How to draw a panda - a free panda drawing guide
Draw a panda step-by-step using simple shapes, shading, and proportions. Practice sketching facial features and fur texture to produce a clear panda illustration. Download the PDF for complete instructions.
Photos of panda drawing examples
Step-by-step guide to draw a panda
Step 1
Find a clean flat workspace and sit down with your materials ready.
Step 2
Lightly draw a large circle in the middle of the paper for the panda's head.
Step 3
Draw a slightly smaller oval directly below the head circle for the panda's body.
Step 4
Add two round ears on top of the head by drawing two small semicircles.
Step 5
Lightly draw a vertical line down the center of the head and a horizontal line across the middle to guide facial features.
Step 6
Sketch two large tilted ovals on the horizontal guide for the panda's dark eye patches.
Step 7
Draw a small filled circle inside each eye patch for the pupils.
Step 8
Use your eraser to lift a tiny dot inside each pupil to make a shiny highlight.
Step 9
Draw a small rounded triangle shape in the center of the face for the nose.
Step 10
Add a short curved line under the nose to make the panda's mouth.
Step 11
Sketch two rounded ovals on each side for arms and two wider ovals at the bottom for legs.
Step 12
Add short curved strokes around the head and body to show fluffy fur texture.
Step 13
Carefully trace your final lines with the black marker to outline the panda.
Step 14
Shade the eye patches ears and limbs darkly with your pencil or marker and lightly shade under the body for depth.
Step 15
Take a photo of your finished panda and share your creation on DIY.org.
Final steps
You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!
Help!?
What can I use instead of a black marker or camera if I don't have them?
If you don't have a black marker to 'Carefully trace your final lines,' substitute a dark graphite 6B pencil, black crayon, or fine-tip pen for outlining, and use a smartphone camera to 'Take a photo of your finished panda.'
My panda's eye patches or head look uneven—how do I fix that?
If the 'large circle' head, 'slightly smaller oval' body, or 'tilted ovals' eye patches are uneven, lightly erase the problem area and use the 'vertical and horizontal' guide lines to reposition and redraw them before tracing and shading.
How can I adapt this drawing for younger or older kids?
For younger kids, have an adult pre-draw the 'large circle' and 'slightly smaller oval' and let them color the 'eye patches, ears and limbs' with chunky crayons, while older kids can add more 'fluffy fur texture' strokes and refined shading under the body for depth.
How can we personalize or enhance the finished panda before sharing it on DIY.org?
To personalize the panda, add a bamboo stalk and leaves, a colored background wash, or unique patterns on the limbs and ears, and consider using a white gel pen to strengthen the tiny pupil highlights before you 'Take a photo of your finished panda.'
Watch videos on how to draw a panda
How To Draw A Panda - Preschool
4 Videos
Facts about animal drawing and sketching for kids
✏️ Artists often build animal drawings from simple shapes like circles and ovals to get proportions right.
👀 A panda's black eye patches help its eyes stand out and each animal's pattern is a little different.
🎨 Cross-hatching and short strokes are excellent shading tricks for creating fluffy fur texture.
🐼 Giant pandas eat mostly bamboo — they can spend up to 12 hours a day munching!
📄 Most artists start with light pencil sketches, then darken lines and add shading to finish a clear illustration.
How do I draw a panda step-by-step?
What materials do I need to draw a panda?
What ages is drawing a panda suitable for?
What are the benefits and safety tips for drawing pandas?
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