Learn How to Draw a Giraffe in This Step-by-Step Tutorial

Alexia Young 03/09/2023

3 3 minutes read

With their majestic height, stunning coat, and calm demeanor, giraffes have captured the hearts of animal lovers worldwide. Even if you haven’t had the chance to encounter these gentle giants up close, you can still celebrate their beauty by creating a sketch that captures their unique essence.

Table of Contents

Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a Giraffe Sketch

Step 1: Gather Reference Photos

To accurately capture the distinctive anatomy of a giraffe, it’s essential to have a collection of high-quality reference photos as your guide. You can find suitable poses and giraffe types on popular platforms like Pinterest, Instagram, or by conducting a simple Google image search.

Step 2: Begin with a Circle

Start by lightly sketching a circle to serve as the foundation for the giraffe’s head.

Step 3: Shape the Snout

Next, add a rounded triangle shape to the circle, forming the giraffe’s snout.

Step 4: Outline the Neck

Using the circle as a starting point, sketch two sloping lines to create a long and slender neck. Ensure that the neck ends wider than where it begins.

Step 5: Create the Chest and Front Legs

At the base of the neck, draw a large diamond shape with rounded edges. This marks the beginning of the giraffe’s chest and front legs.

Step 6: Sketch the Front Legs

Continuing from the diamond shape, add the front legs. Start with a long, thin rectangle that concludes with a circle. Then, add another thin rectangle, followed by a circle, and finally, trapezoidal hooves.

Step 7: Draw the Stomach

Using the bottom of the diamond as a reference point, sketch a rounded stomach. Extend it with a large, oval shape that remains roughly parallel to the diamond.

Step 8: Outline the Back and Tail

Complete the body by sketching a sloping back. Then, add a long tail near the giraffe’s hindquarters, finishing it with a tuft.

Step 9: Capture the Hind Legs

Next, draw the hind legs. Similar to those of a horse, these legs should have a slight bend. Remember to add two circles at the end before sketching the hooves.

Step 10: Depict the Horns and Ears

On top of the giraffe’s head, illustrate two rounded horns. Then, sketch a large, triangle-shaped ear where the head meets the top of the neck.

Step 11: Add Facial Features and a Mane

Enhance the giraffe’s face by drawing a large, almond-shaped eye below the horns and to the right of the ear. Refine the snout by highlighting a prominent top lip and rounded chin. Above the mouth, include a nostril. Finally, create a long mane that runs along the giraffe’s neck.

Step 12: Remove Guidelines

Carefully erase any unnecessary guidelines and pencil marks. Take a step back to review your sketch and ensure that you’re satisfied with the proportions of the giraffe before proceeding to the final touches.

Step 13: Embrace the Striking Pattern

Now that you have sketched the giraffe’s body, it’s time to add its unique pattern. Although it may appear daunting, it becomes quite simple once you start. Referencing a giraffe photo, draw wobbly rectangular shapes all over the body. Notice that these shapes should gradually decrease in size as you move down the legs and towards the face. Keep the stomach mostly free of spots.

Step 14: Ink the Drawing

Finally, carefully go over your sketch with ink. Using your preferred pen, trace over the lines, ensuring the ink doesn’t smear. Once complete, allow the ink to dry thoroughly before erasing any remaining pencil marks.

You can choose to leave your illustration as a striking black and white drawing or add colors for a vibrant representation of a giraffe!

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This article has been edited and updated for accuracy.