How to Draw Squidward: Easy Step-by-Step Guide

Bring Bikini Bottom's most iconic neighbor to life with this easy-to-follow guide. Designed for young artists and fans, this tutorial focuses on capturing Squidward's unique facial expressions and posture. All you need is a pencil, an eraser, and a piece of paper to get started.

10 Steps

🎯 Final Result

A vibrant, finished illustration of Squidward Tentacles for the drawing tutorial.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sketching the Head Shape

A simple curved line forming the top of Squidward's head on a white background.

Start by drawing a curved line that looks like a sideways letter 'C.' This creates the top of his head. Teacher's Tip: Keep this arc soft and rounded to give him that signature smooth, bald look.

Defining the Nose and Mouth

Adding the large oval nose and wide mouth structure to the head sketch.

Draw an oval beneath your first line, then add irregular curved shapes on either side. This forms his iconic large nose and wide mouth. Tip: Make the nose slightly bulbous to really capture his personality.

Adding Lip Detail

Drawing a parallel curved line inside the mouth to define Squidward's lips.

Draw a curved line inside the mouth area, parallel to the outer edge. This creates his lips. Tip: Keep this line smooth to make his mouth look natural rather than jagged.

Sketching the Eyelids

Sketching the heavy, drooping eyelids above the nose area.

Draw two upside-down 'U' shapes and connect them with curved lines. Add a small line at the bottom for the eyelid fold. Tip: These heavy lids are what give him that classic 'bored' expression.

Forming the Eyes

Drawing the eye shapes by connecting lines from the eyelids.

Extend three short lines down from the eyelids and connect them. This creates the base of his eyes. Tip: Ensure the eyes are close together to maintain his narrow facial structure.

Adding Pupils and Brow

Adding pupils to the eyes and drawing the furrowed brow lines on the forehead.

Draw small circles for pupils and wavy lines above the eyes for his furrowed brow. Add small circles on the head for texture. Tip: The brow lines are crucial for his grumpy look—don't skip them!

Drawing the Neck and First Tentacle

Sketching the neck, shirt collar, and the first arm with circular suckers.

Draw the neck, collar, and rectangular shirt. Add an 'S' shaped tentacle with small circles for suckers. Tip: Draw the suckers as simple 'O' shapes to keep them neat.

Adding Teeth and Second Tentacle

Adding teeth to the mouth and sketching the second arm.

Add his teeth inside the mouth and draw the second tentacle in a backward 'S' shape. Tip: Make sure the second arm mirrors the first to keep the drawing balanced.

Completing the Lower Body

Outlining the lower body and the three leg tentacles.

Draw the circular abdomen and the three leg-like tentacles. Add suckers to the bottom. Tip: Use long, flowing curves for the legs to make him look like a cephalopod.

Adding Color

The finished, colored drawing of Squidward Tentacles.

Time to color! Use a soft teal or blue-green for his skin and a light brown for his shirt. Tip: Use light pressure with your colored pencils for a smooth, even finish.