Dinosaurs · A drawing idea for little artists
How to Draw a Cartoon T Rex from the Side
Explore a cartoon T Rex in side view, using a big jaw, a sweeping tail and sturdy back legs across four selected stages.
For iPad & iPhone · In-app purchases
These 4 pictures show selected moments from the drawing. For every step in between and a guide on your canvas, get the full lesson in LittlePaper.
What you will learn
Balance a cartoon T Rex side view with the head, hind legs and tail.
Shapes and proportions
Connect the back of the head to the tail with a long descending curve. Keep the belly rounded and position the big feet beneath it.
A common mistake
If the tail is too short or the feet sit too far behind the belly, the dinosaur appears to tip forward.
How to fix it
Mark the belly center and place the nearer foot below it. Extend the tail backward before curling its tip upward, then check the head-to-tail balance.
This cartoon T Rex has a broad open mouth above a pear-shaped body. The upward-curving tail balances the head, while two large back feet support the pose. The tiny arms should remain visibly smaller than the legs.
These four pictures are selected stages, not the complete sequence. The blue guide lines show additions at the illustrated stage. Use the shape notes on paper, or open the full drawing in LittlePaper to follow the smaller steps between these pictures.
A few things to start with
Paper, pencil, green crayon, a dark drawing pencil and a small amount of pink or brown for the mouth.
A little peek at the drawing
1 / 4
Selected stages · The complete drawing sequence is in the app.
Shapes, character & color
A look at the drawing stages.
Try the shape tips below on paper. When you’re ready to draw along with each small step, continue in LittlePaper.
- 01Selected stage
A rounded jaw and small teeth
This selected stage closes the large head and adds an eye and rows of small teeth. Keep the two jaw curves separated so there is space for the open mouth.
A rounded jaw and small teeth · Preview image 1 of 4 - 02Selected stage
A long back and curled tail
The next selected outline adds the large body and sweeping tail. Follow the continuous curve from the neck along the back instead of drawing an isolated tail at the end.
A long back and curled tail · Preview image 2 of 4 - 03Selected stage
Large feet and tiny arms
In the finished line drawing, broad feet support the belly and tiny arms reach forward. Compare these sizes before adding color; the arms are deliberately much smaller than the legs.
Large feet and tiny arms · Preview image 3 of 4 - 04Selected stage
A textured green finish
Use overlapping green crayon strokes for the head, body, tail and limbs. Leave the teeth pale and keep the eye dark enough to stand out from the green head.
A textured green finish · Preview image 4 of 4
A little practice goes a long way
Make room for your own ideas.
Use green for the body and leave the small teeth light. Make the tiny arms short enough to contrast with the thick back legs.
The next little step is yours
Like the idea?
Let’s make it together.
Open the “Cartoon T Rex Drawing” drawing idea in LittlePaper for the complete sequence. Follow a guide, pause when you need, and add your own colors.
Download LittlePaper from the App Store, then open the drawing idea inside the app.
Every step, at your pace.
See the full drawing sequence. Pause, replay, and take another look whenever a shape needs practice.
A guide where you draw.
Trace on the canvas, then try your own lines with a finger or Apple Pencil on a compatible iPad.
Make it yours. Keep the making.
Add crayon color, replay your creation, and give your picture a home in a digital 3D book.
