How to Draw a Squid (Easy Step by Step)
This cute squid is built from a tall cone for the body, two pointy fins, and a bunch of curly lines for arms. It is a great first ocean drawing because most of the work is just smooth curves. Two dots and a smile give it a friendly face.
- Medium
- 15 minutes
- 8 steps
You need: paper, a pencil, an eraser, and crayons or markers for coloring.
Start drawingIn this article (7 sections)
How to draw a squid step by step
How to Draw a Squid · tinyhandscreate.com
Step 1: Guide shapes
Lightly sketch this oval. It only shows where the big parts go, so press softly. You will erase it at the end.
Step 2: The body
Start at the top with a pointy tip, then draw two curved lines going down and out, like a tall rounded cone. Close the bottom with a gentle curve like a smile that sags a little.
Step 3: The two fins
Draw a pointy triangle fin on each side of the top of the body. Start each fin where it touches the body, swoop out to a sharp tip, then curve back in lower down.
Step 4: The long arms
Under the body on each side, draw a long wavy line that stretches way out to the side. Finish each one with a little curl, like the end of a question mark.
Step 5: The middle arms
Draw two curvy lines that start under the body and swing down, one on each side of the middle. Give each a small hook at the bottom.
Step 6: The center tentacles
Draw one long wiggly line straight down from the middle of the body. Then add a shorter, straighter line right beside it.
Step 7: The eyes
Draw two round dots in the middle of the body, side by side. Fill them in with your pencil so they are nice and dark.
Step 8: The smile
Between and a little below the eyes, draw a small curved smile. Think of a tiny bowl or a happy U shape.
All done!
Erase the guide shapes, go over your lines, then color it in.
Finished your squid? Keep the pencils out and learn how to draw a sea otter or how to draw a pelican next.
Tips for drawing a squid
- Draw the body lightly first so both sides curve the same way. Make the top pointy and the bottom a little wider.
- Start the fins right where they touch the body. Make both tips about the same height so the squid looks balanced.
- The curly arms are the trickiest part. Draw each one in one slow, smooth stroke and add the little curl at the end last.
Free squid coloring page
Want to go straight to coloring? Open this squid coloring page at full size and print it. It is the same drawing you just learned, with clean lines ready for crayons or markers.
How to color your squid drawing
Try soft pinks, purples, or deep ocean blue for the body, with a lighter shade on the fins. For a creative twist, give your squid polka dots or stripes.
Squid fun fact for kids
A squid has three hearts. Two pump blood to the gills and one pumps blood to the rest of the body.
Questions about drawing a squid
What shapes do I need to draw a squid?
You need a tall cone or teardrop for the body, two pointy fins, and long curvy lines for the arms. Two filled-in circles and a small curve make the face.
How do I make my squid look cuter?
Put the eyes in the middle of the body, side by side, then add a small smile just below and between them. Curly arm tips make it look extra friendly.
How do I draw the curly arms?
Draw each arm as one smooth line that bends and ends in a little hook. Go slowly and let your hand curve naturally instead of stopping and starting.
