Learn how to draw a cartoon shark with a rounded body and friendly expression. This step by step drawing gives beginners practice with fins, curves, and balanced facial features.
What You Will Need
- Drawing paper
- Pencil and eraser
- Black marker or colored pencils
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:
21 minutes.
Step-by-Step Drawing Guide
Step 1: Draw the Back and Dorsal Fin
Draw a large curved back that rounds into the shark’s snout. Add a tall triangular dorsal fin along the upper left side.
Pro Tip: Use one broad curve to keep the body smooth and full.
Step 2: Add the Tail
Draw two pointed tail lobes at the rear left. Connect them through a narrow tail base with two small notches.
Pro Tip: Angle the tail lobes apart to create a clear fork.
Step 3: Complete the Belly and Fins
Curve a long belly line from the tail toward the snout. Add a large near pectoral fin and a smaller far fin.
Pro Tip: Let the nearer fin overlap the belly line cleanly.
Step 4: Draw the Gills
Add three short curved gill slits behind the shark’s head. Keep the curves parallel and evenly spaced.
Pro Tip: Make each gill slit follow the roundness of the body.
Step 5: Add Eyes and Nostrils
Draw two large oval eyes with dark pupils and highlights. Place two tiny nostrils between them and slightly lower.
Pro Tip: Keep both eye highlights facing the same direction.
Step 6: Finish the Smile
Draw a wide upward-curving mouth beneath the nostrils. Turn both ends upward into tiny cheek marks.
Pro Tip: Center the mouth between the eyes for a friendly expression.
Step 7: Color in your drawing!
Fun Facts
- Sharks are fish with skeletons made mostly of cartilage rather than bone.
- Most sharks have several rows of teeth that replace lost teeth over time.
- A streamlined body helps sharks move efficiently through water.
Pin it now, Draw later!
Clean the outlines, erase construction marks, and add blue-gray coloring if desired. Your cartoon shark is complete, so draw bubbles or small fish around it.
Get the FREE Printable Drawing Guide
FREE Download Printable Cartoon Shark Drawing Tutorial
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I make the shark look friendly?
Use large eyes, a rounded snout, and an upward-curving mouth.
Why is one lower fin smaller?
The smaller fin appears farther away, adding simple depth to the drawing.
Can I add teeth?
Yes, add a few small triangles while keeping the smile open and clear.
