How to Draw a Cartoon Alien

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This easy drawing tutorial shows how to draw a cartoon alien step by step. You will build a friendly character with simple shapes, so it feels calm and doable for drawing for beginners.

Preview of Cartoon Alien drawing
Preview of Cartoon Alien drawing

What You Will Need

  • Pencil
  • Eraser
  • Black marker or pen
  • Colored pencils or crayons (optional)

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  • Crayola Coloring Set (140 Pieces – Mega Value!)
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  • A4 Printer Paper
  • Crayola Coloring Pencils
  • HP Home Printer with Instant Ink!

Time needed:

24 minutes.

Step-by-Step Drawing Guide

Step 1: Draw the Alien’s Antenna Tip

how to draw a cartoon alien - Step 1

Near the upper-right area of your page, sketch a small star-like shape for the antenna tip. Then add two short, close parallel lines coming down from it to form the antenna stalks. Keep your strokes light so you can refine them later.

Pro Tip: Keep the star small so there is room for the alien’s head later.

Alt Text: Early sketch of a cartoon alien showing a small star-shaped antenna tip with two short parallel stalk lines below it.

Step 2: Add the Alien’s Big Round Head Outline

how to draw a cartoon alien - Step 2

Starting just under the antenna, draw a large, smooth curved line to form the alien’s head shape. Leave a small opening at the bottom instead of closing the circle, so you have space to add the face and body next.

Pro Tip: Keep the curve smooth and the head width similar on both sides.

Alt Text: Cartoon alien drawing now includes a large rounded head outline beneath the star-tipped antenna, with a small opening left at the bottom.

Step 3: Attach the Alien’s Small Body Outline

how to draw a cartoon alien - Step 3

From the two open ends under the head, draw two gentle curves going downward and slightly outward, like the sides of a peanut shape. Connect them with a rounded bottom curve so the body feels soft and chubby, and it sits neatly under the head.

Pro Tip: Keep the neck area slightly narrow, then widen the lower body for a cute look.

Alt Text: Cartoon alien sketch now shows a rounded head with a star-tipped antenna and a simple chubby body outline connected underneath.

Step 4: Add Three Eyes and a Smiling Face

how to draw a cartoon alien - Step 4

In the upper middle of the head, add three vertical oval eyes, with the center one slightly larger. Inside each eye, draw a small oval highlight, then place two tiny dots for the nose and a gently curved smile beneath them.

Pro Tip: Keep the eye spacing even, and lift the smile ends softly.

Alt Text: Cartoon alien now has three oval eyes with small highlights, a tiny two-dot nose, and a curved smiling mouth on the large round head.

Step 5: Add Two Arms and Simple Hands

how to draw a cartoon alien - Step 5

Add a curved arm on each side of the body, starting just below the neck so they feel attached. Raise the right arm slightly like a wave, and finish it with three rounded bumps for fingers; let the left arm hang lower with the same soft fingertip bumps.

Pro Tip: Use rounded bumps for fingers to keep the cartoon look soft.

Alt Text: Cartoon alien now has two arms, with the right hand raised in a friendly wave and both hands drawn with simple rounded fingers.

Step 6: Add Short Legs and Big Shoes

how to draw a cartoon alien - Step 6

Draw two short straight leg lines under the bottom of the body, leaving a small gap between them. Under each leg, add a flat, rounded shoe shape with a soft round toe and a slightly longer sole, so your alien looks stable.

Pro Tip: Keep both shoes the same size, and make the soles gently flat.

Alt Text: Cartoon alien now has two short legs and two rounded shoes added beneath the body, helping the character stand upright.

Step 7: Color in your drawing!

how to draw a cartoon alien - Step 7: Color in your drawing!

Fun Facts

  • Many classic cartoon aliens have big heads because it makes facial expressions easier to read.
  • Adding an antenna is a simple way to make a character look “spacey” right away.
  • Odd numbers of eyes, like three, can look playful and unique in cartoons.

Pin it now, Draw later!

how to draw a cartoon alien pinterest pin

You now have a complete cartoon alien with an antenna, three eyes, and a friendly wave. Try outlining your final lines with a darker pen, then erase the light sketch marks. For coloring, use one main body color and add a slightly darker shade along one side for simple shading. A common beginner mistake is making the legs too long, so keep them short to match the cute body shape. Practice this step by step drawing once more, then try changing the eyes or antenna to make a whole alien family.

Get the FREE Printable Drawing Guide

Printable Cartoon Alien Drawing Guide

FREE Download Printable Cartoon Alien Drawing Tutorial

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make my cartoon alien look cuter?

Make the head a little larger, keep the smile soft, and use rounder corners.

What if my head shape looks uneven?

Lightly redraw the outer curve, and use your eraser to smooth one side at a time.

Can I change the number of eyes in this easy drawing tutorial?

Yes. One big eye or two matching eyes both work well with the same head shape.

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