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

This step-by-step tutorial is perfect for young artists ages 5+ looking to explore insect anatomy through drawing. You only need a pencil, an eraser, and a piece of paper to get started. Follow along to build confidence in your sketching skills while creating a detailed, buzzing friend.

10 Steps

🎯 Final Result

A completed, colorful, and friendly-looking fly illustration.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sketching the Head and Eyes

Line drawing of a fly head with two large compound eyes and a flat base.

Draw the fly's head using curved lines, keeping the base flat. Add two large ovals for the eyes with smaller ovals inside. Teacher's Tip: Keep your pencil pressure light so you can easily erase any overlapping lines later.

Step 2: Defining the Neck

Drawing the neck area of the fly using two curved lines connecting to the head.

Use a curved line to enclose an elongated shape at the base of the head, followed by a second line to create the neck structure. Teacher's Tip: Think of this as the 'bridge' between the head and the body.

Step 3: Forming the Thorax

Outlining the thorax of the fly with a pointed, triangular shape.

Extend a curved line from each side of the neck, meeting in a sharp point to form the thorax. Teacher's Tip: The thorax is the 'engine room' of the insect, so make this shape nice and sturdy.

Step 4: Adding the Abdomen

Adding the rounded abdomen section to the back of the fly's body.

Draw a curved shape following the thorax, then add a long, rounded line to create the abdomen. Teacher's Tip: Ensure the abdomen is slightly larger than the thorax to keep the fly looking proportional.

Step 5: Sketching the First Wing

Drawing the first large, translucent-style wing on the fly's back.

Extend a long, curved line from the thorax and loop it back to the abdomen to create the first wing. Teacher's Tip: Keep the wing shape elongated and oval-like for a realistic look.

Step 6: Drawing the Second Wing

Adding the second wing to the fly, creating a symmetrical appearance.

Repeat the process on the other side to draw the second wing. Teacher's Tip: Try to match the size and curve of the first wing to keep your fly balanced.

Step 7: Adding Front Legs

Detailed drawing of the fly's front legs with visible joint segments.

Draw two segmented legs extending from below the neck. Use short lines to add texture. Teacher's Tip: Insects have jointed legs, so adding those small bends makes your drawing look much more lifelike.

Step 8: Antennae and Body Texture

Adding antennae to the head and small texture lines to the fly's body.

Add two small antennae to the head and use short, curved lines to add texture to the body and wings. Teacher's Tip: Don't overdo the texture; a few light marks go a long way in showing detail.

Step 9: Drawing Rear Legs

Completing the drawing by adding the rear legs of the fly.

Add the rear legs extending from beneath the wings. Connect them to the body with sharp points. Teacher's Tip: These legs are often longer than the front ones, so give them a bit more reach.

Step 10: Adding Color

The finished fly drawing, fully colored with dark tones and highlights.

Bring your fly to life with color! Use black for a classic housefly, or experiment with metallic greens and blues. Teacher's Tip: Use light, circular strokes when coloring to keep the texture smooth.