How to Draw a Skull and Crossbones: Easy 20-Step Guide

Ready to draw a spooky skull and crossbones? This tutorial is perfect for artists ages 6 and up, requiring only a pencil, eraser, and paper. Follow these simple steps to master basic shapes and symmetry while creating a fun, classic design.

20 Steps

🎯 Final Result

A finished, high-contrast illustration of a cartoon skull and crossbones.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: The Foundation Circle

A light pencil sketch of a circle representing the top of a skull.

Begin by drawing a light circle for the cranium. Tip: Keep it centered on your page so you have plenty of room for the crossbones later.

Step 2: Defining the Jawline

Adding a curved line extending from the circle to form the jaw.

Draw a curved line starting inside the circle and extending downward. Tip: Imagine you are drawing the side of a rounded square.

Step 3: Balancing the Jaw

Drawing a second curved line to mirror the first jawline.

Draw a matching curved line on the opposite side. Tip: Check your spacing to ensure both sides look symmetrical.

Step 4: Cleaning the Shape

Erasing the inner lines to create a single, unified skull shape.

Erase the portion of the circle that sits between the two jaw lines. Tip: Use a clean eraser to keep your paper smudge-free.

Step 5: Extending the Chin

Adding a downward curve to define the chin.

Draw a curved line extending downward from the middle of the first jaw line. Tip: This creates the chin area.

Step 6: Completing the Chin

Mirroring the chin line to complete the lower jaw shape.

Mirror the previous line on the opposite side. Tip: Keep these lines smooth and fluid.

Step 7: Connecting the Jaw

Drawing a connecting line to close the jaw shape.

Draw a curved line connecting the two chin lines. Tip: This creates the bottom edge of the jaw.

Step 8: The Mouth Line

Adding a horizontal curved line for the mouth.

Draw a horizontal curve in the middle of the jaw. Tip: Make it look like a gentle smile.

Step 9: Upper Teeth

Drawing the upper row of teeth using U-shaped lines.

Draw eleven small, upside-down 'U' shapes above the mouth line. Tip: Make the front teeth largest and shrink them as you move outward.

Step 10: Lower Teeth

Drawing the lower row of teeth to mirror the upper ones.

Draw eleven 'U' shapes below the mouth line to match the upper teeth. Tip: Align them with the gaps in the top row for a realistic look.

Step 11: Left Eye Socket

Drawing a circular eye socket on the left side of the skull.

Sketch a circle for the left eye. Tip: Keep it round and centered in the upper half of the skull.

Step 12: Right Eye Socket

Drawing the second eye socket to complete the pair.

Draw a second circle for the right eye. Tip: Try to match the size and height of the first eye.

Step 13: Nasal Cavity

Adding an egg-shaped nasal cavity below the eyes.

Draw an egg-shaped oval between and slightly below the eyes. Tip: This is the nose hole.

Step 14: Nasal Detail

Adding curved details inside the nasal cavity.

Draw two curved lines inside the oval, starting from the top. Tip: This adds depth to the nose area.

Step 15: Starting the Crossbones

Drawing the first part of the crossbones extending from the skull.

Draw a large, upside-down 'U' shape extending from the upper right. Tip: Connect it back to the skull with a small curve.

Step 16: Bone Structure

Adding the lower portion of the first crossbone.

Draw the other end of the bone extending from the bottom left. Tip: Use two curved lines that look like a question mark.

Step 17: Second Bone

Drawing the second bone extending from the bottom right.

Draw the bone extending from the bottom right using two curved lines. Tip: Keep the curves smooth.

Step 18: Completing the Crossbones

Adding the final bone to complete the crossbones shape.

Draw the final bone on the upper left side. Tip: Mirror the shape of the bone on the right side.

Step 19: Shading

Shading the eye sockets and nose for a finished look.

Shade the eyes and the nasal cavity. Tip: Use a dark pencil or marker to make these areas stand out.

Step 20: Final Touches

The final, cleaned-up line art of a skull and crossbones.

Erase any extra guide lines from the nasal cavity. Tip: Your cartoon skull is now complete and ready for display!