Let me show you how to draw a mythical creature. This lesson is not overly challenging, yet it includes some interesting aspects that I will highlight for you.

how to draw a mythical creature step by step

How to Draw a Mythical Creature: Basic Information

In this lesson, we will focus on drawing a mythical creature inspired by the Minotaur from ancient Greek mythology. The Minotaur, a creature with the body of a man and the head of a bull, is a fascinating figure that has captured the imagination of artists and storytellers for centuries. Ancient Greek myths are filled with heroes and creatures with very unusual appearances, making them an excellent source of inspiration for our artistic endeavors.

Before beginning any drawing, it’s essential to study and observe the object you intend to depict. Careful observation allows you to capture the unique features and essence of the subject, ensuring that your artwork is both accurate and expressive. In this case, understanding the distinct characteristics of the Minotaur will help you bring this mythical creature to life on paper.

The Minotaur we will draw in this lesson will be depicted in a cartoon style, which emphasizes exaggerated features and simple, bold lines. This approach not only makes the drawing process more accessible and enjoyable but also adds a whimsical and approachable quality to the creature. Our Minotaur will have a large, rounded head with prominent horns, fierce eyes, and a small, robust body. These elements will combine to create a character that is both mythical and charming.

As we progress through this lesson, I will show highlighting the key aspects to focus on and offering tips to improve your technique. By the end of the lesson, you will have a completed drawing of a cartoon-style Minotaur, showcasing your ability to blend mythical inspiration with artistic creativity.

Minotaur Drawing Tutorial

Materials

Pencil
Paper
Eraser
Coloring supplies

Time needed: 30 minutes

How to Draw a Mythical Creature

Draw the head.
Begin by drawing a large, rounded circle for the creature’s head. This will be the base of your cartoon character, so make sure it’s smooth and even. Use light, easy strokes to sketch the circle, allowing you to make adjustments as needed.
Depict the eyes and eyebrows.
Inside the circle, draw two large, expressive eyes. Position them slightly lower than the center of the head. Make the eyes look intense to give your mythical creature a fierce expression. Use slightly curved lines for the eyebrows.
Add the front of the face.
Draw the small oval for the nose below the eyes. Keep it centered and ensure it’s proportional to the head. Add a larger mouth beneath the nose, making sure the mouth is prominent to enhance the cartoonish feel of your creature. The mouth should have a slight curve to show emotion, whether it’s a snarl or a mischievous grin.
Add the rest of the elements on the head.
Draw two large, rounded ears on either side of the head. The ears should be slightly below the eye level, expanding towards the head. The nose ring of this monster will help create a menacing, bestial appearance. The position of the pupils inside the eyes is also very important for a heavy, menacing look.
Sketch out the horns.
Horns are a distinctive feature of many mythical creatures, and they can greatly influence your character’s look. Smooth, well-drawn horns add to the creature’s majestic and formidable appearance. Experiment with different horn shapes and sizes.
Draw the torso.
Below the head, sketch a small, rounded torso. Keep the shape simple and slightly chubby to match the cartoon style. Next, draw the legs extending from the bottom of the torso. Make the legs short and stout to maintain the cartoonish aesthetic. Each leg should have a rounded, stubby appearance
Depict the upper paws and clothes.
Begin by drawing the outlines of the arms on either side of the torso. Make the arms small and slightly rounded to maintain the cartoon style. Each hand should have simple, rounded fingers. Ensure they are proportionate to the body.
Sketch out the tail.
Draw a small tail. Such tails are common among various animals. Make sure the tail is proportionate to the body and smoothly integrated. The tassel at the end provides an extra element of detail. Next, sketch the rough outlines of the creature’s primitive clothing.
Color the mythical creature.
Make sure the entire drawing looks correct before moving on to this step. Use muted light gray and brown tones for the fur and primitive clothing, giving the creature a rough and primitive appearance.
For the horns, add a light beige color to make them stand out while still maintaining a subtle, realistic feel.

Additional Materials

In addition to this detailed drawing lesson, we have provided a PDF that accompanies the tutorial. This PDF contains a concise version of the lesson, allowing for quick reference and review as you draw. It’s designed to help you follow along easily, ensuring you don’t miss any critical steps in creating your cartoon-style Minotaur.

Moreover, the PDF includes two alternative methods for drawing a mythical creature. These additional tutorials offer different styles and approaches.

Mythical Creature Drawing Worksheets

Conclusion

Completing this drawing lesson is a significant step in honing your artistic skills, especially in the realm of creating mythical creatures. By following the steps and focusing on the details, you’ve developed a better understanding of how to translate ancient mythology into a fun, cartoon style. I encourage you to practice these techniques regularly to improve your drawing abilities and creativity further.

I also invite you to subscribe to our social networks for more tutorials, tips, and artistic inspiration. Staying connected with a community of artists can provide valuable feedback and motivation to continue developing your skills. Regular practice and engagement with other artists will help you grow and refine your unique artistic style.