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

This fun, screen-free activity is perfect for young artists ages 5 and up. All you need is a pencil, an eraser, and some paper to bring this friendly character to life. Follow along to master basic 3D shapes while creating a charming, expressive milk carton.

10 Steps

🎯 Final Result

A colorful, finished drawing of a happy milk carton character.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sketching the Base

A light pencil sketch of a vertical rectangle representing the base of a milk carton.

Draw a vertical rectangle to serve as the main body. Tip: Keep your lines light and loose—angled slightly to suggest depth—so they are easy to adjust as we build the 3D form.

Step 2: Adding Perspective

A diagonal line added to the bottom corner of the rectangle to establish depth.

Draw a short diagonal line extending from the bottom corner. Tip: This small line helps create the illusion that the carton has a side, giving it a realistic 3D look.

Step 3: Defining the Side Panel

A second rectangle drawn on the side to form the side panel of the milk carton.

Use two straight lines to enclose a second, narrower rectangle on the side. Tip: Ensure the angles match the first rectangle to keep the perspective consistent.

Step 4: Creating the Gable Top

A triangle shape added to the top of the side panel to begin the carton's roof.

Draw a triangle on top of the side rectangle. Tip: Think of this as the 'roof' of your carton; keep the peak centered to make it look balanced.

Step 5: Connecting the Top

A parallelogram shape connecting the front and top sections of the milk carton.

Draw a slanted rectangle (parallelogram) between the front and the roof. Tip: This connects the two sides, making the carton look like a solid object.

Step 6: The Gable Closure

A horizontal line drawn above the roof to represent the top seal of the carton.

Add a straight line above the carton, parallel to the top edge. Tip: This represents the folded paper seal at the very top of the carton.

Step 7: Finishing the Top

Two short lines connecting the top seal to the roof structure.

Connect the top line to the roof using two short, vertical lines. Tip: Keep these lines short to ensure the top looks like a folded flap.

Step 8: Adding Character

The milk carton now has two expressive eyes and structural lines on the roof.

Draw eyes by sketching two circles with smaller ovals inside, then shade the area between them. Tip: Adding a small diagonal line on the roof adds extra depth to the carton's structure.

Step 9: Adding a Smile

A happy, smiling mouth added to the front of the milk carton.

Draw a 'U' shaped mouth with a small tongue inside. Tip: Use a darker pencil stroke for the mouth to make the expression pop against the carton's outline.

Step 10: Final Touches

The finished, colored milk carton drawing with a friendly face.

Add eyebrows and color your carton! Tip: Get creative—draw a fruit on the side to turn it into a juice box, or use your favorite colors to make it unique.