How to Draw a Cartoon Dragon

In the second how to draw a dragon tutorial, we will draw a cool cartoon dragon. Drawing a cartoon dragon is fairly easy. The step-by-step tutorial below has quite a few steps but each of them is easy to draw.

We will use basic shapes to help to draw the cartoon dragon. Many of these early shapes will be erased before the drawing is complete. Draw with a light hand. You can trace the complete drawing with a heavier line when it’s finished.

Scroll down for a downloadable PDF of this tutorial.

In the guide below, each step is highlighted in a light blue color.

You don’t need any special pens or tools. A regular pencil, eraser, and paper are all you need. If you want, you can also color the drawing with colored pencils or pens.

If you liked this tutorial, see also the following drawing guides: Baby Dragon, Chinese Dragon, and Dragon Head.

Watch 'How to Draw a Cartoon Dragon' Video Tutorial

Step-by-Step Instructions for Drawing a Cartoon Dragon

Draw a circle on the right side of your paper. Leave enough space for the dragon’s body and wings.

Draw an egg shape below and to the left of the first circle.

Join the ovals with a curving line. This will later evolve into the dragon’s neck.

Draw two ovals like wheels for the dragon.

Sketch two triangular shapes for the feet. Leave the shapes a little open at the top.

Outline the dragon’s snout with two curving V-shapes.

Add two curving lines on both sides for the arms. Draw two C-shapes for the paws.

Draw a curved line pointing upwards for the tail.

Outline the neck with two parallel lines to the one drawn in step 2.

Outline the arms with another set of lines similar to step 7.

Draw two C-shapes for the dragon’s chin.

Outline the tail with a parallel curving line.

Outline the belly area with an oval and draw a curving line in the middle of the tail.

Draw two ovals for eyes and smaller circles inside for the pupils. Add two crescent shapes for the eyebrows.

Remove the extra inside lines from the body and head.

Draw the curving horns. Add small ovals for nostrils that are open at the bottom side. Draw the teeth as small V-shapes along the sides of the mouth. Add flaming breath. See the video if you’re uncertain how to draw these.

Draw two wings on the back of the dragon.

Draw lines inside the wings to give the impression that they can be folded. Add triangles for the wing spurs.

Draw V-shapes for the back and tail spikes. Emphasize the talon and claws with short curving lines.

Trace your dragon with thicker lines and color it. How do you like your goofy cartoon-style dragon?