How to Draw a Cute Cartoon Ghost: Simple 10-Step Guide

This friendly ghost tutorial is perfect for artists ages 5 and up looking to practice expressive character design. All you need is a pencil, an eraser, and a black marker to bring this spooky-cute character to life. Follow along to master simple shapes and fluid, wavy line work.

10 Steps

🎯 Final Result

A friendly, finished cartoon ghost illustration with soft shading.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sketching the Eyes

Pencil sketch showing two ovals representing the ghost's eyes on a white background.

Sketch two ovals near the center of the page, making one slightly wider than the other. Tip: Draw these lightly; they serve as the anchor for your ghost's personality.

Step 2: Defining the Face

Drawing the ghost's facial features including eyebrows and a curved mouth.

Add small dashes above the eyes for eyebrows, then sketch a curve to the right. Beneath the eyes, draw a horizontal and vertical curve to form the mouth. Tip: Use a gentle touch to keep the expression friendly rather than scary.

Step 3: Shaping the Head

Adding the outline of the head and a decorative loop on top.

Outline the right side of the face with a soft curve. Above the head, draw a rounded triangle shape with a small loop inside. Tip: This loop adds a whimsical, cartoonish detail to the ghost's 'hair' or top.

Step 4: Sketching the Arms

Drawing the ghost's left arm and hand with three fingers.

Sketch a loose S-shape for the left side of the head, then draw three fingers using small semi-ovals. Tip: Position the thumb in front to make the hand look natural and three-dimensional.

Step 5: Extending the Body

Drawing the ghost's trailing body shape with a wavy line.

Add one more finger to the hand, then draw a long, wavy line trailing off to the left. Tip: Keep the line fluid to give the ghost a sense of movement.

Step 6: Adding the Right Arm

Adding the ghost's right arm and hand details.

Sketch three more fingers on the right side and a curved diagonal line. Tip: Ensure the fingers are spaced evenly to keep the drawing balanced.

Step 7: Connecting the Form

Connecting the right arm to the ghost's main body.

Draw a curvy line for the right side of the body. Add one more finger, then connect it to the body with a wavy line. Tip: Don't worry if the lines aren't perfect; ghosts are naturally flowy and irregular!

Step 8: Creating the Hem

Drawing the wavy bottom hem of the ghost's sheet.

Outline the bottom of your ghost with loose, wavy lines, similar to a curtain hem. Add a vertical line near the middle for texture. Tip: Vary the depth of your waves to make the ghost look like it's floating.

Step 9: Finalizing the Outline

Finalizing the ghost's body outline with ink.

Complete the body with two overlapping V-shapes and add internal vertical lines. Once finished, trace over your pencil lines with a black marker. Tip: Wait for the ink to dry completely before erasing your pencil marks to avoid smudging.

Step 10: Adding Color and Depth

The completed cartoon ghost drawing with blue eyes and gray shading.

Color the eyes light blue. Use dark gray for the mouth and to add subtle shadows along the folds of the ghost's body. Tip: Use a light touch with the gray to create a soft, ethereal look.