How to Draw William Shakespeare: Easy 10-Step Guide

Bring the Bard to life with this fun, cartoon-style drawing guide! Designed for ages 7+, this activity helps students practice facial proportions and historical character design using basic shapes. You will only need a pencil, an eraser, and a piece of paper to complete this portrait.

10 Steps

🎯 Final Result

A finished, colored cartoon portrait of William Shakespeare, perfect for classroom or home art projects.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sketching the First Eye

Close-up sketch of a single cartoon eye with a rounded triangular outline and a dark pupil.

Draw a rounded triangle for the eye and add a dark pupil inside. Tip: Keep your pencil pressure light so you can easily adjust the shape if it looks a bit lopsided.

Step 2: Adding the Second Eye

Two cartoon eyes drawn side-by-side with arched lids and pupils.

Repeat the process to draw the matching eye on the right. Tip: Use the first eye as a guide to ensure they are level with each other on the page.

Step 3: Brows and Nose

Sketch of eyes with added arched eyebrows and the outline of a nose bridge.

Add crescent-shaped eyebrows above the eyes, then sketch the bridge of the nose and the start of the mustache. Tip: Keep the nose small; it helps make the character look more like a friendly cartoon.

Step 4: Mustache and Goatee

Detailed sketch of a mustache, mouth, and a small pointed goatee.

Use scalloped lines to create the iconic mustache, then add a small mouth and a V-shaped goatee. Tip: Use short, quick strokes for the hair to give it a textured, realistic look.

Step 5: Defining the Face

The face outline including the jaw, ear, and facial hair base.

Outline the jawline and add the ear. Tip: Don't worry if the jawline isn't perfect; Shakespeare's style is all about character, not perfect symmetry!

Step 6: Hair and Beard

Adding the hair and beard outline to the existing facial features.

Add his signature wavy hair and continue the beard line. Tip: Use long, flowing curved lines to make the hair look soft and voluminous.

Step 7: The Elizabethan Collar

Adding the traditional Elizabethan ruff collar beneath the chin.

Draw a rectangular shape below the chin to represent the ruff collar. Tip: Add small, curved lines inside the rectangle to show the folds of the fabric.

Step 8: Shoulders and Sleeves

Drawing the shoulders and striped sleeves of the historical garment.

Sketch the shoulders and the striped sleeves. Tip: Keep your stripes parallel to give the clothing a structured, historical appearance.

Step 9: Final Details

Adding the final sleeve and buttons to complete the character outline.

Complete the outfit with the second sleeve and add buttons down the center. Tip: Use a steady hand for the buttons to keep them aligned.

Step 10: Color Your Masterpiece

The completed and colored cartoon illustration of William Shakespeare.

Bring your drawing to life with color! Tip: Use earthy tones for the clothing to reflect the historical era, and don't forget to sign your work.