How to Draw Dumbo: Easy 10-Step Guide for Kids

Bring everyone's favorite flying elephant to life with this simple, 10-step drawing guide. Designed for children ages 5 and up, this activity requires only a pencil, eraser, and paper to build confidence in character sketching. Follow along to master Dumbo's iconic features and expressive personality.

10 Steps

🎯 Final Result

A colorful, finished illustration of Dumbo the flying elephant.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sketching the Head

Pencil sketch of Dumbo's head shape showing two overlapping curved lines for the cheeks.

Start by sketching the head using two curved lines that overlap slightly. Teacher's Tip: Keep these lines light and rounded to capture Dumbo's soft, youthful cheeks.

Step 2: Drawing the Trunk

Adding a long, curved trunk to the bottom of the elephant's face.

Extend two long, curved lines from the bottom of the face to form the trunk. Tip: Let one line wrap over the other to create a sense of depth and movement.

Step 3: Adding Expressive Eyes

Detailed eye construction with pupils and eyelashes added to the face.

Draw two large, partial ovals for the eyes. Add smaller circles inside for pupils and shade them in. Tip: Add tiny curved lines at the corners for eyelashes to give him that sweet, innocent look.

Step 4: Sketching the Hat

Drawing the small, bent circus hat on top of Dumbo's head.

Draw a curved line across the top of the head and build the hat upward using overlapping triangles. Tip: Don't worry if the lines aren't perfect; Dumbo's hat is meant to look a bit floppy and worn.

Step 5: The Collar Detail

Adding the decorative collar frill around the neck area.

Add the frill around the neck by drawing two curved lines between the cheek and the trunk on each side. Tip: Keep these lines symmetrical for a balanced look.

Step 6: Body and Front Legs

Outlining the elephant's body and front legs with toenail details.

Extend curved lines down from the collar to form the body and front legs. Add small semicircles at the bottom for toenails. Tip: Use light pressure to ensure the legs look sturdy but cute.

Step 7: Drawing the Seated Leg

Adding the bent rear leg to show Dumbo in a seated position.

Sketch the bent rear leg using a 'C' shaped line for the foot. Tip: This creates the pose of a sitting elephant, making the character look more relaxed.

Step 8: Completing the Legs

Drawing the final rear leg to complete the seated posture.

Draw the second rear leg as a mirror image of the first. Tip: Check that both feet are at the same level so your drawing looks grounded.

Step 9: The Iconic Ears

Adding the large, signature elephant ears to the sides of the head.

Draw large, sweeping curved lines from below the hat down to the feet. Tip: Make these ears nice and big—they are Dumbo's most recognizable feature!

Step 10: Bringing Dumbo to Life with Color

The final colored Dumbo drawing with grey skin, pink ears, and a yellow hat.

Time to color! Use grey for the skin, soft pink for the inner ears, bright yellow for the hat, and red for the collar accents. Tip: Use light, circular motions with your colored pencils for a smooth finish.