“Hanker for a Hunk of Cheese” is the beloved animated character from the vintage 1970s Schoolhouse Rock! educational series, famously known for singing about snacks and nutrition. With his cowboy hat, big smile, and giant wedge of cheese body, he’s a fun and nostalgic subject for drawing. This guide will walk you through how to draw this memorable character in a clear, creative, and approachable way.
Table of Contents
Why Draw “Hanker for a Hunk of Cheese”?
Celebrate a Retro Pop Culture Icon
Drawing this cheese-loving mascot connects you with a piece of 1970s American television history that blended education and entertainment.
Practice Expressive Cartoon Features
Hanker has exaggerated features like a big grin, expressive eyes, and a large cheese body, which are great for practicing cartoon art techniques.
Perfect for Stickers, Posters, or Fan Art
Whether you’re making nostalgic art, educational visuals, or playful fan art, this character offers a bold and recognizable figure.
Best Tips for Drawing “Hanker for a Hunk of Cheese”
1. Start with the Cheese Wedge Body
Hanker’s main shape is a large wedge of yellow cheese, forming the base of his body.
How to Do It:
- Draw a triangle shape standing on its side, with a rounded edge on the front.
- Make the back slightly curved to show depth, like a block of cheese.
- Add circular cheese holes unevenly scattered across the surface.
2. Add the Cowboy Hat and Face
On top of the cheese wedge sits Hanker’s face, framed by his wide cowboy hat.
How to Do It:
- Sketch a rounded face shape on the top edge of the wedge.
- Place two oval eyes with cheerful brows.
- Add a wide, open-mouthed grin with a visible tongue.
- Draw the cowboy hat—large brim, slightly tilted, with a band across it.
3. Include Arms, Legs, and Boots
Hanker’s arms and legs make him look active and fun.
How to Do It:
- Draw thin, cartoon-style arms extending from the sides, ending in white-gloved hands.
- Sketch short, stubby legs with big cowboy boots at the bottom.
- Position the limbs in a lively pose, like waving or pointing.
4. Add Bright Color and Shading
The classic colors bring Hanker to life.
How to Do It:
- Use a warm, golden-yellow for the cheese body.
- Color the hat brown with a darker band.
- Make the gloves white, boots brown, and face light peach or pink.
- Add shading under the brim of the hat, inside the mouth, and behind limbs for depth.
5. Draw Fun Action Scenes or Backgrounds
Place Hanker in dynamic scenes to make the illustration exciting.
How to Do It:
- Show him dancing in a kitchen with cheese blocks and crackers.
- Draw him on a rustic ranch background with hay bales and wooden signs.
- Include speech bubbles with his famous catchphrase: “Hanker for a hunk o’ cheese!”
Choose the Best Drawing Style for Your Purpose
For Vintage Poster Art
Detailed Retro Style
Recreate the original look with vintage colors, linework, and textures to match the 1970s animation vibe.
For Kids’ Stickers or Educational Materials
Cartoon and Playful
Exaggerate the smile, eyes, and poses. Add sparkles or fun elements like stars and cheesy patterns.
For Digital Minimalist Art
Simple and Clean
Focus on basic shapes, flat colors, and minimal outlines for a modern vector-art style.
How to Store and Use Your “Hanker for a Hunk of Cheese” Illustration
Preserve Physical Drawings
- Use smooth, heavyweight paper to handle bold colors.
- Store in plastic sleeves or flat portfolios to prevent smudging.
Organize Digital Artwork
- Save files as high-resolution PNGs for transparent backgrounds.
- Label files clearly, such as “Hanker_Cheese_Classic” or “Hanker_Speaking.”
- Keep editable vector or layered files for future modifications.
Repurpose in Creative Projects
- Use in retro snack posters or educational handouts.
- Create fan art collections or social media posts celebrating vintage cartoons.
- Add to blog posts or infographics about nostalgic food mascots.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is “Hanker for a Hunk of Cheese”?
He’s a cartoon character from Schoolhouse Rock!, promoting the idea of choosing cheese as a nutritious snack.
What shape is his body?
His body is a large, classic cheese wedge, complete with cartoonish holes.
What’s the color scheme for Hanker?
Bright golden-yellow cheese body, brown cowboy hat and boots, white gloves, and a big pink mouth.
Can I draw Hanker with modern updates?
Absolutely! You can give him modern accessories like sunglasses, sneakers, or even a skateboard for a fun twist.
Should I include his famous catchphrase in the drawing?
Yes—adding the phrase “Hanker for a hunk o’ cheese!” in a speech bubble or banner adds nostalgic charm.
