How to Draw a Reindeer (Easy Step by Step)
This little reindeer is built mostly from circles and ovals, so it is a good pick for beginners. A round head, a simple body, and a few wavy lines for antlers are all it takes. The collar with a tiny bell gives it a cozy holiday feel.
- Easy
- 12 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 reindeer step by step
How to Draw a Reindeer · tinyhandscreate.com
Step 1: Guide shapes
Lightly sketch these 2 ovals. They only show where the big parts go, so press softly. You will erase them at the end.
Step 2: The head
Draw a big round shape for the head, just a little wider than it is tall. Leave room above it for antlers and on both sides for ears.
Step 3: Body and feet
Under the head, draw two curved lines going down for the sides of the body, starting at the chin and bending out and back in. At the bottom, add two small ovals for the feet, with a short line joining them in the middle.
Step 4: The ears
On each side of the head, draw a leaf shape that points up and out. Start each one where it touches the head and bring both ends to a point.
Step 5: Antler stems
From the top of the head, draw one long wavy line curving up and outward on each side. Make both stems match.
Step 6: Antler branches
Add a short curved branch across each stem, then a tiny curved tick near the top of each antler. Think of little tree branches reaching out.
Step 7: Eyes and nose
Draw two small filled dots for eyes, one on each side of the face. Between them and a little lower, draw a small circle for the nose.
Step 8: Smile, collar and bell
Draw a small curved smile under the nose. Then draw a curved line under the chin for the collar, and hang a tiny round bell from the middle of it.
All done!
Erase the guide shapes, go over your lines, then color it in.
Finished your reindeer? Keep the pencils out and learn how to draw a Christmas tree or how to draw a gingerbread man next.
Tips for drawing a reindeer
- Draw the head first and keep your lines light, so the ears and antlers have a clear place to attach.
- The antlers are the trickiest part. Draw the long wavy stem first, then add the short branch so both sides lean out the same way.
- Make the two ears and the two feet about the same size by checking one side against the other before you finish.
Free reindeer coloring page
Want to go straight to coloring? Open this reindeer 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 reindeer drawing
Try warm brown for the head and body, a lighter tan for the ears and feet, and gold for the bell. For a fun twist, color the nose bright red and give the antlers a coat of glitter or snowy white dots.
Reindeer fun fact for kids
Both male and female reindeer grow antlers, which is unusual among deer.
Questions about drawing a reindeer
What shapes do I need to draw a reindeer?
You need a big round shape for the head, two curved lines for the body, two leaf shapes for ears, two small ovals for feet, and wavy lines for the antlers.
How do I make my reindeer look cuter?
Keep the eyes as small dots, put the nose circle between them, and add a little smile. A big round head on a small body makes it look extra sweet.
How do I draw reindeer antlers?
Start with a long wavy line curving up and out from the top of the head. Then add a short curved branch across it, like a small tree.
