How to Draw a Cartoon Unicorn

Time needed: 35 minutes

How to Draw a Cartoon Unicorn

1. Create the cartoon outline with two shapes,

   Unicorns as any other creature consist of simple basic shapes, so sketch an oval for the body and a slightly smaller circle for the head. Because this is a cartoon unicorn, exaggeration is very important: keep the head large in comparison to the body.

2. Sketch the tail and neck.

   Now sketch the cartoon unicorn’s tail, giving it a simple wavy shape. Unlike a realistic horse’s tail, which might require detailed strands, a cartoon unicorn’s tail can be smooth and simplified, more like a thick ribbon. Then connect the head and the body with two small curved lines for the neck.

3. Draw the unicorn’s face details.

   Place a large eye on the head and add a small curved line for the mouth. Keep the eye simple, like a dot or small circle, because cartoon eyes should be minimal. Add a small round nostril. Remember that a big eye placed lower on the head makes characters appear cuter.

4. Illustrate the ear and horn.

   Draw a tall triangular horn in the middle of the unicorn’s forehead, leaning slightly forward. Keep it straight and simple. Add a pointed ear next to the horn. In cartoon unicorn drawings, the horn and ear doesn’t have to be realistic or spiraled; just simple triangle shapes.

5. Draw the cartoon unicorn’s mane.

   Now sketch the mane, using smooth, flowing curves, starting above the ear, then let the lines swoop down toward the back. Use large, chunky locks of hair instead of thin strands. Practice drawing waves and curves separately, because that skill transfers directly to drawing cartoon hair.

6. Add the unicorn’s front legs.

   Draw two long rectangles or tubes extending from the body to represent the unicorn’s front legs. Since this is a cartoon unicorn, the legs don’t need to be perfectly proportioned to real horses. Keep them very simple. You can add small rounded hooves at the ends if you like.

7. Draw the hind legs in cartoon form.

   Now sketch two more legs at the back of the body, keeping them similar in style to the front legs. Make sure they line up so the unicorn’s body looks proportional. You can draw one back leg lifted, as though the unicorn is kicking or running.

8. Trace the final cartoon lines.

   Carefully trace over your best lines to finalize the cartoon unicorn’s shape, then erase the extra guidelines. Thick, smooth outlines work especially well in cartoons. I often recommend using a slightly darker pencil or even an ink pen at this stage to give your cartoon unicorn a polished look.

9. Add bright cartoon tones to the unicorn.

   Most cartoon unicorns are drawn in bright tones. You can keep the body a light cream or pastel shade, while giving the mane and tail more vibrant colors like pink, purple, or blue. The horn is usually gold or yellow, but in cartoons you can make it any color you like, even rainbow-striped.