Why Animals Are the Best First Drawing Subject
Why are animals the best first drawing subject? They're loved, built from simple shapes and forgiving. Tips for starting kids with animal drawings.
Animals are the best first drawing subject for most kids because children already love them, animals are built from simple shapes, and cartoon animals look cute even with wobbly lines. Starting with animals gives kids motivation and early success.
Ask kids what they want to draw and many will say an animal. That enthusiasm makes animals a perfect starting point.
Why animals work
- Kids love them. Motivation is built in.
- Simple shapes. Circles, ovals and triangles.
- Forgiving. Cartoon animals do not need to be exact.
- Variety. Pets, farm animals, wild animals, sea creatures.
- Connections. Science, stories and pets.
Cute cartoon animals first
How to Draw: Cute Cartoon Animals is a very first drawing book: round, friendly animals that still look right when lines wobble. Kids get early wins and want to keep going.
Animal drawing tips
- Start with the body shape.
- Add the head.
- Add legs, ears and tail.
- Add a face last.
Next steps
After cute animals, try pets, sea creatures, dinosaurs or mutant animals. See why animals are a great subject for observation.
Questions parents ask
Why are animals good for kids to draw first?
Kids love them, they are made of simple shapes and cartoon animals are forgiving of mistakes.
What animals are easiest for kids to draw?
Round animals like cats, bears, pigs and owls are usually easiest for beginners.
What should kids draw after animals?
Pets, sea creatures, dinosaurs, robots and monsters are natural next steps.
More in ways to learn to draw, or browse all 217 posts on the blog.
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- Draw It Again: The Power of Redrawing a FavoriteRedrawing a favorite character again and again isn't boring, it's practice. Learn why repetition builds drawing skill and confidence in kids.
- What Happens in a Child's Brain When They DrawWhat happens in the brain when children draw? A plain-English guide to how drawing connects seeing, thinking, moving and feeling as kids grow.
