How to Draw Super Mario: Easy 20-Step Guide for Kids

Ready to bring the world's most famous plumber to life? This tutorial is perfect for young fans ages 7+ who want to practice character proportions. Grab your favorite pencil, an eraser, and a sheet of paper to start building your own Mario masterpiece.

20 Steps

🎯 Final Result

A vibrant, finished illustration of Super Mario ready for coloring.

Step-by-Step Instructions

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Step 1: Sketching the Jawline

A light pencil sketch of a curved jawline for Mario's face.

Begin by drawing a soft, curved line to outline Mario's jaw. Teacher's Tip: Keep your pencil pressure light so you can easily adjust the shape if it looks a bit too wide or narrow.

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Step 2: Adding the Nose

A circular nose shape added to the center of the jawline sketch.

Draw a rounded circle nestled inside the curve of the jaw. Tip: Mario's nose is his most iconic feature—make sure it's nice and round to give him that friendly, classic look.

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Step 3: Defining the Ear

An ear shape drawn on the side of the head with inner detail lines.

Draw a curved oval shape on the side of the head. Add two small, connected lines inside to show the inner ear folds. Tip: Don't press too hard; these inner lines should be subtle details.

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Step 4: Sketching the Mustache

Mario's signature thick, scalloped mustache shape.

Extend short, curved lines from the nose, then connect them with a scalloped, wavy line underneath. Tip: Think of the mustache as a fluffy cloud shape—keep the curves smooth and consistent.

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Step 5: The Top of the Head

A large curved line defining the top of Mario's head.

Draw a large, smooth curve to form the top of Mario's head. Tip: Imagine you are drawing a cap shape—this line connects the forehead area to the back of the head.

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Step 6: Drawing the Body

A large circle drawn below the chin to serve as the torso guide.

Draw a large circle below the chin to act as the base for the torso. Tip: Keep this circle light; it's just a guide for his overalls and will be erased later.

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Step 7: Adding Suspenders

Two parallel lines forming the suspender straps on the torso.

Draw two parallel lines from the neck down to the body circle, connecting them at the bottom with a point. Tip: These should look like two straps holding up his overalls.

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Step 8: Cleaning Up

The torso area with unnecessary guide lines erased.

Carefully erase the extra guide lines inside the body circle. Tip: Use a clean eraser and gentle strokes to avoid smudging your drawing.

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Step 9: Adding Buttons

Small circles added to the ends of the suspender straps.

Connect the suspenders with a curved line and add a small circle at the end of each strap. Tip: These are the signature buttons on Mario's overalls!

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Step 10: Sketching Arms and Legs

Basic outlines for Mario's arms and legs.

Draw curved lines extending from the neck and sides for the arms, and parallel lines downward for the legs. Tip: Keep the joints slightly bent to make Mario look like he's in motion.

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Step 11: Refining Limbs

Refined outlines for Mario's arms, cuffs, and pant legs.

Add detail to the elbows, cuffs, and leg shapes. Tip: Use wavy lines at the bottom of the legs to suggest the cuffs of his pants.

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Step 12: Final Cleanup

The character outline with all guide lines removed.

Erase any remaining guide lines to reveal the clean silhouette of Mario's body. Tip: Take your time here; a clean drawing makes coloring much easier later.

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Step 13: Drawing Hands

Detailed outlines of Mario's gloved hands.

Use overlapping curved lines to form the fingers. Tip: Keep the hands rounded and simple—they don't need to be perfectly realistic to look like Mario's gloves.

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Step 14: Adding Shoes

Mario's shoes with detailed soles and squared heels.

Outline the shoes with long, curved lines and square off the heels. Add parallel lines for the soles. Tip: The squared heel is key to getting that 'Mario' look.

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Step 15: Sketching the Hat

The outline of Mario's iconic red hat.

Draw two wavy lines to form the brim and top of the hat. Tip: Make sure the brim extends far enough to cover the forehead area properly.

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Step 16: Adding Hair and Ear Detail

Adding hair details and the second ear to the head.

Add the second ear and use short, curved lines to suggest hair peeking out. Tip: Keep the hair lines loose and natural-looking.

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Step 17: The 'M' Emblem

The 'M' logo drawn on the front of Mario's hat.

Draw a circle on the front of the hat and add the letter 'M' inside. Tip: Center the 'M' carefully so it looks like a real emblem.

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Step 18: Facial Features

Adding eyes, eyebrows, and mouth to Mario's face.

Draw a 'U' shape for the mouth and ovals for the eyes. Add curved lines above for eyebrows. Tip: The eyebrows help give Mario his determined expression!

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Step 19: Final Details

Adding final details like teeth, tongue, and shaded pupils.

Add the tongue and teeth inside the mouth, and shade the pupils. Tip: Shading the pupils makes his eyes look bright and full of life.

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Step 20: Bringing Mario to Life

The final colored version of Super Mario.

Color your drawing! Use classic red for the hat and shirt, and blue for the overalls. Tip: Use a light brown or peach for the skin to keep it looking natural.