How to Draw Elvis: Easy 10-Step Portrait Guide

Ready to draw the King of Rock and Roll? This tutorial is perfect for young artists ages 8+ looking to practice facial proportions and iconic style. You will only need a pencil, an eraser, and a piece of paper to capture Elvis’s signature look.

10 Steps

🎯 Final Result

A vibrant, finished drawing of Elvis Presley, showcasing his signature hair and stage costume.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sketching the Eyes

Close-up pencil sketch of two almond-shaped eyes with dark pupils, serving as the foundation for an Elvis portrait.

Start by drawing two almond-shaped outlines for the eyes. Add a small circle inside each for the pupil and shade them in. Teacher's Tip: Keep your pencil lines light so you can easily adjust the shape if the eyes look uneven.

Step 2: Brows and Nose Bridge

Pencil sketch showing the addition of thick, textured eyebrows and the start of the nose bridge between the eyes.

Draw thick, arched eyebrows using short, flicking strokes to mimic hair texture. Connect the bridge of the nose with a gentle curve. Tip: Use a light touch for the nose bridge to keep the face looking soft.

Step 3: Defining the Nose and Mouth

Detailed sketch of the nose and mouth area, highlighting the smirk and nostril placement.

Add the nostrils with small curved lines and outline the mouth. Use short, angled lines at the corners of the lips to give Elvis his famous smirk. Tip: Don't draw the mouth too wide; keep it proportional to the eyes.

Step 4: The Iconic Pompadour

Sketch showing the addition of Elvis's signature high-volume pompadour hairstyle.

Draw the outline of the hair using large, sweeping curved lines that rise high above the forehead. Connect these to the sides of the face. Tip: Elvis’s hair is all about volume, so don't be afraid to make it big!

Step 5: Ears and Neckline

Sketch detailing the sideburns, ear, and the beginning of the neck structure.

Use jagged, overlapping lines to define the sideburns and the ear. Continue the line down to form the neck. Tip: Sideburns were a huge part of his look—make them thick and bold.

Step 6: The Famous Collar

Pencil drawing of the large, iconic high collar worn by Elvis, framing the neck.

Draw the large, high collar using wide, angled lines that frame the neck. This gives the drawing that classic 70s stage-costume feel. Tip: Keep the collar symmetrical to make the drawing look balanced.

Step 7: Refining Contours

Sketch showing refined contour lines around the jaw and hair for added depth.

Add subtle curved lines to define the jawline and the texture of the hair. This adds depth to the portrait. Tip: Use very light pressure for these contour lines to avoid making the face look too harsh.

Step 8: Adding Star Details

Pencil sketch showing the addition of star patterns on the collar and hair texture details.

Add texture to the hair with more curved lines and draw small, five-pointed stars on the collar. Tip: If drawing stars is tricky, start by drawing a small 'A' shape and connecting the points.

Step 9: Final Touches

Final pencil outline of Elvis with star decorations on the jacket and collar.

Fill in the rest of the collar and jacket with more stars to complete the bedazzled look. Tip: Vary the size of the stars slightly to make the drawing look more natural.

Step 10: Bring Him to Life with Color

Finished, colored portrait of Elvis Presley in his iconic stage outfit.

Time to color! Use deep black for the hair and bright white or gold for the suit. Tip: Use a light grey pencil to add shadows under the chin and nose to make your drawing pop off the page.