How to Draw a Scary Clown: Easy 10-Step Guide

Ready to add some spooky flair to your sketchbook? This tutorial is perfect for artists ages 8+ looking to practice character design. All you need is a pencil, an eraser, and a piece of paper to bring this creepy character to life.

10 Steps

🎯 Final Result

A vibrant, finished illustration of a scary clown, serving as the featured guide image.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sketching the Nose

Pencil sketch of a small circle representing the clown's nose on a white background.

Start by drawing a small, neat circle in the center of your page. Teacher's Tip: Keep this circle small—it acts as the anchor point for the rest of the face.

Step 2: Defining the Eyes and Brows

Drawing the clown's arched eyebrows and semi-circular eyes above the nose.

Draw two arched lines above the nose for the brows, then add half-circles beneath them for the eyes. Tip: Make the brows slightly angled to give the clown a menacing expression.

Step 3: Sketching the Mouth

Adding a wide, jagged mouth with dots at the corners to the clown's face.

Draw a wide, curved line below the nose, connecting it with two short vertical lines. Add dots at the corners and use a jagged line for the teeth. Tip: Use a light touch for the jagged line to keep it looking sharp.

Step 4: Outlining the Mouth

Adding a secondary outline around the clown's mouth to define the makeup shape.

Draw a parallel line around the mouth to create depth, forming small circles around the corner dots. Tip: This creates the classic 'clown makeup' look.

Step 5: Shaping the Head

Drawing the outer contour of the clown's head with defined jaw and chin bulges.

Outline the head with a long, curved line, adding slight bulges near the jaw and chin. Tip: Don't worry about perfect symmetry; a slightly uneven shape adds to the 'scary' character effect.

Step 6: Adding Ears

Drawing simple circular ears on the sides of the clown's head.

Enclose a circular shape on each side of the head for the ears, adding small curved lines inside for detail. Tip: Keep the ears aligned with the eyes for better proportion.

Step 7: Drawing the Bow Tie

Adding a detailed bow tie with fabric folds to the clown's neck.

Add a bow tie at the neck by drawing two rounded shapes for the knot and 'U' shaped lines for the sides. Tip: Use short, curved lines near the knot to show fabric folds.

Step 8: Adding Fluffy Hair

Drawing wild, fluffy hair tufts on the sides of the clown's head.

Use short, connected, curved lines to create tufts of hair on each side of the head. Tip: Vary the size of the curves to make the hair look wild and messy.

Step 9: Adding the Scar

Adding a stitched scar detail to the clown's cheek.

Draw a semicircle on the cheek and add small cross-lines to represent stitches. Tip: Keep the stitches evenly spaced for a cleaner, more professional look.

Step 10: Final Coloring

The completed scary clown illustration, fully colored and outlined.

Color your clown using bold, bright colors to contrast with the scary features. Tip: Use dark reds or purples for the makeup to enhance the spooky vibe!