Animals · A drawing idea for little artists
How to draw a giraffe: long neck and oval spots
The small oval muzzle and the top corner of the head, the ears should be set high on the head first.
For iPad & iPhone · In-app purchases
These 3 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
Practice this visual check: First compare the width of the neck and the width of the head, then check the negative shape between the four legs, and finally add spots.
Shapes and proportions
Small oval muzzle and head angle, ears first set the height of the head. A topline transitions from a long neck to a transverse back, and an abdominal line connects back to the neck; four slender legs are divided into two groups, front and rear, with spots added at the end.
A common mistake
If the neck is too thick and there is no space between the legs, the giraffe will look like a short, fat horse.
How to fix it
First compare the width of the neck and the width of the head, then check the negative shape between the four legs, and finally add spots.
These three images are key-stage previews: the starting shape, the completed outline, and a new crayon color study. Follow the complete drawing sequence in LittlePaper. On paper, leave room around the first shape for the parts added later.
A few things to start with
Paper, pencil or black drawing pen, eraser, and crayons or colored pencils for color matching for this lesson.
A little peek at the drawing
1 / 3
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
Position the basic shape first
Small oval muzzle and head angle, ears first set the height of the head. Observe the position of the starting shape on the paper, leaving space for subsequent outlines and additional components.
Position the basic shape first · Preview image 1 of 3 - 02Selected stage
Connect profiles and arrange parts
A topline transitions from the long neck to the transverse back, and the abdominal line connects back to the neck; the four slender legs are divided into two groups, front and rear, with spots added at the end. First compare the width of the neck and the width of the head, then check the negative shape between the legs, and finally add spots.
Connect profiles and arrange parts · Preview image 2 of 3 - 03Selected stage
Select the color of the part to complete the crayon draft
The body and limbs are golden yellow, all spots and hooves are brown, and the muzzle is pinkish brown. Apply the color first with light pressure, leaving the black outline, and then compare pairs of parts using the same color.
Select the color of the part to complete the crayon draft · Preview image 3 of 3
The next little step is yours
Like the idea?
Let’s make it together.
Open the “How to Draw a Giraffe” 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.
