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Fun and Easy Guide: How to Draw a Cute Cartoon Dolphin

In this guide, I’ll show you how to draw a cute cartoon dolphin step by step. With its rounded features and friendly expression, this dolphin design is fun to work on and easy to follow. Let’s break it down together.

Key Features of a Cute Cartoon Dolphin

  • Rounded body with smooth, flowing lines.
  • A large, expressive eye with highlights for a cheerful look.
  • A curved, smiling mouth that gives it a friendly appearance.
  • Fins and tail with soft, rounded edges for a cartoon style.
  • Playful curves in its pose to suggest movement and energy.

If you enjoy working on this dolphin, you might want to try drawing other marine animals like a more realistic dolphin, a realistic blue whale and a cute cartoon one for more variety.

About This Drawing Guide

To make things easier, this guide uses a simple color-coded system:

  • Red Color: Highlights the current step you’re working on.
  • Black Color: Displays the lines you’ve already completed.

These colors will keep you organized and ensure each step is clear and easy to follow.

Step 1: Start by drawing a long curved line from the top of the dolphin’s snout all the way to where the tail will begin. This will form the upper part of the dolphin’s body.

Before You Get Started

Quick note: aside from this step-by-step guide, I also offer Printable Coloring Pages that might spark fresh ideas or simply help you unwind. Feel free to check them out if you’re looking for extra creative fun!


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How to draw a cute dolphin, step 1, drawing the upper body line

Step 2: Draw the upper part of the dolphin’s rostrum.

How to draw a cute dolphin, step 2, drawing the upper part of the rostrum

Step 3: Now, using a simple hook-like line, draw the lower part of the dolphin’s rostrum.

How to draw a cute dolphin, step 3, drawing the lower part of the rostrum

Step 4: Draw a curved line from the middle of the lower part of the rostrum down to where the tail will start. This line represents the lower part of the dolphin’s body.

How to draw a cute dolphin, step 4, drawing the lower body line

Step 5: Draw the outline of the tail.

How to draw a cute dolphin, step 5, drawing the tail outline

Step 6: Draw the dolphin’s mouth along the lower part of the rostrum, and above it, add a slightly curved line to indicate the dolphin’s cheek.

How to draw a cute dolphin, step 6, drawing the mouth and cheek

Step 7: Above the line indicating the cheek, draw an incomplete circle to form the outline of the eye.

How to draw a cute dolphin, step 7, drawing the eye outline

Step 8: Since we’re drawing a cartoon dolphin, let’s create a more classic cartoon style eye with two highlights. Inside the outline we drew earlier, add an eye shape, and within it, draw an oval filled in with two uncolored circles for the highlights.

How to draw a cute dolphin, step 8, drawing a cartoon-style eye with highlights

Step 9: Partially shade the inside of the mouth and create the shape of the dolphin’s tongue. Above the eye, draw a curved line to represent an eyebrow or upper eyelid.

How to draw a cute dolphin, step 9, shading mouth and adding eyebrow

Step 10: To finish, let’s draw the dolphin’s fins. Add two side pectoral fins: one fully visible closer to us, and the other partially hidden by the dolphin’s body. Also, add the dorsal fin on top.

How to draw a cute dolphin, step 10, drawing pectoral and dorsal fins

Step 11: At this stage, we’ve finished the main sketch. Refine any imperfections, carefully erase unnecessary lines and smudges. Optionally, you can outline your sketch with a pen or ink, then erase all pencil lines at once.

How to draw a cute dolphin, step 11, refining and finishing the sketch

Step 12: With the guide for sketching a cute cartoon dolphin now complete, you can color your drawing. You can either use the image below as a reference or choose your own colors and shading.

How to draw a cute dolphin, step 12, coloring the dolphin

Bravo on Completing the Steps!

Ready to unwind? SketchOk's Coloring Pages Collection is a great way to de-stress and add a splash of color to your day. Feel free to explore and experiment!

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Once you’ve completed your cute cartoon dolphin drawing, I’d love to see it! Share your work in the comments on Pinterest. Don’t forget to follow my social media for more tutorials and inspiration:

Disclaimer: All original artworks and photos used as references for the creation of these drawing tutorials are the property of their respective owners. If your work has been featured without proper credit, please kindly leave a comment below, and the issue will be promptly addressed. We greatly appreciate your exceptional art. Thank you.

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