How to Draw Animals

If you have ever wondered how to draw animals, you are in the perfect place! This easy guide will show you that creating your own animal friends is incredibly fun and simple. Grab your pencil, and let's get started on this creative journey together.

Easy
15 Minutes
Ages 4+
Animals
Kids Art
Beginner Drawing

Start drawing

Step 1Step 2

Easy for beginners

About This Guide

Understanding how to draw animals is simple when you start with basic shapes. By connecting a circle and an oval, you will learn the secret to sketching almost any four-legged friend!

Pencil — For sketching your basic shapes

Eraser — To clean up extra lines easily

Drawing paper — A smooth surface for your artwork

Crayons or markers — To add bright and fun colors

Jump to the steps

Drawing supplies: pencil, paper, eraser and crayons

How to Draw Animals Step by Step

1
Step 1 of 9
Draw the head and body
When figuring out how to draw animals, starting with a big circle makes it easy. Draw a medium-sized circle on the left for the head. Then, draw a larger oval connected to the right side to form the main body foundation.
Tip: Press lightly with your pencil so you can erase extra lines later.
2
Step 2 of 9
Add the snout shape
On the lower left side of your head circle, draw a small U-shape pointing outward. This shape will become the nose and mouth area of your creature. Connecting simple shapes together is the absolute best trick for anyone learning drawing animals.
Tip: Keep the U-shape rounded and soft for a friendly look.
3
Step 3 of 9
Draw the front legs
Underneath the front part of the oval body, draw two straight vertical lines coming down, then connect them with a small curve at the bottom for a paw. Draw a second matching leg right behind it. These sturdy legs help your creature stand tall.
Tip: Make the legs about the same height as the body oval.
4
Step 4 of 9
Add the back legs
Near the back of the oval body, draw a slightly curved leg that bends a little bit at the top, ending in a rounded paw. Add another back leg slightly hidden behind the first one. Bending the back leg makes the pose look natural.
Tip: Look at the front legs to match the length of the back ones.
5
Step 5 of 9
Attach the ears and tail
Draw two floppy upside-down U-shapes on top of the head for the ears. Next, go to the back of the oval body and draw a smooth, curvy line sweeping upward to create a fun, swishy tail. You are really learning how to draw animals now!
Tip: Ears and tails show mood, so make them as big or small as you like!
6
Step 6 of 9
Draw the face details
Inside the head circle, draw a small dark dot for a bright eye. Then, place a tiny dark circle at the very tip of the snout for the nose. A simple dot is all you need to give your friend a sweet, happy face.
Tip: Leave a tiny white speck inside the eye to make it sparkle.
7
Step 7 of 9
Sketch the mouth and toes
Right below the nose, draw a tiny curved smile. Then, add two short, simple lines on the bottom of each paw to show the individual toes. These small, fun finishing details really help bring the personality of your drawing out onto the paper.
Tip: Short, gentle strokes are perfect for adding the little toe lines.
8
Step 8 of 9
Erase the overlapping lines
Carefully use your eraser to remove the lines where the head circle and body oval overlap. Erase any extra lines inside the legs or snout that you no longer need. This cleans up your artwork and makes it look like one solid creature.
Tip: Hold your paper flat with your other hand while you erase.
9
Finished drawing
Add simple color
It is time to finish up! Use your favorite crayons or markers to color the body a warm brown, soft gray, or bright orange. Adding a solid, flat color is the perfect way to complete your drawing and make your new friend shine.
Tip: Color in one direction to keep your picture looking neat and tidy.