How To Draw a Shark Step By Step Tutorial (Free PDF Inside!)

Let’s head underwater and learn how to draw a shark! This step-by-step tutorial will show you a very simple way to create a shark that looks cool but isn’t too scary.

It is designed to be quick and fun, making it perfect for kids, students, or anyone who wants to practice their cartooning skills.

Just like our other drawing tutorials, we have a directed drawing printable at the end of this post. You can print it out and follow along whenever you feel like being creative. Grab your favorite pen or pencil and let’s get started!

What You Need

• Paper
• A marker or a pencil
• Coloring supplies (crayons, markers, or colored pencils)

How To Draw a Shark Step By Step

Step 1: The Top Curve

To start your shark, we are going to draw the main body line. Draw a long, curved line that looks like a hill or a sideways letter “U.”

This line represents the top of the shark’s head and its back. Make sure to leave enough room on your paper for the fins and the tail we will add in the later steps.

Step 2: The First Fin

Now, let’s add the first pectoral fin. At the bottom of the curve you just drew, sketch a triangle-like shape that points downward and slightly back.

This is one of the fins the shark uses to steer through the water. It should be wide at the top where it meets the body and come to a soft point at the bottom.

Step 3: The Dorsal Fin and Body Line

Every shark needs its famous dorsal fin! On the top of the back, draw a triangle shape that curves slightly backward.

Next, draw a line starting from the nose area that goes down across the body. This line helps separate the shark’s darker top half from its lighter belly, which is a classic look for many ocean predators.

Step 4: Eye and Mouth

It’s time to give your shark some personality. Draw a small, solid circle for the eye near the front of the head.

Just below the eye, draw a wide, open “V” shape for the mouth. We are drawing the shark with its mouth open so we can add some sharp teeth in the next step!

Step 5: Teeth and Gills

Now for the details that make a shark look like a shark. Inside the mouth, draw a zig-zag line to create a row of sharp, triangular teeth.

Next, draw two or three small curved lines on the side of the body, just behind the head. These are the gill slits that allow the shark to breathe underwater.

Step 6: Tail and Final Fin

To finish your drawing, we need to add the tail and the second pectoral fin. Draw a large, crescent or “V” shape at the back of the body for the tail fin.

Finally, add one more small triangle fin peeking out from the bottom of the body, just behind the first one. This shows the fin on the other side of the shark’s body.

Congratulations! You have officially learned how to draw a shark.

Download PDF Instruction Sheet

Time to Color

Now that your shark is finished, it’s time to add some color. Most sharks are a blue-grey or dark grey color on top with a white belly.

You can use your markers or crayons to create this “counter-shading” look. If you want to make it even more detailed, you could draw some blue water and bubbles around your shark to show it swimming through the deep sea!

Happy drawing!