How to Draw a Goblin in 10 Easy Steps

Hey there! Ready to dive into the fun world of drawing? Today, we’re tackling how to draw a goblin. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just picking up a pencil for the first time, I’ve got all the steps laid out for you to create a goblin that’s uniquely yours. So, gather your drawing tools and let’s get this creative party started!

Goblins are such intriguing creatures to bring to life on paper! They lurk in the shadows of folklore and fantasy, known for their mischievous spirits and often, quirky looks. When drawing your goblin, think about what sets them apart in the vast realm of mythical beings. Is it their sharp, pointy ears or the clever glint in their eyes?

As you sketch, imagine the world from which your goblin hails. Are they a forest dweller hiding under the twisted roots of ancient trees, or do they scurry through the bustling streets of a magical underground city? Each stroke of your pencil adds depth to their story, infusing personality into those crooked smiles or wrinkled, warty noses.

Embrace the freedom to experiment with colors and textures. Maybe your goblin has a leather vest stitched together from the remnants of lost travelers’ belongings, or perhaps they boast a bright, patchy cap that’s become a token of their daring adventures. Remember, the charm of a goblin lies in the details, so let your imagination run wild as you bring your own unique version to life!

Materials Required

Before we begin, make sure you have the following materials:

Pencils (preferably a range of 2B to 6B)
Eraser
Drawing paper or sketchbook
Pencil sharpener
Optional: Colored pencils or markers for adding color to your drawing

Now that you have your materials ready, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of how to draw a goblin.

How to Draw a Goblin: A Step-by-Step Guide

Goblins are some of the most fun and expressive fantasy creatures to draw. With their mischievous grins, exaggerated features, and a wide range of wild personalities, they make perfect characters for storytelling, worldbuilding, or just creative sketching. Whether you’re drawing a goofy sidekick, a sneaky troublemaker, or a menacing goblin warrior, this step-by-step guide will walk you through how to bring one to life on the page.

From basic shapes to details, accessories, and optional coloring, this tutorial will help you build your own custom goblin character from the ground up. So grab your sketchbook, sharpen your pencil, and let’s get to work!

Step 1: Start with Basic Shapes

Begin by establishing the overall form of your goblin using simple geometric shapes.

Draw a circle for the head. Goblins often have larger heads in proportion to their bodies, so don’t be afraid to go big.
Below the head, sketch a smaller oval or bean-like shape for the torso.
Use light, loose strokes—you’ll refine everything later.

These shapes serve as your construction lines, so don’t worry about perfection just yet.

Step 2: Place the Facial Features

Let’s bring some life to that goblin face.

Draw two intersecting lines across the head—one vertical and one horizontal. These will help you place the eyes symmetrically.
On the horizontal line, draw two oval-shaped eyes.
Beneath the eyes, add a curved or hook-shaped nose—goblins are known for exaggerated features!
Sketch a wide, toothy grin with a few sharp teeth peeking out.
On either side of the head, draw large, pointy ears—you can angle them up, out, or even downward for a more unique look.

Want a spooky goblin? Tilt the eyes and add narrow pupils. Want a silly one? Make the features softer and rounder!

Step 3: Express the Goblin’s Personality

This is where your goblin’s character starts to shine.

Add eyebrows above the eyes to show emotion—arched for mischief, angled for menace, raised for surprise.
Draw some wrinkles or lines around the eyes and mouth to give the face more depth and expression.
Emphasize the cheekbones or add a small chin for personality.

Every goblin tells a story. Let that story start with the face.

Step 4: Detail the Ears and Face

Refine the ear shapes by adding inner folds, jagged edges, or tears. Goblins aren’t known for tidy grooming!

Add texture like small scars, warts, or veins.
Define the jawline and cheeks by adjusting the outline of the head.
Keep the overall shape imperfect and organic to match that wild goblin energy.

Step 5: Add Hair, Horns, or Extra Features

Goblins come in all shapes—give yours a little flair.

Draw messy tufts of hair, a spiky mohawk, or maybe bald with a few stray strands.
Add small horns on the forehead, sides, or even chin for a more demonic goblin.
You can also sketch in piercings, eyepatches, or bandages for character.

The weirder, the better—let your imagination run wild!

Step 6: Build the Body and Limbs

Extend the torso shape by adding limbs and building out the form.

Use rectangles or tubes for arms and curved lines for bent legs.
Goblins often have skinny limbs and hunched posture, so play with those proportions.
Don’t forget to sketch a neck or hunch connecting the head to the body.

Want an action pose? Angle the arms and legs as if they’re in mid-leap or sneaking around.

Step 7: Draw Hands and Feet

Add some expressive, clawed limbs to complete the body.

