Learn how to draw a cute cartoon zebra with bright eyes, a striped coat, and a playful tail. This easy drawing tutorial helps beginners practice animal proportions, curved legs, and flowing stripe patterns.
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:
17 minutes.
Step-by-Step Drawing Guide
Step 1: Draw the Head and Ears
Draw a large rounded head that becomes wider near the muzzle. Add two tall pointed ears at the top, placing a smaller leaf shape inside each one.
Pro Tip: Keep the lower part of the head broad so there is room for the muzzle.
Step 2: Add the Mane
Draw several wide pointed sections between the ears to begin the mane. Continue the mane down the back of the head with a row of blocky tufts.
Pro Tip: Make the mane sections different sizes to create a lively silhouette.
Step 3: Draw the Face
Add two large oval eyes with pupils and small highlights, then place a curved eyebrow above each eye. Draw a broad oval muzzle with two nostrils and finish it with a curved smile.
Pro Tip: Leave white highlights in the pupils to give the zebra a friendly expression.
Step 4: Add the Body and Front Legs
Extend a short neck into a rounded back and belly. Draw two straight front legs beneath the chest and add a narrow hoof band near the bottom of each leg.
Pro Tip: Keep the front legs nearly parallel so the zebra looks steady.
Step 5: Draw the Stripes and Back Legs
Add several long tapered stripes across the forehead, neck, shoulder, and back. Complete the body with two back legs, a belly line, and matching hoof bands.
Pro Tip: Curve each stripe with the body instead of making every stripe straight.
Step 6: Finish the Tail
Draw a thin tail extending from the rear of the body. Add a pointed, leaf-like tuft at the end with a few small notches for texture.
Pro Tip: Angle the tail slightly upward to make the pose feel cheerful.
Step 7: Color in your drawing!
Fun Facts
- Every zebra has a unique pattern of black and white stripes.
- A zebra’s mane stands upright along the top of its neck.
- Zebras use their tails to help brush away insects.
Pin it now, Draw later!
Erase hidden guides, darken the outline, and fill alternating stripes with black while leaving the rest of the coat white. Your cartoon zebra is complete, so try adding grass, flowers, or a sunny savanna background.
Get the FREE Printable Drawing Guide
FREE Download Printable Cartoon Zebra Drawing Tutorial
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I keep the face symmetrical?
Sketch a faint center guide and place the eyes the same distance from it.
Why do my stripes look flat?
Curve them around the forehead and body to suggest the rounded form underneath.
Can I draw more stripes?
Yes, add extra tapered stripes while leaving enough white space between them.
