How to Draw a Gladiator (Easy Step by Step)
A gladiator is a brave warrior in a crested helmet, and this little one is easy to build from simple shapes. You will use a dome, circles, ovals and straight lines, with a sword and a round shield to make it look ready for action.
- Medium
- 15 minutes
- 9 steps
You need: paper, a pencil, an eraser, and crayons or markers for coloring.
Start drawingIn this article (7 sections)
How to draw a gladiator step by step
How to Draw a Gladiator · 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: Helmet and head sides
Draw a big dome like half a circle for the helmet, then close it with a straight line across like a headband. From each end of the headband, draw a line curving down the side of the head.
Step 3: Cheek guards
Just under the headband on each side, draw a short upright flap with a little foot at the bottom, like a tiny letter L. These are the helmet's cheek guards.
Step 4: Chest and armor
Below the head, draw a small blob on each side of the neck. Add a cross shape in the middle of the chest, little curly shoulder lines on each side, and a few short lines hanging down at the bottom.
Step 5: The feathery crest
On top of the helmet, draw three bumpy fan shapes side by side. Add short straight lines inside to make them look like feathers.
Step 6: Arms and armor sides
On each side of the middle, draw a tall narrow shape going down from the shoulder to the bottom of the body. Add a short line across each one.
Step 7: The sword
Down the left side, draw one long thin line that starts near the shoulder and goes straight down. Finish the bottom with a small loop for the hand.
Step 8: The round shield
On the right side, draw a big circle for the shield. Put a smaller circle in the middle, with the shield touching the side of the body.
Step 9: Belt buckle and shoes
Draw a small belt buckle in the middle of the body. Then draw a flat line across the bottom and two oval shoes under it.
All done!
Erase the guide shapes, go over your lines, then color it in.
Finished your gladiator? Keep the pencils out and learn how to draw Robin Hood or how to draw Little Red Riding Hood next.
Tips for drawing a gladiator
- Draw the helmet dome first and make it wide, so the crest and cheek guards have room to fit.
- The crest is the trickiest part. Draw the three bumpy fans first, then add the feather lines inside.
- Draw the sword and shield last so you can place them beside the body without squishing it.
Free gladiator coloring page
Want to go straight to coloring? Open this gladiator 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 gladiator drawing
Try silver or gray for the helmet and shield, with a bright red crest. For a twist, give your gladiator a rainbow crest or a shield with your own pattern.
Gladiator fun fact for kids
Gladiators performed in ancient Rome, and the most famous arena was the Colosseum, which could hold tens of thousands of people.
Questions about drawing a gladiator
What shapes do I need to draw a gladiator?
You need a half circle for the helmet, circles for the shield, ovals for the shoes, and straight lines for the headband, arms and sword. The crest is made of three bumpy fan shapes.
How do I make my gladiator look friendlier?
Keep the eyes as simple dots and draw a wide, curved smile. Round shapes everywhere make the warrior look cute instead of scary.
How do I draw the helmet crest?
Draw three rounded, bumpy fan shapes side by side on top of the helmet. Then add a few straight lines inside each one for feathers.
