear grin paired with raised eyebrows. This expression would be perfect for a comical illustration showing strangers meeting for the first time. Follow these easy steps to master it:

1. Relax Your Face: Start with a relaxed expression to make the transition smoother.

2. Stretch That Smile: Gradually stretch your mouth into a wide smile, as if you’re trying to touch your ears with the corners of your lips. Feel the stretch along your cheeks.

3. Lift Those Brows: While holding your mega-smile, slowly raise your eyebrows. It’s like you’re trying to show as much forehead as you can. This raises the surprise element of your goofy look!

4. Hold and Snap: Hold this expression for a few seconds. It’s the perfect moment for a selfie or to greet someone with a burst of cheerful goofiness.

Goofy donkey watching a carrotImagine illustrating someone walking into a wall while pulling this expression at another character.  Plus, in a photo, this goofy expression captures a moment of pure fun and personality!

How to Make Goofy Expressions 3: Puzzled Pufferfish

Boy pulling a puffer face at a sheep
get back, stay back

Ready to channel your inner sea creature with a goofy expression? Let’s master the puzzled pufferfish look! It’s a fantastic facial expression, especially when you’re trying to bring to life whimsical animal characters in children’s books. Here’s how to perfect this adorable expression without any discomfort:

1. Deep Breath In: Start by taking a deep breath. Then fill your cheeks with air. Imagine you’re a pufferfish expanding to ward off predators!

2. Hold Your Pose: With your cheeks puffed out, try to keep your lips sealed. This prevents air from escaping and enhances the pufferfish effect.

3. Add the Puzzled Look: While your cheeks are fully puffed, add a frown. It’s like you’re thinking, “Why is the ocean so salty?” This adds a charmingly confused vibe to your look.

Using this expression in children’s books can be a delightful way to depict animal characters. Consider a pufferfish detective pondering over a coral reef mystery or a squirrel wondering where it buried its nuts. This expression not only adds humor but also aids in storytelling by conveying emotions vividly. It’s a playful way to engage young readers, sparking their imagination and bringing laughter into the reading experience!

Have a go with these fun expressions on your own characters.  Share online when you’re done for a bit of virtual fun and tag me #cerillustratesgoofy so I can see all your creations.

Which of the above was your favourite goofy expression?  Comment below and keep smiling and spreading goofy joy xx

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Ceri

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