How to Draw Dory: Easy 20-Step Guide for Kids

Bring everyone's favorite blue tang to life with this step-by-step drawing tutorial, perfect for young artists ages 6 and up. All you need is a pencil, an eraser, and a piece of paper to get started. By following these simple shapes, you will build confidence in your sketching skills while creating a vibrant, recognizable character.

20 Steps

🎯 Final Result

A colorful, finished drawing of Dory the blue tang fish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sketching the Face Base

A single curved line representing the top of Dory's head on a white background.

Start by drawing a slightly curved line for the top of the face. Teacher's Tip: Keep your pencil pressure light so you can easily adjust the shape if needed later.

Step 2: Defining the Face

Two additional curved lines extending from the first to form the outline of Dory's face.

Add a curved line to each end of your first line to frame the face. Tip: Think of this as creating a rounded triangle shape for her snout.

Step 3: Outlining the Body

Long curved lines extending from the head to form the main body shape of the fish.

Draw long, sweeping curves from the face to create the top and bottom of the body. Tip: Make these lines smooth and fluid to give the fish a natural swimming motion.

Step 4: Forming the Tail

Body lines converging into a point to create the base of the tail fin.

Connect the body lines with a point at the back to form the tail base. Tip: Keep the tail narrow where it meets the body to maintain the correct proportions.

Step 5: Sketching the Mouth

Detailed sketch of Dory's mouth area with a small smile.

Draw two inward curves that meet at a point for the mouth, adding a small curve for the smile. Tip: A small smile makes the character look friendly and approachable!

Step 6: Cleaning Up

The mouth area after erasing unnecessary construction lines.

Gently erase the extra guide lines around the mouth. Tip: Use a soft eraser to avoid smudging your paper.

Step 7: Adding Facial Details

Adding inner mouth details and a forehead ridge line.

Draw the inside of the mouth and a ridge line on the forehead. Tip: Parallel lines help create depth and dimension on the face.

Step 8: Creating the Body Pattern

A curved line forming an S-shape across the fish's body.

Draw a backward 'S' curve across the body. Tip: This line will eventually help you separate the blue and yellow colors of her scales.

Step 9: Drawing the Dorsal Fin

Sketching the dorsal fin on the top of the fish's back.

Erase the forehead guide lines and sketch the dorsal fin with two curved lines. Tip: Make the fin look like a soft, rounded triangle.

Step 10: Refining the Fin

The dorsal fin after erasing internal construction lines.

Erase any overlapping lines inside the fin to make it look clean. Tip: A clean drawing makes coloring much easier later!

Step 11: Adding Fin Texture

Adding texture lines and U-shapes to the dorsal fin.

Add small 'U' shapes and lines to detail the fin. Tip: These small details give the fin a realistic, fan-like appearance.

Step 12: Creating the Top Fin

Drawing the top fin with a sharp, curved line.

Draw a long, sharp curved line above the back. Tip: This fin should look sleek and pointed, contrasting with the rounded dorsal fin.

Step 13: Scalloped Details

Adding a scalloped pattern to the top fin.

Add a scalloped pattern to the top fin using connected upside-down 'U' shapes. Tip: Keep the 'U' shapes consistent in size for a professional look.

Step 14: Adding the Side Oval

Drawing an oval shape on the side of the fish's body.

Draw an oval on the side of the body. Tip: This shape acts as a guide for the blue and black color pattern on her side.

Step 15: Detailing the Tail

Adding parallel lines to the tail for detail.

Add parallel lines to the tail to give it structure. Tip: Make sure the lines follow the curve of the tail shape.

Step 16: The Far Fin

Adding a small curved line to represent the far pectoral fin.

Draw a small curved line near the forehead to indicate the pectoral fin on the other side. Tip: This adds a sense of 3D perspective to your drawing.

Step 17: Drawing Eyelids

Sketching the eyelids above the eye area.

Draw curved lines for the eyelids. Tip: Eyelids give the character expression—make them slightly curved to show she is happy.

Step 18: Adding Eyes

Drawing the eyes with pupils and a small highlight.

Draw the oval eyes with smaller pupils inside. Tip: Leave a tiny white dot inside the pupil to create a 'glint' or sparkle, making the eyes look alive.

Step 19: Lower Fin Detail

Adding the lower fin with textured details.

Draw the lower fin with a curved line and add 'U' shaped details. Tip: Keep the lines light until you are happy with the shape.

Step 20: Bringing Dory to Life

The finished Dory drawing colored in blue and yellow.

Color your Dory! Use bright blues for the body and vibrant yellow for the tail and fins. Tip: Use a darker blue for the shadows to give your drawing a 3D effect.