A squid has a rather memorable appearance, with a long body and tentacles, which we will replicate in this lesson on how to draw a squid.

How to Draw a Squid: Introduction

When drawing a squid, it is important to keep symmetry and proportion in mind. A squid has many tentacles and other details that should be drawn as accurately as possible. If one tentacle is longer than another or varies in thickness, the squid will look less convincing. The tentacles also need to be in proportion to the rest of the body to maintain a balanced appearance.

In this lesson, I will explain how to draw a squid while keeping these details in mind. We will use a simplified step-by-step method to create a squid that looks both cute and recognizable. By following these steps, you will be able to achieve a well-proportioned drawing without unnecessary difficulty.

If you prefer a more realistic approach, you can modify certain details in your drawing. Removing the anthropomorphic facial features, making the tentacles longer, and adjusting the overall proportions will help achieve a more lifelike look. Small changes can significantly alter the style of your squid.

Color choices also play a role in realism. Instead of using purple, try shading your squid in gray or another natural tone. These adjustments will make your squid drawing less cartoonish and closer to the appearance of a real squid.

Squid Drawing Tutorial

Materials

Pencil
Paper
Eraser
Coloring supplies

Time needed: 30 minutes

How to Draw a Squid

Draw squid’s body shape.
To start this tutorial on how to draw a squid, sketch the basic shape of its body. Keep the lines smooth and symmetrical so that both sides of the squid match. The size of the body will determine the proportions of the rest of the drawing.
Sketch the fins on the sides.
Next, add the squid’s fins, which extend outward from the upper part of its body. These fins are slightly curved and symmetrical, giving the squid a characteristic look. They should create a soft triangular shape with rounded edges.
Draw the first two tentacles.
Now, begin adding the squid’s distinctive tentacles. Start by drawing two long, wavy tentacles extending from the bottom center of the body. These tentacles should curve naturally, tapering towards the ends. As you follow this tutorial on how to draw a squid, remember that symmetry and fluidity are key.=
Add more tentacles.
Now that you have drawn the first two tentacles, it’s time to add more to give the squid a fuller, more natural appearance. Draw two additional tentacles on each side, curving in different directions but still maintaining the overall symmetry.
Add the tentacles at the sides.
To continue the tentacle arrangement, draw more tentacles at the sides. These should be positioned at the sides, adding to the illusion of dimension. Make sure the new tentacles follow the same natural curves and flow as the previous ones. They should overlap slightly but remain distinguishable.
Add the final tentacles.
Add the remaining tentacles at the back, using a couple of short and curved lines. You can also make the tentacles more detailed by adding small details, such as slight folds and curves. This will give the squid a more natural look.
Draw the squid’s face.
To make the squid more cute and appealing, draw its face near the lower part of the body. First, add two round eyes. These eyes should be simple and slightly larger than realistic proportions to give the drawing a cute appearance. Below the eyes, draw a small curved smile to complete the expression.
Finalize the outline of the squid drawing.
Erase any unnecessary guidelines or overlapping lines to give the squid drawing a finished look. Check that the tentacles are smooth and well-shaped, with no awkward gaps or inconsistencies. Make any final adjustments to the body shape, fins, or tentacles to ensure a finished composition.
Add color to complete the squid.
Traditionally, squids have shades of gray, brown, or pink, but you can use any color you like. In this example, the squid is colored purple, giving it a more cartoon-like and fun appearance. Use a consistent color for the body. The eyes should be black with small white reflections to make them look lively.

Additional Content

I have prepared for your convenience a short version of this drawing lesson in a PDF file. Download this file and you can return to this lesson at any time, even without an internet connection.

Squid Worksheets

Conclusion

This drawing lesson was dedicated to how to draw a squid. I really hope you were able to complete this task in just nine steps, as shown above. Let me know in the comments whether you drew the squid in my example’s cartoon style or decided to make it more realistic, resembling those that swim in the ocean.

Also, be sure to tell me if you found this drawing lesson interesting and helpful overall. Share it with your friends or anyone else who enjoys drawing sea creatures.

Don’t forget to check out the animals section on my website to learn how to draw fish and other aquatic creatures, as well as those that fly in the air or walk on land.