How to Draw a Person

Are you wondering how to draw a person? It might seem tricky at first, but anyone can do it by breaking it down into simple, easy shapes. Grab your paper and a pencil, and let us get ready to make a fun new friend together!

Easy
15 Minutes
Ages 4+
person
kids
beginner
easy

Start drawing

Step 1Step 2

Easy for beginners

About This Easy Lesson

This tutorial on how to draw a person makes it so simple for kids and beginners. By using basic circles and rectangles, you will build a complete face and body in no time at all.

Pencil — For drawing your basic outlines

Eraser — To easily fix any tiny mistakes

Paper — Any smooth white paper works wonderfully

Crayons or Markers — For adding bright, fun colors at the end

Jump to the steps

Drawing supplies: pencil, paper, eraser and crayons

How to Draw a Person Step by Step

1
Step 1 of 9
Draw the head
When learning how to draw a person, we always start at the very top. Draw a nice, big circle or a slightly tall oval in the upper middle part of your paper. This simple shape will become your person's head.
Tip: Press very lightly with your pencil so you can erase mistakes easily.
2
Step 2 of 9
Add the neck and body
Draw two tiny lines coming down from the bottom of the head to make a short neck. Below that, draw a square or a rectangle shape for the main part of the body. Make it wider than the neck but about as wide as the head.
Tip: A rounded rectangle makes your drawing look extra friendly and soft.
3
Step 3 of 9
Draw the legs
Let us give your person some legs to stand on! Draw two straight lines coming down from the bottom of the rectangle body. Make them a little bit longer than the body shape, and leave a small gap between them.
Tip: Keep the legs about the same thickness from top to bottom.
4
Step 4 of 9
Add the arms
Now it is time to draw the arms so your person can wave hello. Draw two long, curved lines coming down from the top corners of the body shape. Make the arms rest right next to the sides of the body.
Tip: Draw the arms curving slightly inwards to look relaxed and natural.
5
Step 5 of 9
Draw hands and feet
Let us add some simple shapes at the ends of the arms and legs. Draw a small circle at the end of each arm to make easy hands. Then, draw two flat ovals at the bottom of the legs for the shoes or feet.
Tip: Make sure the feet point flat so they look like they are standing on the ground.
6
Step 6 of 9
Add the face
Give your person a happy and friendly face. Draw two small dots in the middle of the head shape for the eyes. Right below the eyes, draw a smooth curved line smiling up at you, and maybe a tiny dot for the nose!
Tip: Place the eyes in the middle of the head, not too high up.
7
Step 7 of 9
Draw the hair
Now add some fun hair to the top of the head. You can draw zigzag lines, bumpy clouds, or just smooth curved shapes right above the eyes. Make the hair cover the top line of the head shape so it looks full.
Tip: Have fun with it—hair can be any shape you want it to be!
8
Step 8 of 9
Add clothing lines
Turn those basic shapes into real clothes with just a few simple lines. Draw a horizontal line across the middle of the body to separate a shirt from some pants. Add short lines on the arms and legs to show sleeves and pant cuffs.
Tip: Erase any inside lines that overlap with your new clothing lines.
9
Finished drawing
Add simple color and finish
You have done a great job drawing your person, and now it is time for the final step! Pick out your favorite crayons or markers and add bright, simple colors. You can color the shirt, pants, hair, and shoes whatever colors you like best.
Tip: Try mixing colors to give your drawing a unique and bright outfit.