How to Draw Nemo: Easy 20-Step Guide for Kids

Bring your favorite clownfish to life with this step-by-step drawing tutorial designed for ages 5 and up. All you need is a pencil, an eraser, and a piece of paper to get started. Follow along to build confidence in your sketching skills while creating a vibrant, underwater friend.

20 Steps

🎯 Final Result

A completed, vibrant illustration of Nemo the clownfish, ready for coloring.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sketching the Head

A light pencil sketch of an egg-shaped oval representing the head of a clownfish.

Draw a light egg shape to outline Nemo's head. Teacher's Tip: Keep your pencil pressure very light so you can easily erase these guidelines later.

Defining the Body

Two curved lines extending from the head to form the elongated body of the fish.

Extend long, curved lines from the head to outline the body. Teacher's Tip: Think of this as drawing a teardrop shape that flows naturally from the head.

Forming the Tail

The body lines flaring out at the end to prepare for the tail shape.

Flare the body lines outward to create the tail base. Teacher's Tip: Make the tail look like a fan by keeping your lines smooth and rhythmic.

Cleaning the Guidelines

The head and body outline with internal guide lines removed.

Carefully erase the overlapping lines inside the head. Teacher's Tip: Use a clean eraser and brush away the crumbs so your paper stays smudge-free.

Adding Stripes and Tail

Nemo's tail enclosed with a scalloped line and the first body stripe added.

Enclose the tail with a scalloped line and add the first stripe near the head. Teacher's Tip: Scalloped lines look like gentle waves—keep them consistent.

Drawing the Pectoral Fin

A small oval and curved lines forming the pectoral fin on the side of the fish.

Draw a small oval for the fin base, then extend curved lines to form the fin. Teacher's Tip: Use a dotted line for the base to help with placement.

Refining the Fin

The pectoral fin with internal guide lines erased for a clean look.

Erase the guide lines inside the fin. Teacher's Tip: Take your time here; small details make the character look more professional.

Adding Fin Detail

Detailed fin showing scalloped lines and small U-shaped markings.

Add scalloped lines and 'U' shapes inside the fin. Teacher's Tip: These lines represent the delicate rays of the fin.

Adding Body Stripes

Additional curved lines added to the body to define the clownfish stripe pattern.

Draw curved lines across the body to create the remaining stripes. Teacher's Tip: Keep the stripes slightly curved to match the roundness of the fish's body.

Detailing the Tail

Detailed tail and body stripes with added scalloped line textures.

Add scalloped lines to the tail and body stripes. Teacher's Tip: Varying the size of your scalloped lines adds visual interest.

Drawing the Dorsal Fin

A wavy line along the top of the fish representing the dorsal fin.

Draw a wavy line along the top of the back for the dorsal fin. Teacher's Tip: Imagine a gentle ocean wave as you draw this line.

Detailing the Dorsal Fin

Dorsal fin with added scalloped and curved line details.

Add scalloped lines and curved details to the dorsal fin. Teacher's Tip: Consistency is key—match the style of the pectoral fin.

The Lucky Fin

The smaller, slightly irregular 'lucky fin' drawn on the side of the fish.

Draw the smaller, irregular 'lucky fin' on the side. Teacher's Tip: Make this fin slightly smaller and dip the line inward to show its unique shape.

Detailing the Lucky Fin

Scalloped line details added to the lucky fin.

Add scalloped lines to the lucky fin. Teacher's Tip: Even though it's smaller, adding these details makes the drawing look complete.

Drawing the Eyes

Two oval shapes positioned on the head to form the eyes.

Draw two ovals for the eyes. Teacher's Tip: Place them slightly apart to give Nemo his friendly, wide-eyed expression.

Adding Eye Detail

Detailed eye with pupil and iris shading, including a small highlight.

Draw circles within circles for the pupils and shade them. Teacher's Tip: Leave a tiny white dot unshaded to create a 'glint' or sparkle in the eye.

Completing the Eyes

Both eyes completed with identical shading and highlights.

Repeat the eye detail process for the second eye. Teacher's Tip: Keep the eyes symmetrical to maintain the character's look.

Drawing the Mouth

A wide, friendly U-shaped mouth drawn on the face.

Draw a wide 'U' shape for the smiling mouth. Teacher's Tip: Add small curved lines at the corners to make the smile look natural.

Adding Teeth

The mouth with teeth details and shading added.

Draw two curved lines inside the mouth for teeth and shade the area. Teacher's Tip: Keep the teeth small so they don't look too sharp.

Coloring Nemo

The final colored Nemo drawing featuring orange, white, and black stripes.

Use bright orange for the body, with white and black stripes. Teacher's Tip: Use light, circular motions with your colored pencils to get an even, vibrant finish.