Unicorns, Dragons and Mermaids: Why Fantasy Art Matters
Unicorns, dragons and mermaids aren't just cute. Fantasy art builds imagination, storytelling and emotional connection. Here's why it matters for kids.
Fantasy art matters because it lets kids explore wonder, bravery and imagination in a world without limits. Drawing unicorns, mermaids and dragons builds storytelling, design skills and emotional connection, and fantasy characters often become a child's favorite subject for years.
Fantasy creatures appear in stories across cultures and centuries. Kids are drawn to them for good reasons: they are magical, powerful and full of possibility.
What fantasy drawing offers
- Unlimited imagination. There are no wrong colors for a unicorn.
- Storytelling. Every magical creature comes with adventures.
- Emotional connection. Kids often bond with gentle, magical characters.
- Design skills. Wings, scales, horns and tails are fun to design.
Magical characters to draw
How to Draw: Mermaids, Unicorns, and Other Cute Stuff is made for kids who love sparkly, magical characters. Each one is built step by step, with a light gray outline of the finished drawing on every step to help kids plan the size, so even complex details like flowing hair and tails feel achievable.
Fantasy drawing activities
- Design a dragon. What color? What does it breathe? Where does it live?
- Mermaid kingdom. Draw an underwater city.
- Unicorn family. Draw a unicorn with its babies.
- Magical pet shop. What creatures are for sale?
- Fantasy map. Draw where all the creatures live.
Fantasy is not "just for girls"
Dragons, griffins, sea monsters and wizards are fantasy too. Encourage all kids to explore magical creatures. Many boys love unicorns and many girls love dragons; let them draw what they love.
From fantasy to stories
Fantasy drawings often turn into stories. Ask your child to write or tell the adventures of their creature. For more, see world-building for kids.
Questions parents ask
Why do kids love drawing unicorns and mermaids?
Fantasy creatures are magical and full of possibility, which invites imagination, storytelling and emotional connection.
Is fantasy art good for children?
Yes. It encourages imagination, design thinking and storytelling, and helps children explore ideas like bravery and wonder.
What fantasy creatures are easy for kids to draw?
Cartoon unicorns, mermaids and friendly dragons built from simple shapes are good starting points.
More in creativity and imagination, or browse all 217 posts on the blog.
Keep reading
- Why Kids Love Drawing Food With FacesPizza with a face, a grumpy taco, a dancing donut: kids love drawing food characters. Learn why it's so fun and how it builds creativity and language.
- Creative Confidence: Raising a Kid Who Makes ThingsCreative confidence is believing you can make things. Learn how drawing builds a maker mindset in kids, and how parents can nurture it at home.
- 50 What If Drawing Prompts for KidsNeed drawing ideas for kids? Here are 50 "what if" drawing prompts that spark imagination, laughter and stories, perfect for home, school or travel.
- Pass the Pencil: Turn-Taking Drawing GamesTurn-taking drawing games teach patience, sharing and listening. Try these simple pass-the-pencil games for preschoolers, families and classrooms.
