How to Draw a Dilophosaurus: Easy 10-Step Dinosaur Guide

Ready to bring a prehistoric predator to life? This tutorial is perfect for young artists ages 7+ who want to master dinosaur anatomy. Grab your pencil, eraser, and paper, and follow along to build your Dilophosaurus from the head down, focusing on those iconic twin crests.

10 Steps

🎯 Final Result

A colorful, finished drawing of a Dilophosaurus, showcasing its iconic twin crests.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sketching the Head and Crest

Pencil sketch showing the initial head outline, eye, and twin crests of a Dilophosaurus.

Start by drawing the dinosaur’s head using a gentle curved line. Add a small oval for the eye and a dot for the pupil. Then, draw the two thin, bony crests on top of the head. Teacher's Tip: Keep your pencil pressure light here so you can easily refine the shape of the jaw later.

Step 2: Defining the Jaw and Teeth

Drawing the open mouth, nostril, and sharp triangular teeth of the Dilophosaurus.

Sketch the open mouth using a wide curve and add a small oval for the nostril. Draw sharp, triangular shapes along the top jaw for teeth. Teacher's Tip: Don't worry about making the teeth perfect; slightly irregular triangles look more natural and 'dinosaur-like'.

Step 3: Adding the Tongue and Neck Frill

Adding the tongue and the initial outline for the neck frill.

Draw a curved line for the tongue and add teeth to the bottom jaw. Extend lines from the head to begin the neck frill. Teacher's Tip: Use a smooth, sweeping motion for the neck lines to help the dinosaur look like it's turning its head.

Step 4: Shaping the Frill and Forearm

Detailing the scalloped neck frill and the first forearm claw.

Connect your neck lines with a scalloped edge to create the frill. Start sketching the forearm with a triangle-shaped claw. Teacher's Tip: Scalloped lines are great for practice—try to keep the 'bumps' consistent in size for a professional look.

Step 5: Building the Body and Leg

Sketching the belly and the muscular rear leg of the dinosaur.

Complete the hand with curved lines. Draw the belly and the strong, muscular shape of the rear leg. Teacher's Tip: Think of the leg as a series of connected ovals to get the proportions right before adding the final outline.

Step 6: Adding Feet and Second Arm

Drawing the rear foot details and the second forearm.

Finish the rear foot with curved toes and sharp claws. Add the second forearm behind the frill. Teacher's Tip: Overlapping lines help create depth, making your drawing look 3D rather than flat.

Step 7: Refining the Limbs

Refining the second forearm and the second rear leg.

Complete the second forearm and outline the remaining rear leg. Teacher's Tip: Use a slightly darker pencil stroke for the final outlines to make the limbs stand out from the body.

Step 8: Finalizing the Feet and Back

Finalizing the rear foot and drawing the back line.

Complete the rear foot details and extend a line from the crest to define the back. Teacher's Tip: A long, smooth line for the back helps the eye travel across the whole drawing.

Step 9: Drawing the Tail

Drawing the long tail and adding final body contours.

Extend lines from the back and hip to form a long, pointed tail. Add final contour lines to the frill and joints. Teacher's Tip: A tail adds balance to your drawing—make sure it tapers to a nice, sharp point.

Step 10: Bringing it to Life with Color

A fully colored Dilophosaurus with a vibrant crest and detailed skin.

Your outline is ready! Use greens, browns, or grays for the body, and pick a bright, bold color for the crest to make it pop. Teacher's Tip: Try using a darker shade of your main color to add shadows near the legs for a more realistic look.