Draw a Character From Harry Potter!
Draw a Harry Potter character using pencil and color, practice sketching basic shapes, proportions, facial features, and costume details to create a portrait.
About this tutorial
Draw a Harry Potter character using pencil and color, practice sketching basic shapes, proportions, facial features, and costume details to create a portrait.
What you need
Instructions
- 1
Step 1
Pick which Harry Potter character you want to draw.
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Step 2
Find a clear picture of that character to look at while you draw.
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Step 3
Put your paper and all your materials on a clean flat surface.
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Step 4
Lightly draw a simple oval for the head shape.
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Step 5
Draw one vertical center line and one horizontal eye line across the oval.
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Step 6
Sketch the jawline and a short neck to match the oval shape.
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Step 7
Put small dots where the eyes nose mouth and ears will go.
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Step 8
Draw the eyes following the dots you made.
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Step 9
Draw the nose and then draw the mouth on its mark.
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Step 10
Add special facial details like glasses a lightning scar or unique eyebrows.
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Step 11
Draw the hair shape and simple costume lines like a collar or robe top.
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Step 12
Erase the extra guide lines gently so only your drawing remains.
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Step 13
Trace your final lines darker with your pencil or a fine-liner.
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Step 14
Color your portrait and add simple shading to make it pop.
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Step 15
Share your finished character picture on DIY.org
Fun facts
How do I draw a Harry Potter character portrait step by step?
Start by picking a clear reference photo of the character. Lightly sketch basic shapes: oval head, center line, eye line halfway down the face. Block in features—eyes, nose, mouth—using simple shapes and check proportions. Add hair, signature details (glasses, scar, scarf), and costume lines. Refine outlines, erase guidelines, then add shading and color with colored pencils or markers. Finish with highlights and small texture lines to bring the portrait to life.
What materials do I need to draw a Harry Potter character?
You'll need: good-quality drawing paper or sketchbook, graphite pencils (HB, 2B, 4B), eraser and a kneaded eraser, sharpener, colored pencils or markers for coloring, a ruler or straightedge for guidelines, a blending stump or cotton swab for shading, and a clear reference image. Optional: fineliner pens for outlines, watercolor or pastels for different textures, and masking tape to keep paper steady.
What ages is drawing a Harry Potter character suitable for?
This activity suits ages 5+ with adjustments. Ages 5–7 enjoy simplified, guided shapes and big features with adult help for cutting or rulers. Ages 8–11 can follow step-by-step proportions, practice shading, and add costume details independently. Ages 12+ can tackle more accurate anatomy, perspective, and complex coloring techniques. Always supervise young children with sharp tools and adapt complexity to each child's fine-motor skills and interest.
What are the benefits of drawing a Harry Potter character with my child?
Drawing a Harry Potter character builds observation, proportion awareness, and fine motor control. It encourages creativity, storytelling, and attention to costume detail while practicing patience and problem-solving. Coloring and shading improve hand-eye coordination and color theory basics. Doing fan art also boosts confidence and can spark reading interest. Make it social by drawing together, sharing progress, or creating a mini-gallery at home.
Watch & Learn
Need help?
What can I substitute if I don't have a fine-liner, colored pencils, or a printed reference photo?
Use a darker pencil (2B) to trace your final lines instead of a fine-liner, washable markers or crayons for coloring, and view the character on a phone or tablet screen or use a printed screenshot as your clear reference while you draw.
My portrait looks lopsided or the eyes are uneven — what should I fix?
Go back to the light oval and realign the vertical center line and horizontal eye line, reposition the small dots for eyes, nose and mouth, and then gently erase extra guide lines before darkening final lines to keep proportions correct.
How can I change this activity for younger kids or older kids?
For younger kids, pre-draw the oval, center and eye guidelines and let them add simple hair, glasses or scar and color with crayons, while older kids can refine the jawline, add detailed facial features, trace with a fine-liner and practice shading for depth.
How can we extend or personalize the drawing once the portrait is finished?
Add personalized touches like a wand, house scarf or background scene when you draw the hair and costume lines, experiment with extra shading and color to make it pop, or create a series of characters and share them on DIY.org.