How to Draw a Cartoon Ham: Easy 10-Step Guide

Looking for a fun, screen-free activity? This cartoon ham tutorial is perfect for artists ages 5 and up. You will only need a pencil, an eraser, and your favorite coloring markers to bring this savory treat to life while practicing your curved line work.

10 Steps

🎯 Final Result

A vibrant, finished cartoon ham illustration on a clean background.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sketching the Main Body

Pencil sketch of a large, rounded ham shape on white paper.

Draw a long, sweeping curved line to create the main body of the ham. Teacher's Tip: Think of this as a rounded triangle shape; keep your hand loose to get a nice, organic curve.

Step 2: Defining the Bone Opening

Adding a small curved line to the narrow end of the ham to represent the bone socket.

Draw a small curved line at the narrow end to show where the bone sticks out. Tip: Leave a small gap to make the bone look like it is resting inside the meat.

Step 3: Drawing the Bone Structure

Drawing two parallel curved lines extending from the ham to create the bone handle.

Extend two curved lines from the opening to form the shaft of the bone. Tip: Keep these lines parallel to make the bone look sturdy.

Step 4: Adding the Bone Knob

Adding a rounded cap and a small oval to the end of the bone for detail.

Close the end of the bone with a rounded cap and add a small oval in the center. Tip: The oval adds a 3D effect, making the bone look round rather than flat.

Step 5: Detailing the Bone

Adding a C-shape and cross-line to the bone knob for visual depth.

Draw a 'C' shape inside the oval and cross it with a small line. Tip: This creates a simple highlight, giving your drawing a professional cartoon look.

Step 6: Defining the Cut Surface

Drawing a large curved line across the top of the ham to represent the cut surface.

Draw a large curved line across the top of the ham to show the flat, sliced end. Tip: This line should look like a gentle 'U' shape.

Step 7: Adding Texture Lines

Adding V-shaped texture lines to the flat surface of the ham.

Add small 'V' shaped lines on the flat surface. Tip: These represent the texture of the meat—don't worry about making them perfect, as ham is naturally irregular!

Step 8: Refining the Surface

Adding additional curved lines along the side of the ham for volume.

Continue adding curved lines along the side of the ham to show its roundness. Tip: Follow the curve of the outer edge to keep the shape consistent.

Step 9: Finalizing the Crosshatch

Drawing diagonal crosshatch lines over the ham surface.

Draw diagonal lines across the ham to create a crosshatch pattern. Tip: This is a classic way to draw a glazed ham; space your lines evenly for a neat look.

Step 10: Adding Color

The finished cartoon ham drawing, fully colored with pinks and browns.

Color your ham using shades of pink and brown. Tip: Use a lighter cream color for the fat areas to make your drawing look more realistic and appetizing!