How to Draw the Grim Reaper: Easy 10-Step Guide

Ready to draw a spooky character? This tutorial is perfect for young artists ages 7+ looking to practice character design. All you need is a pencil, an eraser, and a piece of paper to bring this iconic figure to life.

10 Steps

🎯 Final Result

A finished, high-quality illustration of the Grim Reaper holding a scythe.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sketching the Hood Opening

A simple diamond shape with rounded corners drawn in pencil to represent the hood opening.

Draw a rounded rhombus—a diamond shape with soft corners. This creates the opening of the hood. Teacher's Tip: Keep this shape centered on your page to leave room for the scythe later.

Step 2: Defining the Hood

Curved lines added around the diamond shape to form the outer edges of the hood.

Outline the hood using curved lines that wrap around your rhombus. Add a small fold on one side to give the fabric a sense of weight. Tip: Use loose, flowing strokes to make the fabric look like heavy cloth.

Step 3: Creating the Robe

Two long curved lines extending from the hood to create the base of the cloak.

Extend two long, curved lines downward from the hood to form the body. These should flare out slightly at the bottom. Tip: Think of this as drawing a bell shape for the cloak.

Step 4: Adding Folds to the Hem

The bottom of the robe closed with a horizontal line and small, jagged folds.

Close the bottom of the robe with a horizontal line. Add small, jagged 'V' shapes along the hem to represent fabric folds. Tip: Vary the size of the folds to make the robe look more natural.

Step 5: Drawing the Hand

A skeletal hand drawn with small ovals for fingers and a curved palm line.

Draw a few small ovals for the fingers and a curved line for the palm. Tip: Keep the hand small; it should look like it's emerging from the sleeve, not floating.

Step 6: Sketching the Scythe Handle

A long, straight staff held by the hand, forming the handle of the scythe.

Draw two long, parallel lines passing through the hand to create the scythe handle. Cap the ends with small curves. Tip: Use a ruler if you struggle with straight lines, but freehand lines add character!

Step 7: Adding Sleeves

Curved lines added to the arm area to define the sleeve of the robe.

Draw two curved lines around the arm to create the sleeve opening. Tip: Make these lines overlap the robe slightly to show depth.

Step 8: Shaping the Skull

The outline of a skull placed inside the hood opening.

Inside the hood, draw the skull shape. Focus on the cheekbones and the jawline. Tip: Use light, sketchy lines here to get the anatomy right before finalizing.

Step 9: Final Details and Scythe Blade

The finished facial features of the skull and the sharp blade of the scythe.

Add the eyes, nose, and the sharp, curved blade of the scythe. Tip: For the scythe blade, draw a large crescent shape that tapers to a very sharp point.

Step 10: Adding Color

The completed, colored Grim Reaper drawing.

Time to color! Use dark grays and blacks for the robe to keep it spooky, and a light bone-white for the skull. Tip: Use a black marker to outline your work for a clean, professional look.