Hands: Draw a rough palm shape with 3–4 long, pointed fingers. You can make them curled, reaching, or gripping something.
Feet: Sketch flat, wide feet with clawed toes or short boots. Goblins often wear mismatched or tattered shoes.

Hands and feet are a great place to add character—maybe one finger is bandaged, or a toe is missing!

Step 8: Add Clothing and Gear

Time to dress your goblin.

Draw torn shirts, stitched-together tunics, patchy pants, or armor pieces.
Add belts, pouches, daggers, bone necklaces, or shoulder spikes for flair.
Make the clothing ragged and ill-fitting—goblins aren’t fashion-forward.

Think scavenger or forest bandit, and let your goblin’s outfit tell part of their story.

Step 9: Refine and Add Detail

Zoom out and evaluate the drawing as a whole.

Clean up proportions and reshape any parts that feel off.
Add shading to create depth—darker tones under the jaw, in clothing folds, or around the eyes.
Use texture lines to indicate fabric, scars, or scales.
Don’t forget small details like broken teeth, stitches, or grime!

Step 10: Color Your Goblin (Optional)

Bring your goblin to life with color.

Skin tones: Try green, gray, blue, or even purplish hues.
Eyes: Reds, yellows, or glowing whites look great for fantasy creatures.
Use earthy tones for clothing, and metallic colors for gear.
Add highlights and shadows to emphasize the form and features.

You can use colored pencils, markers, digital tools, or even watercolor for a dynamic finish.

Conclusion: Your Goblin Is Alive!

Congratulations! You’ve summoned your own goblin from your imagination onto the page. With exaggerated features, expressive poses, and rugged charm, your goblin now has its own story and personality. Don’t worry if it didn’t turn out exactly how you envisioned—every sketch is a step forward in your artistic journey.

Keep practicing, experiment with different styles (cute goblins! evil warlords! goblin chefs!), and most importantly—have fun. Your fantasy world is just getting started. Happy drawing!

Gallery of Goblin Drawings

Suggestions for Scenes and Settings for Goblin Drawings

Deep in the Forest: A goblin lurking in a dense, dark forest, with twisted trees and thick underbrush, possibly near a hidden cave entrance.
Treasure Hoard: A goblin gleefully sitting atop a pile of treasure in its lair, surrounded by coins, jewels, and ancient artifacts.
Swampy Hideout: A scene depicting a goblin in a murky swamp, with fog, overgrown vegetation, and perhaps a rickety wooden hut as its home.
Mountain Pass: A goblin guarding a narrow mountain pass or bridge, with rocky cliffs and a view of the valley below.
Ancient Ruins: A goblin exploring or inhabiting ancient ruins, with broken columns, statues, and faded murals as the backdrop.
Underground Tunnel: A view of a goblin navigating the dark, narrow tunnels of an underground network, with dim light filtering through cracks.
Mystical Workshop: A goblin engrossed in crafting potions or magical artifacts, surrounded by bottles, books, and glowing ingredients.
Moonlit Raid: A goblin sneaking into a village or campsite under the cover of night, with only the moonlight casting shadows.
Battle Stance: A goblin ready for battle, standing in a defensive posture with makeshift armor and weapons, set against the backdrop of an impending skirmish.
Festive Gathering: A group of goblins celebrating around a fire in a clearing, with dancing, music, and feasting on wild game.

Each of these scenes provides a unique setting that can bring out the character and environment of a goblin, ranging from mysterious and menacing to whimsical and cunning.

goblin in murky swamp — A goblin hiding out in a murky swamp

Frequently Asked Questions about Goblins

What are goblins?

Goblins have always captured our imagination, popping up in countless stories as small, cheeky characters with a knack for mischief. You can usually spot them by their trademark pointy ears and sharp, little teeth, not to mention their distinctive green or grayish skin. These mythical beings add a playful, often cunning element to the folklore and fantasy tales we’ve cherished through the ages. Whether they’re causing harmless trouble or embarking on mysterious adventures, goblins never fail to bring a touch of magic—and a few tricks—wherever they go.

Where do goblins originate from?

Goblins have origins in European folklore, where they were believed to be small, malevolent creatures that inhabited forests, caves, and other remote places. They have since become a common trope in fantasy literature and role-playing games.

What are some common traits associated with goblins?

Common traits associated with goblins include cunning, greed, and a penchant for mischief. They are often depicted as skilled craftsmen, particularly in making weapons and traps.

Are goblins always depicted as evil?

While goblins are often portrayed as malevolent beings in folklore and fantasy, interpretations of them can vary. In some stories, they may be portrayed as more neutral or even helpful, depending on the context.

Do goblins have any cultural significance?

Goblins have appeared in the folklore of various cultures, including English, Scottish, and Germanic traditions. They are often associated with tales of the supernatural and are sometimes used as cautionary figures in folklore.