How to Draw an Alligator (Easy Step by Step)
You will learn how to draw an easy cartoon alligator using simple shapes like a long snout and a bean-shaped body. Follow eight easy steps to create your first reptile drawing.
- Start your alligator drawing with simple shapes like a bean body and long snout.
- Use a long snout and two dot eyes to easily define your alligator's face.
- Complete your cartoon alligator in eight easy, step-by-step instructions.
- Draw this alligator as a great first reptile project for beginners.
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A cartoon alligator is a happy mix of simple shapes: a long rounded snout, a big bean-shaped body, and a curly tail. It is a great first reptile to draw because the long snout and the two dot eyes do most of the work. Kids can finish it in eight easy steps.
- Easy
- 15 minutes
- 8 steps
You need: paper, a pencil, an eraser, and crayons or markers for coloring.
Start drawing
In this article (7 sections)
How to draw an alligator step by step
How to Draw an Alligator · tinyhandscreate.com
Step 1: Head and snout
Draw a long, rounded snout on the left, then a bumpy dome for the top of the head that curves down the back of the head. Finish with a gently curved line along the bottom of the snout for the mouth.
Step 2: Chin and belly
Start under the snout and draw a curved chin line sloping down to the right. Then go straight down the front of the body and curve along the bottom toward the right to make the tummy.
Step 3: Two eyes
Draw two small solid dots on top of the head, side by side, for the eyes.
Step 4: The tail
On the right, start at the bottom of the body and sweep a curved line out to the right. Curl it up at the end, like the letter J.
Step 5: Little arm
In the middle of the tummy, draw a short, skinny U shape for the arm. Add a tiny wiggle at the bottom of the U for the hand.
Step 6: Front foot
At the bottom of the tummy, draw a short, rounded leg that ends in a flat foot sitting on the ground.
Step 7: Far arm and back foot
On the left edge of the body, draw a small curved shape for the other arm. Then draw a little foot at the bottom left, sitting on the ground.
Step 8: Wavy back ridge
Starting at the back of the neck, draw a wiggly line down the back toward the tail. Let it squiggle along until it meets the curl of the tail.
All done!
Go over your lines with a marker, then color it in.
Finished your alligator? Keep the pencils out and learn how to draw a fox or how to draw a hedgehog next.
Tips for drawing an alligator
- Draw the long snout in one slow, steady line so the top stays smooth.
- The little arm on the tummy is the trickiest part. Start with a short U shape, then add the tiny wiggle at the bottom.
- Draw the wavy back ridge slowly, one wiggle at a time, and let it end where the tail curls up.
Free alligator coloring page
Want to go straight to coloring? Open this alligator 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 alligator drawing
Try bright green for the body with a light yellow-green tummy. For a creative twist, color the wavy ridge on the back in rainbow colors.
Alligator fun fact for kids
An alligator has about 80 teeth at a time, and when one wears out, a new tooth grows in to replace it.
Questions about drawing an alligator
What shapes do I need to draw an alligator?
You need a long rounded shape for the snout and head, a big bean or oval for the body, and a curvy tail. Small dots make the eyes, and short U shapes make the arms and feet.
How do I make my alligator look cuter?
Keep the eyes as small round dots set well apart on the head. Short, chubby arms and feet also make it look friendly.
Why is the alligator's snout so long?
Real alligators have long, wide snouts, so draw the snout long and flat. Stretch it out to the left before you round off the nose, then add the mouth line underneath.
