Here is a list of fun and approachable animal cartoon drawing ideas with explanations on why they are great choices. Each idea is accompanied by a brief description and step-by-step instructions to help you draw it!
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1. Cartoon Cat with Big Eyes
Why It’s a Good Idea:Cats are popular pets, and drawing them with exaggerated features (like large eyes) makes them look cute and approachable. This is great for beginners and kids.
Description:A simple round-faced cat with big, expressive eyes, small triangular ears, and a curled tail.
Steps:
- Draw a large oval for the head.
- Add two big circles for the eyes, with small ovals inside for pupils.
- Draw a small triangle for the nose and a “W” shape under it for the mouth.
- Sketch small triangles on top for ears.
- Draw a round body and a curled tail.
- Add whiskers on both sides of the face.
- Outline and color as desired.
2. Funny Cartoon Dog with a Bone
Why It’s a Good Idea:Dogs are universally loved, and adding a humorous bone makes the drawing playful. It’s perfect for kids and beginners.
Description:A dog with floppy ears, a wagging tail, and a large bone in its mouth.
Steps:
- Draw a round head with floppy ears.
- Add two large eyes with small pupils.
- Draw a nose and a mouth holding a bone (two rounded rectangles with bumps at the ends).
- Sketch a round body with short legs and a wagging tail.
- Add spots for extra character.
- Color the dog and the bone.
3. Cartoon Fish with Bubbles
Why It’s a Good Idea:Easy to draw and perfect for underwater-themed art. Suitable for kids.
Description:A small fish with large eyes and smiling lips, surrounded by bubbles.
Steps:
- Draw a small oval for the body.
- Add a triangular tail and fins.
- Draw large eyes with pupils and a curved smile.
- Add bubbles by drawing small circles around the fish.
- Outline and color with bright colors.
4. Silly Monkey Hanging from a Tree
Why It’s a Good Idea:Monkeys are playful animals, making them fun to draw for kids and cartoon lovers.
Description:A monkey with long limbs, a curly tail, and a goofy expression, hanging from a branch.
Steps:
- Draw a round face with big ears and a smiling mouth.
- Sketch an oval body with long arms and legs.
- Draw a curly tail and sketch a branch above.
- Add large eyes to enhance the cartoon look.
- Color the monkey in brown tones.
5. Cartoon Frog on a Lily Pad
Why It’s a Good Idea:Frogs are whimsical and can be simplified into fun cartoon characters. Great for intermediate artists.
Description:A frog with large eyes, sitting on a lily pad.
Steps:
- Draw a round head with big eyes and a wide smile.
- Add small arms and legs folded beneath the frog.
- Draw an oval lily pad under the frog.
- Add water lines and small flowers for extra detail.
- Color the frog in shades of green.
6. Cute Cartoon Elephant with Balloons
Why It’s a Good Idea:Elephants are lovable and easy to turn into charming cartoon characters. Kids will especially enjoy this.
Description:An elephant with big ears holding balloons in its trunk.
Steps:
- Draw a large oval body with four legs.
- Add a round head with huge ears.
- Sketch a curved trunk holding strings with balloons.
- Draw happy eyes and a smile.
- Color the elephant and the balloons.
7. Happy Cartoon Turtle with a Hat
Why It’s a Good Idea:Turtles have unique shells, which make them visually interesting. Great for both beginners and intermediate artists.
Description:A smiling turtle wearing a small hat.
Steps:
- Draw an oval for the shell with lines for details.
- Sketch a small round head poking out.
- Add four short legs and a tail.
- Draw a small hat on the turtle’s head.
- Color the turtle with shades of green and brown.
8. Playful Cartoon Penguin Sliding on Ice
Why It’s a Good Idea:Penguins are adorable and easy to draw, especially with their recognizable shapes. This is great for winter-themed art.
Steps:
- Draw an oval body and a round head.
- Add two small flippers and webbed feet.
- Sketch a beak and large eyes.
- Draw lines to indicate an ice slide beneath it.
- Color with black and white.
9. Lazy Cartoon Sloth on a Tree Branch
Why It’s a Good Idea:Sloths are cute and have slow, relaxed expressions, making them fun to draw for all ages.
Description:A sloth hanging lazily from a branch.
Steps:
- Draw an oval head with sleepy eyes.
- Add a round body and long limbs wrapping around a branch.
- Draw a small smile.
- Color the sloth with light brown tones.
10. Cheerful Cartoon Bird in the Sky
Why It’s a Good Idea:Birds are easy to simplify into cartoons, making them perfect for beginners.
Steps:
- Draw a small round body with wings spread out.
- Add a beak and two eyes.
- Draw a tail with a few feathers.
- Sketch clouds around the bird.
- Color the bird in bright colors.
11. Cartoon Lion with a Big Mane
Why It’s a Good Idea:Lions have bold shapes and personalities, making them fun for both kids and advanced artists.
Steps:
- Draw a large circle for the head.
- Add a fluffy mane around it.
- Draw eyes, a nose, and a mouth.
- Sketch a small body with a tail.
- Color with shades of yellow and brown.
12. Cute Cartoon Octopus with a Hat
Why It’s a Good Idea:Octopuses are visually interesting with their many limbs, making them exciting for kids to draw.
Steps:
- Draw a round head with large eyes.
- Add eight wavy tentacles.
- Place a small hat on its head.
- Color the octopus in bright tones.
13. Cartoon Mouse Eating Cheese
Why It’s a Good Idea:Mice are popular in cartoons and easy to draw. Perfect for younger kids.
Steps:
- Draw a small oval body with a round head.
- Add large ears and a long tail.
- Draw a wedge of cheese.
- Sketch small eyes and whiskers.
- Color the mouse and the cheese.
14. Cartoon Whale with a Fountain of Water
Why It’s a Good Idea:Whales are majestic creatures that can be drawn in a simplified, fun way for kids.
Steps:
- Draw a large oval body with a tail.
- Add a small eye and a smiling mouth.
- Draw water spouting from its blowhole.
- Add waves around the whale.
- Color with shades of blue.
15. Cartoon Fox with a Bushy Tail
Why It’s a Good Idea:Foxes have sleek shapes and vibrant colors, making them visually appealing to draw.
Steps:
- Draw a small oval head with pointy ears.
- Sketch an elongated body with four legs.
- Add a large, bushy tail.
- Draw eyes, a nose, and whiskers.
- Color the fox in orange and white.
These 15 animal cartoon ideas provide a variety of fun, creative options for kids, beginners, and even advanced artists. They are approachable, whimsical, and can be easily personalized with colors and details.
