How to Draw a Ghost: Easy 10-Step Tutorial for Kids

Ready to create a spooky-cute character? This tutorial is perfect for artists ages 5 and up. All you need is a pencil, an eraser, and a piece of paper to bring your own friendly ghost to life.

10 Steps

🎯 Final Result

A friendly, finished cartoon ghost illustration.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sketching the Eye Sockets

Pencil sketch showing two small curved lines forming the base of a ghost's eyes.

Draw two small, curved hills to start the eyes. Add ovals on top of these curves to give them depth. Teacher's Tip: Keep your pencil pressure light so you can easily adjust the shape if the eyes look uneven.

Step 2: Defining the Face

Drawing the ghost's facial features including a small mouth and eye details.

Add a half-circle under the eyes and a small curve for the mouth. Use tiny curved lines around the face to suggest a soft, ghostly expression. Tip: A smaller mouth often makes the ghost look more surprised and friendly!

Step 3: Shaping the Head

Sketching the top of the ghost's head with a rounded, flowing line.

Draw a curved line from the right side up to the top of the head, creating a dome shape. Add a hook-like line to start the flowing 'ice cream swirl' effect. Tip: Don't worry about perfect symmetry; ghosts are fluid, floaty creatures!

Step 4: Balancing the Silhouette

Completing the outline of the ghost's head with wavy, squiggly lines.

Repeat the curve on the left side to match the right. Add a squiggly line to create the bottom edge of the head. Tip: Use loose, wavy motions with your wrist to make the ghost look like it's moving through the air.

Step 5: Drawing the Hand

Detailed sketch of a cartoon hand with overlapping finger shapes.

Draw a 'hot dog' shape for the thumb and three overlapping ovals for the fingers. Connect them with smooth lines. Tip: Overlapping shapes is a great way to show depth in your drawings!

Step 6: Adding Hand Details

Adding palm creases and connecting the hand to the ghost's body.

Add small lines inside the hand for palm creases. On the right side, draw another loose oval and connect it to the head. Tip: Keep your lines soft to maintain the 'ghostly' feel.

Step 7: Refining the Second Hand

Sketching the second hand with overlapping finger shapes.

Draw more overlapping ovals for the second hand. Use a curved line to define the palm. Tip: Ensure the hand looks relaxed, not stiff, to match the friendly character design.

Step 8: Shaping the Torso

Drawing the flowing torso of the ghost with sweeping curves.

Sketch a sweeping curve for the chest, then another that swoops outward and points downward. Add a small line in the middle of the body. Tip: This 'swoop' creates the illusion of a flowing sheet.

Step 9: Finalizing the Body

Completing the ghost's body with a swirling, pointed tail.

Complete the body with a single, continuous line that swirls into a point at the bottom. Tip: Use a jagged, uneven line at the base to make the ghost look like it's made of tattered fabric.

Step 10: Inking and Shading

The finished ghost drawing with clean outlines and subtle grey shading.

Outline your drawing with a dark marker and erase your pencil lines. Since ghosts are white, use light grey for shading and darker grey to add depth to the folds. Tip: Shadows are key to making your ghost look 3D!