The animal kingdom is filled with a wide variety of creatures, both big and small. Among them, the elephant stands out as one of the largest and most magnificent land animals. Throughout history, elephants have been a popular subject in various forms of artwork. In this guide, we will show you how to draw a cute and adorable cartoon elephant in just six simple steps!
Let’s Get Started!
Step 1 – Drawing the Head and Trunk
To begin, let’s focus on the head, which includes the most recognizable feature of an elephant – its trunk. Start by sketching the top and base of the head using curved lines. Next, add the trunk, using curved and spiraling lines. Notice how the trunk curls up at the end, forming a smiling mouth. With that, you’ve completed the first step!
Step 2 – Adding Facial Details
In the second step, we will add the ears, eyes, and eyebrows to complete the head. Elephants have large, rounded ears, so make sure to incorporate that in your drawing. Draw some ovals for the eyes and smaller ovals within them. Finally, add thick eyebrows over the eyes to give your cartoon elephant a playful expression.
Step 3 – Starting the Body and Legs
Now, let’s move on to sketching the body and legs. Begin by drawing a rounded line behind the ear to outline the back. Then, sketch a wavy line for the chest. Add a front leg and the first back leg using curved lines. Remember to include bent lines where the knees would be. Finish off this step by drawing a small tail with a tuft of hair at the end.
Step 4 – Drawing the Second Front Leg
Your cartoon elephant is taking shape! In this step, we will add the second front leg. Notice how it fills in the empty space left by the first front leg. The shape of the second front leg is similar to the previous ones. At this stage, you will also see an empty space where the belly should be, but don’t worry – we’ll address that in the next step.
Step 5 – Adding Final Details
Now it’s time to add those finishing touches to bring your cartoon elephant to life. In this step, we’ll add texture to the trunk by drawing lines across it. Use a curved line to define the mouth. Lastly, add three rounded toenails to each foot. These small details make a big difference in the overall appearance of your drawing.
Step 6 – Adding Colors
Although actual elephants are not known for vibrant colors, you can have fun adding colors to your cartoon elephant. We suggest using shades of grey for the skin to create shading effects. To add a pop of color, you can use lovely pinks for the inner ears and mouth. Feel free to get creative and use your own color choices! Consider using colored markers or acrylic paints to bring your cartoon elephant to life.
Try Different Styles for Your Elephant Drawing
The style we’ve shown you is simple and cute, but there are countless other ways to draw a cartoon elephant. You can explore different styles of cartoons and animation, ranging from detailed to minimalist. For inspiration, look up reference images that match your desired style and adjust the steps accordingly. Don’t be afraid to experiment and create your interpretations of a cartoon elephant. It would be fascinating to compare your unique styles with the original drawing. You could even challenge your friends to try different styles and see how they differ!
5 Tips to Enhance Your Cartoon Elephant Drawing
Here are some tips to make your cartoon elephant drawing even better:
- Add More Elephants: Populate your drawing by adding more cute elephants in unique poses. Create a charming scene with multiple adorable characters.
- Animal Friends: Showcase other animals alongside your cartoon elephant, drawing them in a similar cartoony style. Let your imagination run wild!
- Include Yourself or Cartoon Characters: Turn yourself or an existing cartoon character into a part of your drawing. It’s a fun challenge that adds a personal touch.
- Adult Elephant: Create an adult elephant using a similar design but larger in size. Add some subtle differences in detail and compare it to the baby elephant.
- Background Settings: Enhance your cartoon elephant drawing by adding a background setting. Consider the natural habitat of elephants or get creative with unique scenes.
Your Cartoon Elephant Drawing is Complete!
We hope you’ve enjoyed following this step-by-step guide to drawing a cartoon elephant. The simplicity of the steps demonstrates how easily you can tackle any drawing with the right guidance. Feel free to add your personal touches or create an exciting background for your elephant. Keep the fun going by exploring more of the incredible drawing guides available on our website. We have many more in store for you, so remember to check back often for new inspiration. Lastly, we would love to see your finished cartoon elephant drawing. Share it with us on our Facebook and Pinterest pages – we can’t wait to admire your artistic creation!
