How to Draw a Cartoon Elephant

Elephants are some of the most beloved and recognizable animals in the world, known for their majestic size, gentle nature, and distinct features like large floppy ears and long trunks. When transformed into a cartoon style, these remarkable animals become even more charming and approachable, making them a popular subject for artists of all ages. Cartoon elephants frequently appear in children's books, animated movies, and greeting cards, bringing a sense of whimsy and joy to any artwork. Learning how to draw a cartoon elephant allows you to capture this playful spirit in your own creative projects, whether you want to decorate a sketchbook, design a birthday card, or simply practice your drawing skills.

If you've ever wondered how to draw a cartoon elephant, this tutorial is the perfect place to start. The step-by-step instructions are designed to guide both beginners and more experienced artists through the process, focusing on simple shapes, expressive features, and techniques like basic outlining and shading. Drawing a cartoon elephant is a great way to develop your understanding of proportions and to practice exaggerating features for a fun, animated look. Best of all, you don't need any advanced skills or expensive materials—just a pencil, some paper, and a willingness to experiment!

No matter your experience level, tackling a cute cartoon elephant is a rewarding and enjoyable exercise. As you follow along, remember that every artist develops their own style, so feel free to add your personal touch to your drawing. Don't worry about making everything perfect—the most important part is to have fun and let your creativity flow. Let's jump in and discover how to create your very own adorable cartoon elephant!

Materials Required

Before we begin, let's make sure you have all the necessary materials:

1. Pencil
2. Eraser
3. Paper
4. Black marker or pen (optional, for outlining)

Now that you have your materials ready, let's dive into the steps of drawing a cartoon elephant!

Step 1: Begin with Basic Shapes

To start, let's create a simple framework for our elephant drawing. Begin by drawing a large oval shape for the elephant's body. This will serve as a guide for the overall shape and size. Next, add a smaller oval shape on top of the larger one for the head. Position the head slightly to the side to give it a playful look.

Step 2: Add the Facial Features

Move on to the facial features of our cartoon elephant. Draw two large circular eyes near the top of the head. Within each eye, draw a smaller circle for the pupils. Add a curved line below the eyes to create the trunk. The trunk should be curved and taper at the end, resembling the letter "S." Don't forget to add a small curve at the bottom of the trunk to form the mouth.

Step 3: Draw the Ears

Next, draw the elephant's ears. Elephants have large, fan-shaped ears, so make sure to capture that in your drawing. On each side of the head, draw a shape resembling a large leaf. To add some details, draw a few curved lines within the ears to indicate folds and creases.

Step 4: Outline the Body

Now that we have the basic framework and facial features in place, let's outline the body of our cartoon elephant. Start from the top and draw a curvy line that follows the shape of the large oval we drew in the first step. This line will represent the back of the elephant. Continue drawing a curved line that connects the back to the bottom of the head, creating the neck.

Step 5: Add Legs and Feet

Moving on to the legs, draw four straight lines extending down from the bottom of the body. These lines will serve as the elephant's legs. Remember, elephants have thick and sturdy legs, so make sure to convey that in your drawing. Add small ovals at the end of each leg to indicate the feet.

Step 6: Refine the Details

Now that we have the overall structure of our elephant, it's time to add some finer details. Start by refining the shape of the head, making it more rounded and smooth. Add a small curve on each side of the head to create the temples. Next, draw a curve across the middle of the trunk to give it a three-dimensional look. Add a few short lines at the tip of the trunk to suggest hairs.

Step 7: Enhance the Facial Features

Let's focus on the facial features once again. Add two small circles at the top of the head to represent the elephant's eyebrows. These will give our elephant a more expressive look. Draw curved lines above and below the eyes to indicate the wrinkles on the elephant's face. Finally, add a small curve at the bottom of the mouth to create a smile.

Step 8: Finalize the Outline

Once you are satisfied with the overall structure and details of your elephant, it's time to finalize the outline. Using a black marker or pen, carefully trace over the pencil lines, emphasizing the important features of the elephant. Pay attention to the curves and lines to ensure they flow smoothly and give your elephant a clean and polished look.

Tip: When sketching your cartoon elephant, start by breaking down the body into simple shapes—try using a large oval for the head, two big floppy circles for the ears, and a curvy sausage shape for the trunk. Lightly draw these shapes with a pencil, keeping your lines loose so you can easily adjust proportions as you go. Pay extra attention to the placement and size of the ears and trunk, since exaggerating these features is key to achieving a playful, cartoonish look. Once you're happy with your outline, go over your lines with a darker pencil or ink, and don't forget to add small expressive details like oversized eyes or a cheeky smile to give your elephant extra personality!

Conclusion

Congratulations! You have successfully learned how to draw a cartoon elephant. Followed step-by-step instructions, you have created a cute and delightful elephant drawing. Remember, practice makes perfect, so don't be afraid to try drawing elephants in different poses or with varying expressions. With time and dedication, you'll become more confident in your drawing skills. Enjoy the process and let your imagination run wild!

Love elephants? Check out our tutorial on drawing a (realistic) elephant.

Fun Facts About Cartoon Elephant

• The first famous cartoon elephant, Dumbo, debuted in the 1941 Disney film.
• Cartoon elephants often exaggerate real elephant features, like oversized ears and expressive eyes, to enhance their cuteness.
• Elephants are a popular subject in children's books and animation because their gentle nature makes them relatable to young audiences (Smithsonian Magazine).
• Many cartoon elephants, such as Babar, have become cultural icons and even have their own book series.
• Cartoon elephants are often depicted as wise and kind, reflecting the real animal's reputation for intelligence and empathy.
• In animation, elephants are sometimes given unexpected colors, like pink or blue, to make them more whimsical.
• The character Horton from Dr. Seuss's books is a famous cartoon elephant known for his loyalty and big heart.
• Cartoon elephants often appear in greeting cards and party decorations because they symbolize good luck and happiness.
• Learning to draw a cartoon elephant helps artists practice exaggeration and character design, key skills in animation.

Suggestions for Scenes and Settings for Cartoon Elephant Drawings

• A cartoon elephant splashing water with its trunk while taking a bath in a jungle pond.
• An elephant wearing a party hat and blowing up balloons for a birthday celebration.
• A baby cartoon elephant playing hide-and-seek behind giant jungle leaves.
• An elephant painting a picture with its trunk at an art class for animals.
• A superhero elephant flying through the clouds with a cape and mask.
• A sleepy elephant napping under a big tree with some friendly birds perched on its back.
• An elephant riding a skateboard or bicycle through a vibrant city park.
• An explorer elephant with a hat and map, leading a group of animal friends on an adventure.
• An elephant juggling colorful fruits at a circus performance.
• A family of cartoon elephants building a sandcastle at the beach.