All Activities

how to draw a red panda

How to draw a red panda - a free red panda drawing guide

Draw a red panda step by step using simple shapes, shading, and color. Practice observation, proportion, and texture techniques to improve drawing skills.

Table of contents

Drawing Apps

Get inspired with these

Instructions

0:00/0:00

Here at SafeTube, we're on a mission to create a safer and more delightful internet. 😊

How to Draw a Red Panda Step by Step Drawing Tutorial With Creative Kids

What you need

Paper, pencil, eraser, black pen or fine liner, coloring materials (red orange brown black gray white)

Step 1

Set up your workspace with your paper pencil eraser and coloring materials within reach.

Step 2

Lightly draw a big oval in the middle of the paper for the red panda’s body.

Step 3

Draw a medium circle that overlaps the top of the oval for the head.

Step 4

Add a light vertical line and a horizontal line across the head circle to help place the face features.

Step 5

Draw two rounded triangle ears on top of the head circle.

Step 6

Sketch two rounded teardrop shapes on the face for the dark eye patches.

Step 7

Inside the patches draw two small circles for eyes and add a tiny rounded triangle nose with a short curved line for a smiling mouth.

Step 8

Draw two short rounded front legs at the bottom front of the body.

Step 9

Draw a curved line for the hind leg and connect it to the bottom of the body.

Step 10

Draw a big bushy tail curling around the back of the body.

Step 11

Add several curved bands across the tail to make the tail stripes.

Step 12

Put short curved strokes around the cheeks and along the body to show fluffy fur texture.

Step 13

Erase the head guidelines and any extra overlapping sketch lines so the drawing looks clean.

Step 14

Trace the best lines with your black pen or fine liner then add light pencil shading under the belly and on one side of the body to create depth.

Step 15

Color your red panda using your coloring materials then share your finished creation on DIY.org

Help!?

What can I use if I don't have a black pen/fine liner or special coloring materials?

Use a black ballpoint pen or thin permanent marker to trace instead of a fine liner, and substitute crayons, markers, or watercolor paints for coloring materials while keeping your pencil lines light for easy erasing.

I'm having trouble getting the head to overlap the body and erasing guidelines cleanly—any tips?

Draw the big oval for the body and the medium head circle very lightly so the head overlaps the top of the oval, use the vertical and horizontal head guidelines faintly to place the face, and erase extra sketch lines gently after you trace with your black pen to keep the drawing clean.

How can I adapt this red panda drawing for younger or older children?

For younger kids, pre-draw the big oval and head circle or simplify features to just ears, eye patches, and a tail for them to color with thick markers, while older kids can add the light pencil shading under the belly, more short curved fur strokes, and detailed tail stripes for realism.

What are some ways to personalize or extend the finished red panda drawing?

Add a bamboo or forest background, invent patterns on the tail bands, write a name or short story beside the panda, or scan and decorate the inked and colored drawing before sharing it on DIY.org as the instructions suggest.

4 Videos

Fun Facts

🐾 Red pandas use their long, bushy, ringed tails for balance and warmth — drawing the tail with stripes gives your sketch instant character.

✏️ Many artists start with simple construction shapes (circles, ovals, cylinders) to get proportions right before adding details.

🎨 A red panda's coat mainly shows three tones — reddish-brown, white, and black — blocking in these colors early helps with believable shading.

🔍 Red pandas are about the size of a house cat (roughly 50–64 cm body length), a handy comparison for proportioning head to body.

🖌️ Short, layered pencil strokes mimic fluffy fur better than long lines — try varying pressure to create light and shadow.

How do you draw a red panda step by step?

To draw a red panda step by step, start by sketching simple shapes: a circle for the head, an oval for the body, and smaller circles for ears and paws. Add guidelines for facial placement and tail shape. Refine outlines into fur contours, add distinctive facial markings and the bushy ringed tail. Use light pencil shading to show form, then apply orange-red, cream and dark brown colors. Observe proportions and fur texture, adjusting details until satisfied.

What materials do I need to draw a red panda?

You'll need basic drawing supplies: sketching pencils (HB, 2B), a soft eraser and pencil sharpener, and drawing paper or a sketchbook. For color and texture, use colored pencils or markers in orange-red, cream, brown and black, or watercolor paints. A blending stump or cotton swab helps shading. Have a reference photo, ruler for proportions, and optional white gel pen for highlights.

What ages is drawing a red panda suitable for?

Drawing a red panda works well for a wide range: preschoolers (with adult help) can trace simple shapes and color; ages 5–8 can follow step-by-step shapes and basic shading; ages 9–12 can focus on proportion, texture and color blending; teens and adults can practice more realistic fur details and advanced shading. Adapt steps, tools and time to each child’s attention span and skill level for best results.

What are the benefits of drawing a red panda?

Drawing a red panda develops observation, proportion and fine motor skills as children learn to see shapes and textures. It encourages patience, focus and creativity while teaching color mixing, shading and light. Repeating steps builds confidence and visual memory. It’s also calming and can be a family activity that sparks conversation about wildlife and conservation. Adapt complexity to age to maximize learning and enjoyment.

Ready to create?

To create a safe space for kid creators worldwide!

Create

Vibe Coding

Kids GPT

All Tools

Kibu

Learn

Worksheets

Courses

Skills

Resources

SafeTube

Blog

FAQ

Pricing

Account

Log-in

Sign-up

Data Deletion

Company

About

Community Guidelines

2025, URSOR LIMITED. All rights reserved. DIY is in no way affiliated with Minecraft™, Mojang, Microsoft, Roblox™ or YouTube. LEGO® is a trademark of the LEGO® Group which does not sponsor, endorse or authorize this website or event. Made with love in San Francisco.