Characters · A drawing idea for little artists

How to Draw a Silly Monster from a Rectangle

Start with a soft-cornered rectangle. Add a giant grin, tiny horns and a little blue mischief.

3 selected stagesSuggested ages 5–8Full lesson in LittlePaper

For iPad & iPhone · In-app purchases

Silly blue rectangular monster with yellow horns, peach arms, red mouth, pale teeth, pink tongue and brown feet
A little inspiration. Your colors next.Drawing preview from LittlePaper
A preview to try. A full lesson to draw along.

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.

This silly monster begins with a tall rectangle whose corners are softly rounded. Giant eyes and a wide mouth fill the body, while small horns, side arms and feet change the plain box into a character. It is a fun way to see how familiar shapes can become imaginative drawings.

Three selected pictures show the starting body, a later detailed outline and a blue crayon finish. Several smaller steps sit between these stages. Keep the middle of the rectangle roomy for the face and leave a border of blank space outside it for the arms, horns and feet.

A few things to start with

Paper, a pencil, blue, yellow and red crayons, plus a warm brown for the feet. Use lighter pressure inside the small shapes. LittlePaper includes the full guided drawing and digital coloring experience.

A little peek at the drawing

1 / 3
Tall rectangle with softly rounded corners marking the silly monster body
Soften a tall rectangle

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.

  1. 01
    Selected stage

    Soften a tall rectangle

    Draw a tall box with rounded corners. This is the main body and the frame for the face. Leave room on both sides and underneath: the character will grow beyond the rectangle as the smaller parts are added.

    Tall rectangle with softly rounded corners marking the silly monster body
    Soften a tall rectangle · Preview image 1 of 3
  2. 02
    Selected stage

    Big eyes and a wavy grin

    The later outline adds small top horns, large eye circles, a wide mouth and outstretched side arms. Feet and a developing tail sit below. Several details, including the pupils and teeth, are still to come; this preview is a stage along the way.

    Rectangle monster outline with large eyes, a broad open mouth, rounded horns, side arms, feet and a developing tail
    Big eyes and a wavy grin · Preview image 2 of 3
  3. 03
    Selected stage

    A blue monster with bright accents

    The colored example has a blue body, yellow horns, peach arms and a red mouth with pale pointed teeth. Small dark pupils bring the face to life. Choose short crayon strokes and let the texture stay uneven around the broad body.

    Silly blue rectangular monster with yellow horns, peach arms, red mouth, pale teeth, pink tongue and brown feet
    A blue monster with bright accents · Preview image 3 of 3

A little practice goes a long way

Make room for your own ideas.

Round the rectangle corners so the body feels soft. Keep the main sides mostly upright instead of trying to make a ruler-straight box.

Leave a narrow gap between the big eyes and the mouth. If they touch, the expression becomes harder to read.

Color the mouth separately from the blue body. Keep the small teeth pale, and use a brighter tongue color so it stands out inside the mouth.

A few drawing questions

What is the first shape for this monster?

A tall rectangle with rounded corners. Most of the face fits inside it, while horns, arms and feet extend beyond the edges.

How can I color around the small teeth?

Use shorter, lighter strokes near the mouth edge and leave the tooth shapes pale. Fill the larger center of the mouth first, then carefully approach the smaller corners.

Is this different from the round monster drawing?

Yes. This character has a tall box-shaped body and a big toothy mouth. The round monster uses a wide oval, curly horns and a smaller smiling mouth.

Where is the complete drawing sequence?

These three images are selected highlights. Open LittlePaper for the full monster lesson, follow-along tools and your own digital crayon colors.

The next little step is yours

Like the idea?
Let’s make it together.

Open this 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.

Another little idea

What will you make next?

A little beginning. A big “I did it.”

What will you
make today?

A drawing, a splash of color, a story.
Let the next little idea begin.

Find LittlePaper on the App Store For iPad & iPhone. Apple Pencil supported on compatible iPads.