How to draw a shark

Draw a shark, step by step

• This step’s lines
• Already drawn

Draw everything in pencil: the blue only shows what’s new in each step. Save all 16 steps to Pinterest

1. 
   STEP 1Guide lines

   Body guides

   Start light: one long curve over the top from the tip of the snout to the tail, for the back, and a deeper curve underneath for the belly.

   Draw these lightly: they’re only there to help, and you’ll rub them out in step 12.

2. 
   STEP 2Guide lines

   Fin and tail guides

   A tall tent shape on the back for the back fin, a long line slanting down from the chest for the side fin, and a V at the end for the tail.

   Draw these lightly: they’re only there to help, and you’ll rub them out in step 12.

3. 
   STEP 3Outline

   The back and back fin

   Now the outline. From the tip of the snout, go along the top of the head and the back, up over the tall back fin and down its steep back edge. Carry on along the back, over a little second fin, out to the tail. Last, a short line along the back where each fin sits.

4. 
   STEP 4Outline

   The smile

   From the tip of the snout, go down round the chin and back up into a big smile, with a little tick at the corner. Then from the snout again, a short line back to a small curl for the top lip.

5. 
   STEP 5Outline

   The belly

   From the chin, one long curve back along the belly. Carry it on a little past where the small fin goes, then come back and draw the small fin hanging underneath, with a rounded point.

6. 
   STEP 6Outline

   The side fin

   From the small fin, carry the belly on a short way, then go down the long front edge of the side fin to its point, and back up the other edge, curling up into the body at the top. Then finish the front edge, up into the body.

7. 
   STEP 7Outline

   Under the tail

   From the back of the side fin, along the underside towards the tail. On the way, go over two small fins, each with a little wiggle. Then add a tiny flick where each small fin joins the body.

8. 
   STEP 8Outline

   The tail

   The tail is shaped like a crescent moon. From the end of the back, go up the long top edge to the top point, then back down the inside edge, past a little notch, to the middle. Out to the bottom point, and back up to the underside.

9. 
   STEP 9Outline

   The eye

   Now the eye, an almond shape. Start at the bottom, go round the left corner and over the top, round the pointed right corner and back along the bottom. Inside it, a tall oval pupil touching the top and bottom, and a small circle near its top for the glint. Just outlines for now.

10. 
    STEP 10Outline

    The belly line

    This line shows where the pale belly starts. From the curl of the lip, a gentle wavy line back under the eye to the side fin. Then from the top of the side fin, a short line forward, and a long one all the way back to the middle of the tail.

11. 
    STEP 11Outline

    The gills

    Four curved gill slits behind the head. Start with the one nearest the eye: draw it up from the belly line, then add its short tail below the line. Then the next one along, and the next, each a little further back.

12. 
    STEP 12Clean lines

    Erase the guides

    Rub out the guide lines. Only the shark stays.

13. 
    STEP 13Clean lines

    Go over the outline

    Now press harder and go over the outside edge of the whole shark, so it stands out from the lines inside.

14. 
    STEP 14Shading

    Shadow side

    Now a soft, even tone: inside the back fin, the side fin and the tail, and a band along the belly and under the tail. Keep the rest of the shark white.

15. 
    STEP 15Shading

    Deep shadows

    Press a little harder: a dark band all along the top of the back, where a great white is grey, and the edges of the fins, the tail and the belly.

16. 
    STEP 16Shading

    The darks

    Last of all, fill in the pupil, leaving the glint white.