How to Draw Yosemite Sam: Easy 10-Step Cartoon Guide

Ready to bring the loudest cowboy in the West to life? This tutorial is perfect for artists ages 6 and up who want to master cartoon proportions. Grab your favorite graphite pencil and a clean eraser, and let’s capture Sam’s iconic, fiery personality on paper.

10 Steps

🎯 Final Result

Full-color illustration of Yosemite Sam, the iconic cartoon cowboy.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sketching the Nose and Eyes

Close-up pencil sketch of Yosemite Sam's nose and eyes showing initial construction lines.

Start by drawing a rounded, bulbous shape for Sam’s nose. Above it, sketch two 'V' shaped lines for his eyes. Tip: Keep the pupils small and centered to give him that classic, intense cartoon expression.

Step 2: Defining the Mustache and Mouth

Pencil drawing showing the addition of Yosemite Sam's jagged mustache and mouth structure.

Draw one side of his massive, bushy mustache using jagged, overlapping curved lines. Below the nose, add a 'U' shaped mouth. Tip: Use quick, flicking motions with your pencil to make the mustache look hair-like rather than solid.

Step 3: Eyebrows and Ear Details

Drawing showing the addition of thick eyebrows and the side ear detail.

Add the thick, angry eyebrows above the eyes and complete the other side of the mustache. Add a small 'C' shape for the ear. Tip: Make the eyebrows look 'furrowed' by angling them downward toward the nose.

Step 4: The Bandana Knot

Detailing the bandana knot and fabric folds around the neck area.

Draw a small rectangle at the neck for the knot of his bandana, then add two triangular shapes extending from it. Tip: Keep the lines for the bandana fabric slightly curved to show that it is tied tightly.

Step 5: Drawing the Arm and Pistol Grip

Sketching the arm and the rectangular grip of the revolver.

Extend the arm from the mustache area and draw the hand holding the gun grip. Tip: Use simple rectangles for the gun handle to keep the perspective easy for beginners.

Step 6: Adding the Gun Barrel

Adding the long barrel of the revolver to the character's hand.

Extend the barrel of the pistol using straight, parallel lines. Tip: Use a ruler if you are having trouble keeping the barrel straight, but try freehand first to build your muscle memory!

Step 7: Detailing the Revolver and Torso

Adding cylinder details to the gun and outlining the character's torso.

Add the cylinder to the revolver with small 'U' shapes. Then, draw the torso lines extending down from the mustache. Tip: Keep the torso small to emphasize Sam's 'short and stout' stature.

Step 8: Belt and Legs

Drawing the belt buckle and the lower legs and boots of the character.

Draw a thick belt with a rectangular buckle, then sketch the legs and boots. Tip: Draw the legs slightly bowed to give him a classic 'cowboy' stance.

Step 9: The Cowboy Hat

Adding the iconic wide-brimmed cowboy hat to complete the head shape.

Draw a large, wide brim around the head and a smaller circle on top for the crown. Tip: Make the brim slightly uneven to give it a weathered, 'worn-in' cowboy look.

Step 10: Bringing Sam to Life with Color

Final colored illustration of Yosemite Sam with his signature red hair and cowboy outfit.

Time to color! Use bright red for his hair and mustache, a tan for the hat, a yellow bandana, and blue for his jeans. Tip: Use a darker shade of red in the shadows of the mustache to add depth to your drawing.