How to Draw a Cartoon Nose: Easy 9-Step Guide for Beginners

Ready to bring your characters to life? This tutorial is perfect for young artists ages 6+ looking to master facial features. Grab a pencil, an eraser, and a sheet of paper to follow along as we break down the structure of a classic cartoon nose into simple, manageable shapes.

10 Steps

🎯 Final Result

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Establishing the Bridge

A light, vertical wavy line drawn on white paper, serving as the initial guide for a cartoon nose structure.

Start your cartoon nose by drawing a gentle, vertical wavy line. Teacher's Tip: Keep your pencil pressure very light here; this is just a guide line to help you place the nose on the face.

Step 2: Defining the Tip

A wide, rounded arrow shape pointing left, attached to the previous wavy line to form the nose tip.

Sketch a wide, open arrow shape pointing to the left. Tip: Think of this as the 'button' part of the nose—try to keep the lines rounded rather than sharp to give it a friendly, cartoonish look.

Step 3: Adding the Bridge Curve

A short upward line and a smooth curve extending to the right, building the upper bridge of the nose.

Add a short line pointing upward from the tip, then sketch a smooth curve to the right. Tip: Use a fluid motion with your wrist to get a nice, clean arc.

Step 4: Creating the Base

A wide semi-circle curve added to the base of the nose structure to give it volume.

Draw a wider curve underneath to form a semi-circle. Tip: This creates the bottom of the nose; make sure it connects smoothly to the previous lines for a seamless look.

Step 5: Sketching the Nostril Detail

A small hook shape drawn within the nose base, representing the nostril area.

Sketch a hook shape, similar to the end of a sewing needle, between the lines you just drew. Tip: This adds depth and character to your drawing, making it look more professional.

Step 6: Adding the Side Nostril

A small arrow shape added to the side of the nose to define the nostril wing.

Add a smaller arrow pointing to the left on the side of the nose. Tip: Keep this shape small so it doesn't overpower the main nose structure.

Step 7: Defining the Nostril

A small loop drawn inside the side nostril shape to add detail and depth.

Sketch a small loop inside the side shape to outline the nostril. Tip: Don't press too hard; a delicate line looks more natural and less like a heavy outline.

Step 8: Adding Highlights

Small dash and curve lines added to the top of the nose to indicate light reflection.

Add a dash on the top of the nose with a vertical curve to the side. Tip: These lines suggest where light is hitting the nose, giving it a 3D effect.

Step 9: Final Details

Three small dashes added to the tip of the nose to complete the highlight details.

Sketch three dashes to highlight the tip of the nose. Tip: Vary the length of the dashes slightly to make the drawing look more organic and less mechanical.

Step 10: Inking and Shading

A finished, inked, and lightly shaded cartoon nose drawing on white background.

Outline your drawing with a black pen. Once the ink is dry, erase your pencil lines. For shading, use a light skin tone, keeping the top of the nose brightest and adding a soft shadow near the nostrils.