This easy drawing tutorial will help you draw a cartoon jellyfish with a sweet face.
You will build the shape in simple steps, then add flowing tentacles for movement.
Take your time, and keep your lines light until you like the look.

What You Will Need

• Pencil
• Eraser
• Black marker or pen (optional for outlining)
• Paper
• Colored pencils or markers (optional)

Here are my RECOMMENDED Art Supplies!

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

Time needed:

11 minutes.

Step-by-Step Drawing Guide

Step 1: Draw the Jellyfish Head Shape

Start with a large dome shape like a rounded hill.

Curve the bottom edge into a soft wavy line to keep it squishy and cute.

Pro Tip: Sketch lightly and check that both sides feel evenly balanced.

Step 2: Add the Frill and One Tentacle

Draw a second wavy line just inside the bottom edge to make a frilly ruffle.

Add one thick curved tentacle on the left, curling the tip like a hook.

Pro Tip: Keep the frill waves similar in size so the ruffle looks neat.

Step 3: Add More Flowing Tentacles

Under the center of the frill, draw two or three long tentacles with smooth S-curves.

Vary their lengths, and curl a few ends slightly to show motion.

Pro Tip: Avoid sharp corners and let each tentacle flow like a ribbon.

Step 4: Add the Right-Side Tentacles

Add two long wavy tentacles under the right side of the frill.

Give one or two tentacles a thin inner line to suggest thickness.

Pro Tip: Stagger the tips so they do not end at the same height.

Step 5: Add a Side Tentacle on the Right

Draw one more tentacle that bends down, then sweeps outward to the right.

Curl the tip into a small loop so the jellyfish feels playful and wide.

Pro Tip: Make this outer tentacle’s curve more open for a clear silhouette.

Step 6: Add the Back Layer of Tentacles

In the gaps behind the front tentacles, draw a few thinner wavy lines starting under the frill.

Keep these back tentacles partly hidden, showing only short curved sections for depth.

Pro Tip: Use thinner, lighter lines and reveal less so the back layer stays subtle.

Step 7: Color in your drawing!

Fun Facts

• Many jellyfish have no brain, heart, or bones, yet they move smoothly in the ocean.
• Jellyfish drift with currents, but they can pulse their bodies to swim a little.
• Some jellyfish glow because of bioluminescence, like tiny underwater lights.

Pin it now, Draw later!

Trace your favorite lines with a pen, then erase leftover sketch marks.
Add gentle color, like light pinks, blues, or purples, to keep it soft and cute.
You just made an easy drawing tutorial cartoon jellyfish—try drawing a few with different tentacle shapes next.

Get the FREE Printable Drawing Guide

FREE Download Printable Cartoon Jellyfish Drawing Tutorial

Frequently Asked Questions

1) How do I make the jellyfish look cuter?

Make the eyes slightly bigger, keep the mouth small, and round the corners of every curve.

2) How do I make the tentacles look more like they are moving?

Use longer S-curves, vary the spacing, and curl a couple of tips in different directions.

3) What if my frill looks uneven?

Redraw the frill with simple repeating waves, and match the wave size across the width.