Draw Pokémon Characters
Draw your favorite Pokémon characters by breaking them into simple shapes, sketching outlines, adding details, and coloring to practice observation and drawing skills.
Step-by-step guide to draw Pokémon characters
How To Do A Pokemon Drawing
Step 1
Pick your favorite Pokémon and open a clear picture of it to look at while you draw.
Step 2
Lightly draw one large guide shape for the Pokémon’s main body where you want it on the paper.
Step 3
Add simple shapes for the head arms legs and tail using circles ovals or rectangles.
Step 4
Look at the reference and compare the sizes of your guide shapes to the picture.
Step 5
Use your eraser to fix any guide shapes that look too big or too small.
Step 6
Draw smooth outline lines that connect the shapes to form the Pokémon’s body.
Step 7
Erase the extra guide shapes so only the clean outline remains.
Step 8
Draw the face and main features like eyes mouth ears or horns following the reference.
Step 9
Add special details like stripes spots scales or spikes that make your Pokémon unique.
Step 10
Trace over your final lines with a black marker or darker pencil to make the drawing pop.
Step 11
Color your Pokémon using your coloring materials and match the colors and shadows from the reference.
Step 12
Share a photo of your finished Pokémon on DIY.org (ask an adult to help you upload if needed).
Final steps
You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!
Help!?
If I don’t have a black marker to trace the final lines, what can I use instead?
If you don’t have a black marker, trace your final lines after erasing guide shapes with a darker pencil (2B–6B) or a fine-tip black pen to make the drawing pop.
My guide shapes keep looking the wrong size—how can I fix proportions?
If proportions look off, lightly draw a simple grid on your paper and the reference and use the step 'Look at the reference and compare the sizes of your guide shapes to the picture' to measure and then erase and adjust shapes until they match.
How can I adapt the drawing steps for younger or older kids?
For younger kids, pre-draw the large guide shape and basic head/limb shapes and let them use chunky crayons for the 'Color your Pokémon' step, while older kids can add detailed 'special details like stripes, spots, scales or spikes' and practice shading and line weight before tracing with fine liners.
What are simple ways to extend or personalize the finished Pokémon drawing?
Extend the activity by creating a personalized Pokédex card with name and stats, adding a painted or collage background during the 'Color your Pokémon' step, or making a short flipbook of poses before you 'Share a photo' on DIY.org.
Watch videos on how to draw Pokémon characters
How to Draw Pokemon Easy | Piplup
4 Videos
How to Draw Pokemon Easy | Piplup
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Facts about character drawing and observation skills
⚡ Pikachu is the franchise mascot and was one of the first Pokémon created for the original 1996 games.
🌟 Eevee can evolve into 8 different forms (called 'Eeveelutions'), so you can draw lots of creative variations.
🎨 Ken Sugimori drew the original artwork for many early Pokémon and helped shape the series' iconic look.
🕹️ Pokémon started as Game Boy video games developed by Game Freak and released in Japan in 1996.
✏️ Pro artists often begin by breaking characters into simple shapes (circles, ovals, rectangles) — the same trick you'll use!
