How to Draw a Dolphin: Easy 10-Step Guide for Kids

Ready to bring a friendly dolphin to life? This tutorial is perfect for young artists ages 5 and up. All you need is a pencil, an eraser, and a piece of paper to start building your ocean scene.

10 Steps

🎯 Final Result

A friendly, completed dolphin outline drawing.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sketching the Eye

Close-up sketch of a dolphin eye and forehead curve on white paper.

Start by drawing two gentle curved lines for the forehead. Add a partial circle beneath them for the eye, with a smaller circle inside. Tip: Keep your pencil strokes light so you can easily erase any mistakes later!

Step 2: Shaping the Beak

Pencil sketch showing the dolphin's snout and mouth structure.

Draw the dolphin's beak using a smooth curved line for the top and a shorter, doubled-back line for the bottom. Tip: Dolphins have a distinct 'smile'—try to keep the curve soft and rounded.

Step 3: Defining the Head

Drawing the top and bottom lines of the dolphin's head.

Extend long, sweeping curved lines from the top and bottom of the beak to outline the head. Tip: Use a fluid motion with your wrist to get a natural, graceful curve.

Step 4: Adding the Pectoral Fin

Sketching the dolphin's side fin and the start of the belly line.

Create the pectoral fin by drawing a curved line that doubles back on itself. Continue the line to form the belly. Tip: Think of the fin as a small, rounded triangle attached to the side.

Step 5: Sketching the Back

Drawing the long curved back line of the dolphin.

Close the pectoral fin shape and draw a long, elegant curve for the back. Leave a small gap near the tail area for now. Tip: Don't worry if the line isn't perfect; dolphins have very flexible bodies!

Step 6: Dorsal Fin and Tail

Adding the dorsal fin and the beginning of the tail fluke.

Draw the triangular dorsal fin on the back. Then, start one side of the tail fin. Tip: The dorsal fin should look like a shark fin but slightly more curved.

Step 7: Finishing the Tail

Completing the tail fin and refining the facial features.

Complete the tail fin and add a contour line to the base of the beak. Tip: Make sure the tail flukes are symmetrical to give your dolphin a balanced look.

Step 8: Adding Details

Adding the blowhole detail to the top of the dolphin's head.

Contour the face and add a 'C' shaped line for the blowhole on top of the head. Shade a small oval inside it. Tip: The blowhole is what dolphins use to breathe, so place it right on the top curve of the head.

Step 9: Refining the Belly

Refining the belly lines for a smooth finish.

Add final contour lines to the belly to give your dolphin a smooth, rounded appearance. Tip: Use long, continuous strokes to keep the belly looking sleek.

Step 10: Color and Final Touches

The completed dolphin drawing ready for coloring.

Your dolphin is ready! You can leave it as a clean line drawing or add color. Dolphins look great in shades of blue-grey, slate, or even speckled patterns. Tip: Use light pressure with your colored pencils to create a soft, aquatic look.