How to Draw a Penguin Step by Step

Alexia Young 30/08/2023

8 3 minutes read

This comprehensive tutorial will guide you through the process of drawing an adorable cartoon penguin in just eight simple steps. With easy-to-follow examples and quick tips, even beginners can master this drawing technique.

Penguin drawing step by step

Before we delve into the steps, take a moment to preview all the drawing stages in the image above. Rest assured, this tutorial aims to create a cute and charming cartoon penguin that anyone can replicate. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just starting out, this drawing won’t pose much of a challenge.

To kickstart your drawing, it’s best to use a pencil and keep your initial lines light. This allows for easy erasing and corrections. Once you’re satisfied with the sketch, feel free to trace over it with a black pen or marker.

Table of Contents

Step 1 – Outline the Penguin’s Head & Body

Begin by outlining the penguin’s head and body. Leave some space above the head for the “fluff” and a bit below the body for the feet. For the head, draw a large curve on top, with smaller curves on each side for the cheeks. The body should have two smooth curves on the sides, with a slightly flattened bottom.

Penguin body outline drawing

Step 2 – Draw the Feet

Underneath the body, add the penguin’s feet. Each foot should have three toes, connected by smooth curves to depict webbed feet, typical of penguins.

Penguin feet drawing

Step 3 – Draw the Flippers

Slightly below the head/cheeks, draw the penguin’s flippers. Make them wider at the base and narrower as they extend outwards. Add a gentle downwards curve for a more realistic shape. Afterward, erase the parts of the body’s outline where the flippers intersect.

Penguin flippers drawing

Step 4 – Draw the Eyes

Shape each eye like an upside-down letter “U.” Inside the inner corners of the eyes, draw a second set of curved shapes for the pupils. To add depth, include small ovals within the pupils as highlights or reflections.

Penguin eyes drawing

Step 5 – Draw the Beak

Just below the eyes, sketch the penguin’s beak. It should resemble a flattened lemon shape. Inside the beak, draw a slightly curved line to represent the mouth.

Penguin beak drawing

Step 6 – Draw a Fluff of Feathers on the Head

Add a small fluff of feathers on top of the penguin’s head to give it a more captivating look.

Penguin head feathers drawing

Step 7 – Finish the Line Drawing

To complete the line drawing, outline the penguin’s feather pattern. Start from the top of the beak, then wrap it around the eyes and cheeks, following the curve of the body. Once you have all the parts outlined, use a black pen, marker, or darker pencil lines to trace over the drawing.

Penguin line drawing

Step 8 – Color the Penguin

For vibrant colors similar to the example, markers are a great choice. However, if you prefer paints or colored pencils, those work well too. Color the outer shape of the body, flippers, and the small fluff on top of the head black. The beak and feet should be orange, while the eyes should be a light blue (leaving the previously outlined reflections white). Once you’re done coloring, your tutorial is complete!

Penguin drawing

Conclusion

Drawing a charming cartoon penguin, similar to the one in this tutorial, is not as challenging as it may seem. If you followed along with the steps, hopefully, you’re satisfied with the end result. If you’re interested in trying more similar tutorials, consider exploring the following: