15 Jellyfish Drawing Ideas to Spark Your Artistic Imagination

by

Are you ready to dive into the mesmerizing world of jellyfish art? Have you ever found yourself captivated by their ethereal, otherworldly beauty and wondered how to bring them to life on paper? Whether you’re a beginner looking to create a simple jellyfish doodle or an experienced artist interested in more detailed illustrations, this listicle offers you a sea of creative ideas. From vibrant color splashes to glowing deep-sea jellyfish, these ideas are sure to spark your artistic imagination.

Fast-Track Your Drawing Ability!

A pencil drawing course that specializes in taking beginners and teaching them how to draw in a realistic style. The course itself is online video, so you can access it from anywhere in the world...


1. Simple Cartoon Jellyfish

Why it’s a good idea: Perfect for beginners or kids, a cartoon jellyfish is a fun and playful way to start drawing. Its simple lines make it accessible, and adding a cute face gives it personality.

Description: A happy jellyfish with big eyes and a smiling face.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Draw a semicircle for the jellyfish’s head.
  2. Add a few wavy lines at the bottom for tentacles.
  3. Draw two big oval eyes and a small smiling mouth.
  4. Color in the head with a bright color like pink or blue.

2. Realistic Jellyfish

Why it’s a good idea: Ideal for more advanced artists, a realistic jellyfish drawing lets you practice shading and textures to make it look lifelike.

Description: A translucent jellyfish with detailed tentacles and a glowing effect.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Start by sketching an oval for the body.
  2. Add long flowing lines underneath for tentacles.
  3. Use light shading to make the jellyfish appear transparent.
  4. Add details to the tentacles, giving them texture and depth.
  5. Use white highlights to create a glowing effect.

3. Jellyfish in an Underwater Scene

Why it’s a good idea: A great way to add context and challenge your background drawing skills.

Description: A jellyfish swimming with other sea creatures, surrounded by coral and seaweed.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Draw the jellyfish in the center with a rounded top and flowing tentacles.
  2. Sketch coral and seaweed in the background.
  3. Add a few small fish around the jellyfish.
  4. Color the entire scene in vibrant ocean hues.

4. Glowing Deep-Sea Jellyfish

Why it’s a good idea: Fun for artists who enjoy working with dark and light contrasts. The glow effect is challenging but rewarding.

Description: A deep-sea jellyfish glowing against a dark background.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Draw a rounded dome for the jellyfish head.
  2. Sketch out long flowing tentacles.
  3. Darken the background with shades of blue and black.
  4. Add highlights to the jellyfish to make it appear as if it’s glowing.
  5. Use white or neon-colored pencils to accentuate the glow.

5. Rainbow Jellyfish

Why it’s a good idea: Suitable for those who love experimenting with colors. It’s a perfect mix of fun and creativity.

Description: A jellyfish painted in all the colors of the rainbow.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Sketch a basic jellyfish shape with a round head and wavy tentacles.
  2. Use rainbow colors to fill in the jellyfish, starting from the top.
  3. Add wavy streaks of color to create movement in the tentacles.
  4. Highlight with white to create a shiny effect.

6. Kawaii Jellyfish

Why it’s a good idea: This cute and adorable style is great for anyone looking to make their drawing “awww”-worthy.

Description: A small jellyfish with exaggerated eyes and a cute smile.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Draw a circle with a slight wave at the bottom for the head.
  2. Add tiny, simple tentacles underneath.
  3. Draw large eyes with highlights and a small smiling mouth.
  4. Color in pastel shades like pink or lavender.

7. Line Art Jellyfish

Why it’s a good idea: Ideal for those interested in minimalistic art or learning how to make striking pieces with only lines.

Description: A jellyfish drawn entirely in thin, elegant lines.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Draw an oval head with no shading.
  2. Add long, flowing lines for the tentacles.
  3. Make sure to vary the thickness to add some dimension.
  4. Leave it black and white or add a subtle hint of color.

8. Watercolor Jellyfish

Why it’s a good idea: Perfect for those who enjoy working with soft colors and creating fluid, dreamy effects.

