This easy drawing tutorial shows how to draw a cute cheetah step by step. We will build a friendly cartoon cheetah using simple curves and small shapes. Take your time, and let each line stay soft and relaxed.
What You Will Need
- Pencil
- Eraser
- Black pen or marker (optional for outlining)
- Coloring tools (crayons, markers, 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:
24 minutes.
Step-by-Step Drawing Guide
Step 1: Start the Left Ear with Curved Lines
Near the upper-left area, draw a bold curved arc like a half-moon. Add a smaller inner arc to show the ear thickness and inner ear space.
Pro Tip: Keep both arcs similarly curved for a clean ear shape.
Step 2: Connect the Head Top and Add the Right Ear
Draw a long, smooth arc from above the left ear toward the right to form a rounded head top. Add a half-circle right ear and a few small inner curves to show depth.
Pro Tip: Make the head-top arc smooth and unbroken for a cute look.
Step 3: Add the Face Outline and the Muzzle
Continue the cheek line down and around to close a rounded chin, completing the head shape. In the lower center, add a small oval nose and a gentle curved smile, then outline a rounded muzzle around them. Finish by drawing two long, soft curves down the face to guide the cheetah’s markings.
Pro Tip: Place the muzzle in the center so the face stays balanced.
Step 4: Add the Eyes and Cheetah Spots
Draw two large round eyes on each side of the face curves, and add small highlights inside for shine. Then scatter small oval spots across the forehead and top of the head, and place a few smaller dots on the cheeks to build the cheetah’s pattern.
Pro Tip: Vary spot sizes, and keep cheek spots a bit smaller.
Step 5: Add the Sitting Body and Four Paws
From under the head, sketch a small sitting body with smooth outer curves on both sides. Add two straight front legs in the middle, then shape the back legs on each side with rounded bends. Finish with a few short toe curves on each paw.
Pro Tip: Keep the body smaller than the head for a cute cartoon look.
Step 6: Add the Tail and Body Spots
On the left side of the body, sketch a long tail that curves upward, with a softly rounded tip. Then add small, uneven oval spots along the body sides and the tail so the cheetah pattern feels connected.
Pro Tip: Don’t make the tail too thin; match it to the leg width.
Step 7: Color in your drawing!
Fun Facts
- Cheetahs are the fastest land animals, built for quick sprints.
- Their spots help them blend into tall grass and shade.
- Many cheetahs have dark “tear lines” from the eyes to the mouth area.
Pin it now, Draw later!
You just learned how to draw a cheetah step by step, starting with the ears, then shaping the face, and finishing with the sitting body and tail. To color your cheetah, try a warm yellow or light tan body, then fill the spots with dark brown or black. Add gentle shading under the chin, along the belly sides, and behind the legs to give your drawing more depth.
A common beginner mistake is making all the spots the same size and evenly spaced. Let them vary a little so the pattern looks natural. Keep practicing this easy drawing tutorial, and try drawing your cheetah in different poses next time.
Get the FREE Printable Drawing Guide
FREE Download Printable Cheetah Drawing Tutorial
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I keep the cheetah’s face looking even?
Place the nose and muzzle in the center, then check that both eyes sit at the same height.
What if my spots look messy?
Use fewer spots at first, and add more only where you have space. Smaller spots work best on the cheeks and legs.
Can I turn this into a full-body cheetah running?
Yes. Keep the same head style, then draw a longer body and stretch the legs backward and forward like simple tubes.
