This easy drawing tutorial shows how to draw Athena step by step.
You will sketch a cute, simple Athena with a helmet, shield, and spear.
Take your time, and let each small line build confidence.
What You Will Need
- Pencil
- Eraser
- Black pen or fine liner
- Paper
- Colored pencils or markers (optional)
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- Crayola Coloring Set (140 Pieces – Mega Value!)
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Time needed:
23 minutes.
Step-by-Step Drawing Guide
Step 1: Sketch the Helmet Outline
Start with a large dome shape near the top of the page.
Add a curved brim line underneath to show helmet thickness.
Place a small base on top, then add a simple feather plume.
Pro Tip: Keep the helmet balanced by lightly marking a center line first.
Step 2: Add the Face and Hair
Draw a rounded face under the helmet, with a smaller chin.
Add two large eyes, a tiny nose, and a gentle smile.
Sketch ears, then draw wavy hair flowing down both sides.
Pro Tip: Place both eyes on the same level using a light guideline.
Step 3: Block In the Body and Long Dress
Add a short neck, then sketch shoulders with soft curved lines.
Draw a simple top, then pull two lines down for the dress.
Finish the hem with a gentle wavy edge and a reaching arm line.
Pro Tip: For a cute style, keep the body slightly smaller than the head.
Step 4: Refine the Hair Details
Add a few inner curved lines inside each hair wave.
Taper the ends softly so the strands feel light and neat.
Keep both sides similar in length for a calm, even look.
Pro Tip: Let texture lines follow the wave direction, not across it.
Step 5: Draw the Shield Circle and Hand Connection
On the left side, draw a large circle for the shield.
Add a smaller inner ring to form a clean border.
Sketch a small hand circle near the body and connect the arm.
Pro Tip: If circles are tricky, trace a cup rim lightly for accuracy.
Step 6: Add the Shield Emblem Details
Inside the shield, draw a simple oval face emblem.
Add wavy hair shapes, then place eyebrows, eyes, and a small mouth.
Center the emblem so the shield looks steady and well designed.
Pro Tip: Build the emblem with big shapes first, then add facial features.
Step 7: Add Clothing Folds and the Waist Belt
Draw a few curved fold lines on the chest for gathered fabric.
Add two parallel lines at the waist to create a simple belt.
Place a few long curved lines on the skirt to show drape.
Pro Tip: Use only a few fold lines so the outfit stays clear.
Step 8: Draw the Feet and Sandals
Under the hem, add two small feet spaced slightly apart.
Start each sandal with an oval sole, then add simple strap curves.
Tuck the ankles behind the dress edge for a tidy finish.
Pro Tip: Match both sandal sizes by copying the first one’s length.
Step 9: Finish the Right Hand and Add the Spear
At the arm end, draw a small oval hand and a short grip line.
Add a long straight spear shaft rising beside her body.
Finish with a diamond spear tip and a center line for form.
Pro Tip: For a straight spear, lightly use a ruler line before outlining.
Step 10: Color in your drawing!
Fun Facts
- Athena is often shown with a helmet, shield, and spear.
- She is linked with wisdom, strategy, and skilled crafts.
- The owl is a common symbol connected with Athena.
Pin it now, Draw later!
You have drawn Athena with a strong helmet, shield, and tall spear.
Now gently erase stray pencil marks and smooth any shaky lines.
Try coloring the helmet gold, and shade the brim with light gray.
Add darker shading under the hair and beneath the shield rim.
A common beginner mistake is making the spear slightly tilted by accident.
To fix it, check the tip and shaft against the paper’s edge.
Keep practicing this step by step drawing, and try more how to draw Athena poses next.
Get the FREE Printable Drawing Guide
FREE Download Printable Athena Drawing Tutorial
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I keep Athena’s face looking cute and even?
Use light guidelines for eye height and keep the chin softly rounded.
What if my shield circle looks uneven?
Draw it lightly first, then correct the curve before darkening lines.
How can I make the spear look more three dimensional?
Add a thin highlight line on one side and shade the opposite edge.
