How to Draw a Unicorn
In this tutorial, I’ll guide you through seven different and easy techniques to draw a unicorn, each method offering a unique approach to creating this magical creature.
How to Draw a Unicorn: Basic Information
In this super simple instruction, I will show you how to draw a unicorn – one of the cutest creatures in fantasy.
In the past, I’ve often demonstrated how to draw various fantasy creatures, primarily focusing on different monsters like zombies and mummies. Now, I want to create a character that’s a bit more pleasant and friendly.
To draw a unicorn, you will need a pencil or marker, as well as a sheet of paper. At the very end of the instruction on how to draw a unicorn for kids, you can use a set of paints, colored pencils, or markers for coloring.
The unicorn’s design in this tutorial is characterized by its round shapes, simple lines, and whimsical details. This simplified style is perfect for children and beginner artists, as it focuses on creating a recognizable unicorn image with minimal lines rather than focusing on small details.
Unicorn Drawing Tutorial
Materials
- Pencil
- Paper
- Eraser
- Coloring supplies
Time needed: 50 minutes
How to Draw a Unicorn Step-by-Step
- Draw the head and body of the unicorn.
Begin by sketching two simple, overlapping shapes: one larger oval for the body and a smaller circle for the head. Position the head slightly above and to the right of the body, with a slight overlap. These shapes will serve as the basic outline of your unicorn, creating the base for the rest of the unicorn drawing.
- Add the ear and horn.
Next, draw two triangular shapes on top of the head to represent the ears. Then, in the center of the head, between the ears, draw a long, pointed triangle for the unicorn’s horn. Ensure that the horn is slightly tilted to one side for a more natural look. The ear should also be slightly curved at the base.
- Draw the details of the face.
Add a small, rounded nostril to the front of the head. The draw the eye with a circle or oval. Next, add a curved line to indicate the mouth, just below the nose. At this stage, your unicorn should begin to take on a more defined appearance, with the basic facial features in place.
- Draw the mane on the head.
Now, let’s start drawing the unicorn’s mane. Begin by adding curved lines that follow the shape of the head, starting just behind the horn. This part of the mane should be drawn in sections, with each strand having a slightly curved, pointed end. The mane should look soft and flowing.
- Finish the mane and draw the neck.
Continue drawing the unicorn’s mane by extending it down the back of the neck. Use similar curved lines as in the previous step, but make them longer and more flowing. The mane should follow the curve of the neck and connect smoothly with the body.
- Illustrate the legs of the unicorn.
In this step, draw the unicorn’s legs by adding four straight, slightly tapered lines extending from the bottom of the body. At the end of each leg, you can draw small, rounded shapes to represent the hooves. The legs should be short or chubby to reflect the cute cartoon style.
- Draw the unicorn’s tail.
Next, add the unicorn’s tail, starting from the back of the body, just above the hind legs. Draw a flowing, curved shape that resembles the mane, with several pointed strands extending outward. The tail should be similar in style to the mane.
- Refine your unicorn drawing.
Now, go over the entire drawing, refining the outline of your unicorn. Smooth out any rough edges, and make sure the lines are clean and precise. Add any additional details, such as small lines on the mane and tail to indicate individual strands of hair.
- Add some colors to your unicorn.
Use light, pastel shades for the body, such as a soft cream or light gray. For the mane and tail, choose a bright, vibrant color like blue, pink, or purple to make them stand out. The horn can be colored with a metallic shade like gold or silver. Don’t forget to color the eyes and hooves as well, using darker tones.
Additional Content
So, you’ve learned how to draw a unicorn. But what if you want to keep progressing and honing your drawing skills? To support you in this, I’ve created a special PDF that includes a condensed version of this drawing lesson, along with a coloring page, tracing worksheet and a greed drawing worksheet.
How to Draw a Unicorn: Alternative Methods
Detailed Method
Begin by drawing an oval shape for the unicorn’s head. Then, create a large curve below it for the body. Draw a rounded ear and start outlining the mane with flowing lines. Next, sketch the unicorn’s horn on top of the head. Complete the unicorn’s face by adding closed eye.
Continue drawing the mane down the neck and onto the back and sketch the smile. Add front legs with simple rounded shapes and follow with the back legs. Sketch a curly tail extending from the rear. After finalizing the outline, draw the hooves at the end of each leg. Then, add additional strands to the mane and tail for detail.
Once the drawing is complete, outline it with a black pen or marker. Lastly, color your unicorn, choosing soft pastels or vibrant hues for the mane and tail, leaving the body light for a more cute look.
Cute Unicorn
Now let’s add more cuteness to the unicorn drawing. To do this, you need to make the head larger and the body smaller than in the previous instructions.
