How to Draw Athena: Easy Step-by-Step Guide for Kids

Bring Greek mythology to life with this fun, guided drawing of Athena! Designed for young artists and beginners, this activity requires only a pencil, paper, and an eraser. Follow along to build confidence in character design while learning about the goddess of wisdom.

10 Steps

🎯 Final Result

Full-color illustration of the Greek goddess Athena

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sketching the Facial Features

Close-up sketch of Athena's eyes, nose, and mouth on a white background

Start by sketching the face shape. Use curved lines for the eyes, keeping the upper lids thicker to give her a bold look. Add two small circles inside each eye for the pupils. Teacher's Tip: Keep your pencil lines light so you can easily erase and adjust the symmetry of the eyes.

Step 2: Defining the Face and Hair

Drawing the outline of Athena's face shape and hair strands

Outline the chin and cheeks with a smooth, curved line. Add 'U' shaped strokes to create her hair, letting them meet at sharp points for a stylized look. Draw two simple arches above the eyes for eyebrows. Teacher's Tip: Use short, quick strokes for the hair to make it look more natural.

Step 3: Adding the Crested Helmet

Adding a traditional Greek helmet with a plume to Athena's head

Draw a large 'U' shape over the head to form the base of the helmet. Add a triangular crest on top with a vertical line for texture, and finish with a series of 'U' shapes to represent the plume. Teacher's Tip: Imagine the helmet as a protective cap; keep the curves consistent to make it look sturdy.

Step 4: Drawing the Neck and Armor

Sketching the neck, collarbone, and shoulder armor pieces

Extend two lines down from the head to create the neck. Draw the collarbone and shoulder armor using 'U' shapes and small circles. Teacher's Tip: Adding the small circles on the shoulders helps define the armor plates and adds a professional touch to your character.

Step 5: Sketching the First Arm

Drawing Athena's arm and hand wearing a gauntlet

Use pairs of lines to form the upper and lower arm, ending in a gauntlet. Add the fingers using overlapping curved lines. Teacher's Tip: If the hand feels tricky, draw it as a simple mitten shape first, then add the finger lines afterward.

Step 6: Detailing the Torso and Hair

Adding torso armor details and flowing hair strands

Draw the chest armor with curved lines, then add more hair strands around the shoulders using jagged, pointed lines. Teacher's Tip: Jagged lines create movement, making the hair look like it's flowing in the wind.

Step 7: Drawing the Second Arm

Drawing the second arm and hand to match the first

Repeat the process from Step 5 for the second arm. Use pairs of lines for the limb and overlapping ovals for the fingers. Teacher's Tip: Ensure the arms are roughly the same length to keep your character balanced.

Step 8: Adding the Skirt and Feet

Sketching the skirt with fabric folds and the feet

Draw two long, curved lines for the skirt, adding smaller lines inside to show fabric folds. Sketch the rectangular feet at the bottom. Teacher's Tip: Use light pressure for the fabric folds so they don't overpower the main outline of the skirt.

Step 9: Adding Shield and Spear

Adding the final details: a spear and a shield

Draw a spear with a diamond tip and a shield behind her body. Erase any overlapping lines to make the shield look like it's tucked behind her. Teacher's Tip: Use a ruler for the spear shaft if you want it to look perfectly straight!

Step 10: Final Coloring

Add your favorite colors to complete your Athena drawing! Use metallic shades for the armor and bold colors for the plume. Teacher's Tip: Try using gold or bronze for the helmet to give it a legendary, heroic feel.