How to Draw a Squirtle
Learn how to draw Squirtle with this step-by-step tutorial. Create your own adorable Water-type Pokémon masterpiece with these clear instructions.

Materials You'll Need
- Pencil
- Paper
- Eraser
Squirtle is one of the most recognizable and beloved Pokémon from the original Pokémon series, known for its charming blue shell, playful demeanor, and powerful Water-type abilities. As the first Water-type starter introduced in the franchise, Squirtle has captured the hearts of fans across generations, making it a favorite subject for artists and Pokémon enthusiasts alike. Drawing Squirtle not only allows you to pay tribute to this classic character but also gives you the chance to practice key drawing skills such as shaping basic forms, adding expressive features, and blending colors for added dimension.
Learning how to draw a Squirtle is a great project for artists of all levels. Beginners will appreciate the simple, rounded shapes that make up Squirtle's body, while more experienced artists can experiment with details like facial expressions and dynamic poses. You'll get the opportunity to explore techniques such as sketching basic outlines, refining contours, and applying shading or color to bring Squirtle to life. Whether you're creating fan art, working on your own Pokémon collection, or just looking to improve your drawing skills, this tutorial offers step-by-step guidance to make the process approachable and enjoyable.
So, gather your drawing materials and get ready to unleash your creativity! With a little patience and practice, you'll soon have your very own Squirtle drawing to be proud of. Remember, every artist started as a beginner, so don't hesitate to try your best and enjoy the journey of learning how to draw a squirtle. Let's dive in and start sketching this iconic Water-type Pokémon together!
Materials Required
Before we begin, ensure you have the following materials handy:
Step 1: Basic Shapes
To start, let's create the basic framework of Squirtle. Begin by drawing a large circle toward the top half of your paper. This will be Squirtle's head. Then, add a smaller circle to the bottom right of the head for the body. Connect the two circles with two curved lines, forming Squirtle's neck.
Step 2: Eyes and Mouth
Next, let's draw Squirtle's facial features. On the upper half of the head, draw two large oval shapes for the eyes. Leave a small gap between them. Inside each eye, draw a smaller oval and shade it in, leaving a small white highlight for a sparkle effect. At the bottom of the head, draw a curved line for Squirtle's mouth, slightly smiling.
Step 3: Shell
Now it's time to draw Squirtle's iconic shell. Starting from the top of the body, draw a curved line that covers a portion of the body's left side. Then, curve the line down and to the right, forming the top part of the shell. Continue the line downward and slightly to the left to create the bottom part of the shell. Finally, draw a smaller curved line inside the shell to divide it into two halves.
Step 4: Limbs
Let's add some limbs to Squirtle! Starting from the bottom left of the body, draw a curved line downward for the left arm. Then, draw two short lines at the end of the arm, forming Squirtle's fingers. Repeat this process on the right side, slightly overlapping the body. For Squirtle's legs, draw two curved lines extending from the bottom of the body, adding shorter lines at the end for feet.
Step 5: Tail and Details
To complete Squirtle's body, draw a small curved line at the back of the body, forming the tip of the tail. Add a few small curved lines on Squirtle's belly to suggest its shell's texture. Indicate Squirtle's nostrils as tiny dots on each side of the face. You can also add a few lines on Squirtle's arms and legs to create a sense of depth.
Step 6: Finalize the Outline
Now that you have the basic structure in place, it's time to refine and finalize your Squirtle drawing. Go over your sketch, erasing any unnecessary lines and making sure all the proportions look accurate. Refine the shape of Squirtle's head, shell, limbs, and facial features. Make any necessary adjustments until you're satisfied with the overall appearance.
Step 7: Add Color (optional)
If you want to bring your Squirtle drawing to life, grab your colored pencils or markers and start adding color! Squirtle's body is primarily light blue, and its shell is usually a darker shade of blue or brown. Don't forget to leave a small white highlight in each eye. You can also use different shades of blue to add depth and shading to the drawing.
Tip: When drawing Squirtle, start by mapping out his body using simple, light circles and ovals—this helps capture his round, playful shape and keeps proportions balanced before adding details. Use a soft pencil (like an HB or 2B) for your initial sketch so you can easily erase and refine as you go. For Squirtle's shell, pay attention to its segmented pattern and gently curve the lines to suggest three-dimensional form. Once you're happy with the basic structure, gradually build up the darker outlines and add subtle shading under his limbs and chin to give your Squirtle a lively, dimensional look. Don't rush—taking the time to refine these foundational shapes will make coloring and final details much easier!
Conclusion
Congratulations! You have successfully learned how to draw a Squirtle. You've created your Squirtle artwork by following these step-by-step instructions and using your creativity. Remember, practice makes perfect, so keep drawing and exploring your artistic skills. Have fun and enjoy the process!
Fun Facts About Squirtle
- Squirtle is the Water-type starter Pokémon from the original Pokémon Red and Blue games.
- Its name is a combination of "squirt" and "turtle," reflecting its aquatic nature and turtle-like appearance (Bulbapedia).
- Squirtle evolves into Wartortle at level 16 and then into Blastoise at level 36.
- In the Pokémon anime, Squirtle was famously the leader of the mischievous Squirtle Squad before joining Ash.
- Squirtle can withdraw into its shell to protect itself from attacks, a trait highlighted in its Pokédex entries.
- Its signature move is Water Gun, which it uses to shoot water at opponents.
- Squirtle is one of the original 151 Pokémon introduced in Generation I.
- Squirtle has appeared in multiple Super Smash Bros. games as a playable fighter.
- Its shell is not only for protection but also helps it swim at high speeds.
- Squirtle is a fan favorite and beloved by many fans for its design and role in the anime.
Suggestions for Scenes and Settings for Squirtle Drawings
- Squirtle playfully splashing in a sparkling pond with lily pads and reeds.
- Squirtle blowing giant water bubbles that reflect a rainbow of colors.
- Squirtle sunbathing on a warm rock near a tranquil riverbank.
- Squirtle teaming up with Bulbasaur and Charmander for a fun picnic in a grassy meadow.
- Squirtle using Water Gun to put out a tiny campfire in a forest clearing.
- Squirtle surfing on a wave at the beach, with other Pokémon cheering from the sand.
- Squirtle exploring a mysterious underwater cave filled with glowing crystals.
- Squirtle wearing sunglasses, leading the infamous Squirtle Squad through a bustling city street.
- Squirtle napping inside its shell under the shade of a large tree on a summer day.
- Squirtle celebrating after winning a friendly Pokémon battle in an open field arena.