How to Draw a Cute Cartoon Chipmunk: Easy 10-Step Guide

Looking for a fun, screen-free activity? This tutorial is perfect for young artists ages 5 and up. All you need is a pencil, paper, and an eraser to bring this adorable chipmunk to life while practicing basic shapes and fine motor control.

10 Steps

🎯 Final Result

A friendly, finished cartoon chipmunk holding an acorn, colored in warm brown tones.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sketching the Expressive Face

Close-up of a cartoon chipmunk's eyes and nose being drawn with simple geometric shapes.

Start by drawing two short horizontal lines for the eyes, topping them with soft ovals. Add a smaller circle inside each for the pupils and shade them in. Tip: Keep your pencil pressure light so you can easily adjust the expression later!

Step 2: Defining the Head and Teeth

Drawing the chipmunk's head outline and large front teeth.

Draw a pentagon shape below the mouth to represent those signature chipmunk teeth. Use soft, curved lines to outline the top of the head and add a little tuft of fur at the crown. Tip: Use short, quick strokes to make the fur look soft and textured.

Step 3: Adding Ears and Cheeks

Adding ears and fluffy cheeks to the chipmunk character.

Add a curved triangle for the second ear and contour both ears with an inner line. Then, draw the chubby cheeks using a series of connected, rounded lines. Tip: Think of the cheeks as two soft clouds framing the face.

Step 4: Sketching the Arm and Paw

Drawing the chipmunk's arm and small fingers.

Draw a soft 'M' shape above the eyes for the forehead. Next, sketch the arm extending outward, finishing with small 'U' shapes for the fingers. Tip: Keep the fingers small to maintain the 'cute' cartoon aesthetic.

Step 5: Drawing the Acorn

Adding a small acorn held in the chipmunk's paw.

Place an acorn in the chipmunk's hand by drawing a half-circle cap with a small stem. Add a pointed base below the cap. Tip: Acorns are just two simple shapes—a cap and a teardrop—so don't worry about making it perfect!

Step 6: Forming the Body

Outlining the main body shape of the chipmunk.

Complete the acorn stem, then use long, sweeping curved lines to draw the chipmunk's back, belly, and leg. Tip: Use one continuous motion for the back to keep the line smooth and fluid.

Step 7: Adding Feet

Drawing the chipmunk's feet with simple toe details.

Draw the feet using curved, enclosed lines. Add a few small marks to define the toes. Tip: Keep the feet slightly rounded to match the cartoon style of the rest of the body.

Step 8: Tail and Back Stripes

Adding the bushy tail and initial back stripes.

Sketch a bushy, curved tail. Then, add two thick lines on the back of the head—these are the start of the chipmunk's iconic stripes. Tip: Make the tail look fluffy by using slightly jagged, uneven lines.

Step 9: Finalizing the Stripes

Completing the chipmunk's back and tail stripes.

Draw two long, parallel stripes down the back and one stripe running down the center of the tail. Tip: Ensure the stripes follow the curve of the body to give your drawing a sense of depth.

Step 10: Bringing it to Life with Color

The finished, colored cartoon chipmunk drawing.

Your outline is ready! Use warm browns for the fur, black for the stripes, and a soft tan for the belly. Tip: Use a light touch with your colored pencils to blend the edges of the stripes for a more natural look.