How to Draw Cthulhu: Easy 10-Step Guide for Beginners

Bring the legendary Cthulhu to life with this fun, guided drawing tutorial perfect for young artists ages 7 and up. You will only need a pencil, an eraser, and a piece of paper to master this iconic mythical creature. Follow along to develop your character design skills and add a touch of mystery to your sketchbook.

10 Steps

🎯 Final Result

Full color illustration of Cthulhu, a mythical creature with tentacles and wings.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sketching the Eyes

Close-up sketch of Cthulhu's slanted eyes and angry eyebrows on white paper.

Draw two small, slanted ovals close together for the eyes, topped with sharp, angular brows. Teacher's Tip: Keep the eyes close to create that signature intense, menacing look.

Step 2: Defining the Head Shape

Outline of Cthulhu's dome-shaped head with small bumps for ears.

Draw a tall, rounded dome shape over the eyes, adding two small bumps at the top for the ear ridges. Teacher's Tip: Think of a squid's mantle to get the right organic, rounded feel.

Step 3: Adding Facial Structure

Sketching the cheek curves and the starting points for Cthulhu's mouth tentacles.

Add curved lines beneath the eyes to define the cheeks, then sketch the base of the upper tentacles. Teacher's Tip: Use loose, flowing strokes to make the tentacles look flexible rather than stiff.

Step 4: Shaping the Tentacles

Drawing the first set of tapering tentacles around the mouth area.

Follow the curves from the previous step, tapering the lines to a point. Add a larger, thicker tentacle on one side. Teacher's Tip: Tapering your lines at the end makes them look more natural and organic.

Step 5: Adding Depth to Tentacles

Adding a curled tentacle and a background tentacle tip for depth.

Draw a matching large tentacle on the opposite side, curling it into a loop. Add a smaller tentacle tip peeking out from behind. Teacher's Tip: Overlapping lines creates the illusion of depth and makes the creature look 3D.

Step 6: Expanding the Tentacle Cluster

Adding additional arcing tentacles to complete the mouth area.

Add a small tentacle in the back and one more that arcs upward. Teacher's Tip: Don't worry about symmetry; Cthulhu's tentacles look better when they are slightly chaotic and uneven.

Step 7: Starting the Wings

Drawing the initial wing structure starting from the head bump.

Finish the remaining tentacles, then begin the wing structure by drawing a line from the head bump ending in a sharp, thorn-like claw. Teacher's Tip: Use a firm, confident stroke for the claw to give it a sharp, dangerous look.

Step 8: Constructing Wing Ribs

Drawing the skeletal ribs of the wings to create the frame.

Curve the wing lines upward and outward, then draw a second line back down to form the wing ribs. Add an arc at the bottom. Teacher's Tip: Think of a bat's wing structure—the ribs act as the skeleton.

Step 9: Adding Wing Webbing

Adding the scalloped webbing between the wing ribs.

Connect the wing tips and ribs with scalloped, curved lines to create the leathery webbing. Teacher's Tip: Use a 'wavy' motion with your wrist to make the webbing look like an umbrella or bat wing.

Step 10: Coloring Your Masterpiece

Finished Cthulhu drawing colored with green skin and red eyes.

Bring your creature to life with deep greens for the skin and piercing red for the eyes. Teacher's Tip: Use darker green shading near the tentacles to add a sense of mystery and shadow.