How to Draw a Kraken: Easy 10-Step Guide for Kids

Ready to bring a mythical sea monster to life? This tutorial is perfect for young artists ages 7+ who want to practice fluid, organic shapes. Grab your pencil, eraser, and paper, and follow along to build your very own Kraken from simple circles to tentacled masterpiece.

10 Steps

🎯 Final Result

A vibrant, finished illustration of a mythical Kraken rising from the sea.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sketching the Head Base

A light pencil sketch of a single circle representing the top of a Kraken's head.

Start by drawing a light circle to serve as the top of the Kraken's head. Teacher's Tip: Keep your pencil pressure very light so you can easily erase this guide later!

Step 2: Defining the Lower Head

Two overlapping circles forming the basic structure of the Kraken's head.

Draw a second, slightly smaller circle that overlaps the bottom of the first. This creates the rounded shape of the Kraken's face. Tip: Try to make the overlap look like a smooth transition.

Step 3: Starting the First Tentacles

The Kraken head with two long, flowing tentacles extending from the base.

Connect the circles with a curved line for the brow, then extend two long, wavy lines downward that spiral at the ends. Tip: Use a 'flicking' motion with your wrist to get those nice, tapered points at the tips of the tentacles.

Step 4: Adding More Tentacles

The Kraken body with six tentacles visible after erasing the initial construction lines.

Gently erase your guide circles. Now, draw four more tentacles by extending curved lines from behind the head. Tip: Vary the curves so the tentacles look like they are moving through water.

Step 5: Drawing Suction Cups

Close-up detail of suction cups being added to the Kraken's tentacles.

Add detail to the tentacles by drawing small, flat ovals along the underside. Add tiny lines at the ends of each oval. Tip: Don't worry about making them perfect; nature is full of variations!

Step 6: Completing the Tentacles

The Kraken now with all eight tentacles drawn in a cluster.

Add the final two tentacles to reach a total of eight. These should emerge from the center of the cluster. Tip: Overlapping lines help create a sense of depth.

Step 7: Final Suction Details

The Kraken drawing with all suction cups completed and guide lines removed.

Add suction cups to your final two tentacles using the same oval technique. Clean up any leftover pencil marks. Tip: Use a kneaded eraser to gently lift away any smudges.

Step 8: Drawing the Eyes

The Kraken's face with two expressive, teardrop-shaped eyes added.

Draw two inverted teardrop shapes for the eyes. Add a small, shaded circle inside each for the pupil. Tip: Placing the pupils in different spots can change the Kraken's expression from silly to spooky!

Step 9: Adding Contours

Adding contour lines to the Kraken to enhance the three-dimensional effect.

Add curved lines along the head and tentacles to give your Kraken a 3D, rounded look. Tip: Follow the curve of the body to make the lines look natural.

Step 10: Final Coloring

The fully colored and finished Kraken drawing.

Bring your Kraken to life with color! Deep blues, purples, or greens work great for a sea monster. Once finished, explore our other mythical creature guides to build your own bestiary.