How to Draw the Hogwarts Crest: Easy Step-by-Step Guide

Bring the magic of Hogwarts to your sketchbook with this easy-to-follow guide. Designed for young artists ages 7+, this activity requires only a pencil, eraser, and paper to build confidence in symmetry and detail work. Follow along to create your own house emblem from scratch.

10 Steps

🎯 Final Result

A vibrant, finished illustration of the Hogwarts crest, showcasing all four house animals and the central letter H.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Outlining the Base

Pencil sketch showing the initial curved base and rounded side loops of the Hogwarts shield.

Draw a long, gentle curve to form the bottom of the shield. At the ends, loop the line back to create rounded sides. Tip: Keep your pencil pressure light—this base is just a guide for the final shape.

Step 2: Shaping the Top

Drawing the top edge of the shield with a central dip and side bulges.

Connect the sides with a curved line that dips in the center. Tip: Imagine a shallow 'M' shape to get those iconic top bulges just right.

Step 3: Creating the Upper Quadrants

Adding vertical and horizontal lines to split the top of the shield into two distinct sections.

Divide the top half of the shield into two sections. Use straight lines for the inner borders and curved lines for the outer edges. Tip: Use a light touch so you can easily adjust the symmetry.

Step 4: Defining the Lower Sections

Completing the four-quadrant layout of the shield with a central square for the letter H.

Outline the bottom two sections, leaving a square space in the center. Tip: Ensure the lines follow the curve of the shield's outer edge for a professional look.

Step 5: Adding the 'H'

A clear, bold serif letter H drawn inside the central square of the shield.

Draw a bold, serif letter 'H' in the center square. Tip: Use a ruler to keep the vertical bars of the 'H' straight and parallel.

Step 6: Sketching the Lion

In the top-left section, draw a lion. Focus on the mane using jagged, pointed lines. Tip: Keep the face simple—a small oval for the eye is enough to give it character.

Step 7: Drawing the Snake

A coiled snake illustration drawn within the upper-right quadrant of the shield.

In the top-right section, draw a coiled snake using overlapping, wavy lines. Tip: Use parallel lines to show the snake's body thickness.

Step 8: Adding the Badger

A badger sketch positioned in the lower-left quadrant of the shield.

In the bottom-left, sketch a badger. Use curved lines for the rounded body and snout. Tip: Keep the limbs short to make it look sturdy and cute.

Step 9: Drawing the Eagle

An eagle with detailed wing feathers drawn in the lower-right quadrant of the shield.

In the bottom-right, draw an eagle. Use 'U' shaped lines for the feathers on the wings. Tip: Draw the beak with a sharp downward hook to give it a regal look.

Step 10: Adding Color

The completed Hogwarts crest drawing, fully colored with gold, red, green, yellow, and blue.

Bring your crest to life with house colors! Use gold for the background, and fill the quadrants with red, green, yellow, and blue. Tip: Use light, even strokes to avoid streaks.