Description: A watercolor jellyfish with flowing tentacles that blend into the background.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Lightly sketch the jellyfish’s shape.
  2. Use soft, diluted watercolors for the head.
  3. Paint flowing, wavy tentacles using different colors.
  4. Let the colors blend naturally to create a fluid effect.

9. Jellyfish Pattern Art

Why it’s a good idea: This is great for those who love intricate designs and enjoy adding details.

Description: A jellyfish filled with repeating patterns like waves, spirals, or flowers.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Draw the outline of the jellyfish.
  2. Divide the head and tentacles into sections.
  3. Fill each section with a different repeating pattern.
  4. Keep the patterns consistent in size for a unified look.

10. Mandala Jellyfish

Why it’s a good idea: Perfect for stress relief and meditation through art. This combines the beauty of mandala art with a jellyfish.

Description: A jellyfish made of mandala designs, with intricate details filling the entire figure.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Draw the outline of a jellyfish with a rounded head.
  2. Create multiple concentric circles within the head.
  3. Fill the tentacles with small mandala patterns.
  4. Use ink to enhance the fine details.

11. Jellyfish with Flowers

Why it’s a good idea: A creative idea for anyone who enjoys mixing elements of nature.

Description: A jellyfish with flowers growing out of its body and tentacles.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Draw the jellyfish’s head and tentacles.
  2. Add small flowers on top of the jellyfish and at intervals along the tentacles.
  3. Use soft colors for the flowers and blend them into the jellyfish.
  4. Highlight the connection between nature and the sea.

12. Abstract Jellyfish

Why it’s a good idea: This is great for artists who want to experiment with different shapes and concepts.

Description: An abstract version of a jellyfish with geometric shapes.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Start with a basic jellyfish shape.
  2. Replace parts of the jellyfish with triangles, squares, or circles.
  3. Use bright contrasting colors for a vibrant effect.
  4. Add abstract lines and details for a dynamic look.

13. Pastel Jellyfish

Why it’s a good idea: Perfect for a soft, whimsical aesthetic that’s easy to achieve.

Description: A jellyfish in soft pastel colors like pinks, blues, and purples.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Draw a rounded head and flowing tentacles.
  2. Use pastel pencils or markers to color in the jellyfish.
  3. Blend the colors softly to give a smooth transition between shades.
  4. Add subtle highlights to enhance the look.

14. Galaxy Jellyfish

Why it’s a good idea: A fun idea that merges the beauty of space with marine life, suitable for intermediate artists.

Description: A jellyfish whose head resembles a swirling galaxy, complete with stars.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Draw a jellyfish head and tentacles.
  2. Fill the head with a mix of dark blues, purples, and pinks.
  3. Add small white dots for stars.
  4. Shade the tentacles to make them flow smoothly.

15. Jellyfish and Moonlight

Why it’s a good idea: This is a serene drawing suitable for anyone wanting to create a calm and peaceful atmosphere in their artwork.

Description: A jellyfish illuminated by a moonlit ocean, giving off an ethereal glow.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Draw the jellyfish floating in the middle of the page.
  2. Add a large moon in the background, off to one side.
  3. Use light blues and whites to show the moon’s glow touching the jellyfish.
  4. Add subtle ripples in the water for a serene effect.

Can the Techniques Used for Drawing Koi Fish be Applied to Jellyfish as well?

Yes, the techniques used for drawing koi fish can definitely be applied to drawing jellyfish as well. Both subjects share similar flowing and graceful movements, making the same artistic principles applicable. Just like with koi fish drawing ideas, artists can use fluid lines and vibrant colors to capture the beauty of a jellyfish.

Final Thoughts

These 15 jellyfish drawing ideas range from simple cartoons to intricate underwater scenes, offering a variety of challenges and creative opportunities. Whether you’re looking to start small or tackle something more complex, these ideas will help you capture the otherworldly beauty of jellyfish. Grab your art supplies, and let the creative currents carry you away!