How to Draw a Velociraptor: Easy 9-Step Dinosaur Guide

Ready to bring a prehistoric predator to life? This tutorial is perfect for young artists ages 6+ who want to master dinosaur anatomy. You only need a pencil, an eraser, and paper to follow along. By the end, you'll have a fierce, cartoon-style Velociraptor ready for your coloring markers.

10 Steps

🎯 Final Result

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sketching the Head and Eye

Close-up sketch of a Velociraptor head showing the eye ridge, snout, and teardrop-shaped nostril.

Start by drawing the head using a series of overlapping curved lines to create the snout and eye ridge. Tip: Keep your pencil pressure light here. Draw a small teardrop shape for the nostril and a half-circle for the eye with a dark, round pupil.

Step 2: Defining the Jaw and Teeth

Drawing the lower jaw of the Velociraptor with sharp, triangular teeth.

Draw the lower jaw using two lines that meet at a sharp point. Add small, triangle-shaped teeth along the mouth line. Tip: Make the teeth slightly uneven to give your dinosaur a more natural, 'wild' look.

Step 3: Shaping the Neck and Back

Sketching the long, curved neck and back line of the Velociraptor.

Use a long, sweeping curved line to form the back of the neck and the spine. Add a small, doubled-back line inside the mouth to represent the tongue. Tip: A smooth, continuous line for the back helps the dinosaur look agile.

Step 4: Sketching the Forearms

Detailing the Velociraptor's forearms and sharp, curved claws.

Draw the forearms using curved lines and finish them with sharp, triangular claws. Tip: Velociraptors were known for their grasping hands, so make the fingers look slightly bent as if they are reaching out.

Step 5: Adding the Powerful Rear Legs

Outlining the powerful, muscular rear legs of the dinosaur.

Draw the thick, muscular rear legs using long, sweeping curves. Connect these to the belly area. Tip: Think of the legs like a bird's legs—they should look strong and ready to jump.

Step 6: The Signature Claw

Focusing on the Velociraptor's signature sickle-shaped claw on the rear foot.

Draw the famous, sickle-shaped toe claw on the rear foot using a crescent-moon shape. Tip: This is the Velociraptor's most iconic feature, so make sure it looks sharp and prominent.

Step 7: Refining the Feet and Claws

Adding detail to the feet and claws of the Velociraptor.

Complete the remaining toes and claws on both the front and back feet. Use teardrop shapes for the smaller claws. Tip: Check that your claws are pointing in the same direction to keep the movement of the drawing consistent.

Step 8: Adding the Tail

Sketching the long, tapering tail of the Velociraptor to show balance.

Draw a long, tapering tail using three curved lines. Tip: The tail acts as a counterbalance for the dinosaur, so draw it extending straight out behind the body to show balance.

Step 9: Final Outline

The completed line art of the Velociraptor, ready for coloring.

Review your drawing and darken the final lines with a firm pencil stroke. Erase any stray guidelines from your initial sketch. Tip: Now is the time to add any skin texture or small scales if you want extra detail!

Step 10: Bringing it to Life with Color

A fully colored Velociraptor drawing with stripes and natural tones.

Time to color! Use shades of grey, brown, or green. Tip: Try adding stripes or spots along the back to make your Velociraptor look like it's camouflaged in the jungle.