How to Draw a Heart

The heart is a common shape. It graces all manner of objects, from clothing and decor to toys and school supplies. Near the time of Valentine’s Day, hearts can be seen everywhere, especially in advertisements of candy and cards. To many, the heart symbolizes romantic love. In fact, this shape has been used to represent the emotion of love since as early as the 13th century.

As common as the shape is, many find it difficult to draw a perfect heart shape. With this easy, step-by-step drawing guide, you will be able to draw a flawless heart for the ones you love.

To draw your heart, you will need a piece of paper and a pen, pencil, or marker. You may also wish to acquire additional markers, crayons, or colored pencils to color your finished heart. Alternatively, you could draw the heart on a piece of colored paper, such as scrapbook paper or construction paper, and cut it out when you are finished.

Notice that each step in the drawing guide is accompanied by a corresponding illustration. In each picture, the new lines for that step are highlighted in blue. Sketch lightly at first, as you will need to erase some of your early lines in order to complete your heart.

Draw a heart for someone you care about – you can call it a labor of love.

If you liked this tutorial, see also the following drawing guides: Sunflower, Fire, and Star.

Watch 'How to Draw a Heart' Video Tutorial

Step-by-Step Instructions for Drawing a Heart

Begin by drawing an upside down ​isosceles triangle – a triangle ​with two sides of equal length.

Draw a straight vertical line, extending from the bottom point of the triangle, past the top line.

Draw a curved line on the left side of the triangle. The line should curve into the triangle near the bottom and outside the triangle near the top.

Repeat this process to produce a mirror image on the right side.

Draw a circle intersecting the left side of the triangle. It should be placed between the curved line and the vertical line.

Repeat this process to produce a mirror image on the other side.

Erase the guide lines from within the shape. You now have a perfectly formed heart.

Color your heart. If you want to give the heart depth, draw a wavy line along one side of the heart and a smaller curved line along the top on the opposite side. If you shade these lines in a lighter color than the rest of the heart, it will appear to “shine” as if the image were three-dimensional.