Start by drawing a small, irregular oval shape for the unicorn’s head. Extend a curved line downward to form the neck and body, resembling a teardrop shape. Add two small circles on the face to outline the eyes and a small triangle for the ear. Draw a long, curved horn on top of the head.
Begin sketching the unicorn’s mane with wavy lines that flow around the horn and down the back of the neck. Add a rounded shape at the back for the tail, giving it a slight curl at the end. Draw two front legs extending forward, followed by the rear legs.
Outline the entire unicorn, refine the shapes, and erase any unnecessary lines. Finally, color the unicorn, using pastel pinks for the mane and tail, and a light blue for the horn.
Jumping Unicorn
Let’s now give the unicorn drawing a little more dynamics. To do this, we will now draw a jumping unicorn. Try to repeat not only the pose, but also the very dynamics that you can observe in the drawing.
Start by drawing an oval for the unicorn’s head and a curved shape extending downward for the body. Add a curved line on the head to indicate a smile, and place a small oval for the eye. Draw a triangle shape on top of the head for the horn and add a small pointed ear next to it. Outline the flowing mane from the top of the head, down the back of the neck.
Draw the front legs extended forward, using rectangular shapes. Sketch the hind legs in a similar style, but angled slightly backward. Add a flowing tail at the rear of the body. Complete the drawing by refining the lines and adding details to the mane, tail, and hooves. Once the outline is complete, color the unicorn with soft pastel shades, using a light pink for the body, blue for the mane and tail, and gold for the horn.
Standing Unicorn
Now let’s play with the pose, colors and dynamics. But unlike the instructions, where we drew a jumping unicorn, here we will add dynamics only to the hair. Notice how they develop due to the wind.
Begin by drawing an oval for the unicorn’s head and a curved shape extending downwards for the body. Add two small circles on the face for the eyes and small ovals below them to outline the nostrils. Draw a triangle for the horn on top of the head and add small, pointed ears on either side.
Start sketching the mane with flowing lines that cover part of the head and extend down the neck. Next, draw the front legs with simple rectangular shapes and follow with the hind legs. Add a large, flowing tail at the back, giving it a gentle curve.
Outline the entire unicorn, refining the shapes and adding more details to the mane and tail. Erase any unnecessary lines and prepare the drawing for coloring. Finally, color the unicorn, using pastel shades such as pink for the mane and tail, and a light cream or white for the body, with a golden horn.
The Simplest Way to Draw a Unicorn
Now let’s try to master the simplest method. To draw a unicorn this way, you don’t have to draw any complex details or body parts of the mythical creature. This lesson is suitable for the youngest artists.
Start by drawing a rounded shape for the unicorn’s head, resembling an upside-down teardrop. Add a tall, narrow triangle on top for the horn and a curved shape next to it for the ear. Draw a line for the lower body, extending down from the head, and add small, rounded legs at the bottom.
Sketch a curved line to form the back of the body and add a small curly tail. Draw two circles on the face for the eyes and a small curve for the mouth. Add a star or other small detail on the body. Once the drawing is outlined, color the unicorn with bright, cheerful colors, such as a golden body, blue accents, and a pink horn.
Adding a Little Realism
The realistic unicorn can be drawn in a variety of ways. Here the unicorn is presented in a more realistic style since the structure of the body is closest to the natural form.
Don’t worry if something doesn’t work the first time. Practice, try again and you will notice that your artistic abilities are improving every time.
Start by sketching the outline of the unicorn’s head, including the nose and neck. Extend the neck downward and draw the back with a gentle curve, followed by a line for the chest and hind legs. Draw the remaining legs, making sure to match the proportions and positions to those of a realistic horse.
Once the basic body structure is complete, add the unicorn’s horn on the forehead, extending straight and pointed. Begin sketching the flowing mane with long, curved lines that follow the shape of the neck. Add the tail, drawing it as a long, flowing extension from the rear, with strands reaching downward. Refine the details of the mane, tail, and legs. Color the unicorn with natural tones, using subtle highlights for the mane and tail.
How to Draw a Unicorn: Conclusion
This was indeed a lengthy lesson, but now you know exactly how to create this beautiful mythical creature on paper. Additionally, you now have the skills to create other equally adorable mythical creatures.
To find other mythical creatures on my site, visit the “Fantasy” section or simply enter the name of the creature you’re looking for in the search bar. If you couldn’t find the creature you were looking for, feel free to mention it in the comments section below this article.
Also, feel free to follow me on social media. For example, on Pinterest I post a lot of different interesting pictures and instructions, and on YouTube I publish video tutorials that help consolidate the knowledge gained.
