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

Ready to dive into the ocean? 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 bring this majestic sea creature to life while practicing your line control and shape recognition.

10 Steps

🎯 Final Result

A friendly cartoon swordfish swimming, serving as the final example of the drawing tutorial.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sketching the Body and Sword

Line drawing of a swordfish body outline and long pointed bill on a white background.

Draw a long, teardrop-shaped body that is pointed at the tail end. At the front, extend two lines that meet at a sharp point to create the iconic sword. Teacher's Tip: Keep your pencil pressure light so you can easily adjust the shape of the sword later.

Step 2: Adding Pectoral Fins

Drawing of a swordfish with two pointed pectoral fins added to the mid-section.

Add the pectoral fins by drawing two pairs of curved lines on the side of the body, meeting at sharp points. Teacher's Tip: Think of these as the fish's 'arms'—keep them angled slightly backward to show movement.

Step 3: Sketching the Dorsal Fin

Swordfish outline with a large, pointed dorsal fin added to the top of the body.

Draw the large dorsal fin on the top of the back using two curved lines that meet at a point. Teacher's Tip: Make this fin tall and triangular to give your swordfish a sleek, fast look.

Step 4: Forming the Tail

Swordfish outline showing the addition of a forked caudal fin at the rear.

Create the tail by drawing two 'C' shaped lines at the end of the body, allowing them to meet at sharp tips. Teacher's Tip: Ensure the tail is symmetrical to help the fish look like it's ready to swim.

Step 5: Drawing the Eye

Close-up detail of the swordfish head showing the eye, pupil, and eyebrow line.

Draw a curved line for the face, then add an inverted 'U' shape for the eye. Shade a small corner to create the pupil and add a line above for the eyebrow. Teacher's Tip: A well-placed eye gives your character personality—try to keep it expressive!

Step 6: Creating the Open Mouth

Detailed view of the swordfish head showing an open mouth and jaw structure.

Draw a curved line across the base of the sword and a 'U' shape below for the mouth. Add a small rectangular detail at the corner. Teacher's Tip: Don't worry if the lines overlap; we will clean those up in the next step.

Step 7: Refining the Shape

Refined swordfish outline with gill slits and a smooth belly line.

Erase the overlapping lines near the mouth. Add two curved lines for the gills and a long, smooth line from the dorsal fin to the tail to define the belly. Teacher's Tip: Using a soft eraser helps keep your paper clean and prevents smudging.

Step 8: Adding Anal Fins

Swordfish outline with small anal fins added to the lower body.

Draw the anal fins by extending pairs of curved lines from the belly near the tail. Teacher's Tip: Keep these fins small to maintain the balance of your drawing.

Step 9: Adding Texture Details

Swordfish outline with added texture lines on the dorsal fin.

Add bands to the dorsal fin using simple curved lines. Teacher's Tip: These details add depth and make your drawing look more professional.

Step 10: Bringing It to Life with Color

Final colored illustration of a cartoon swordfish with blue and grey tones.

Color your swordfish! Use shades of grey or blue for the top and a soft cream or white for the belly. Teacher's Tip: Try using light blue for the fins to make them pop against the body.