1Step 1 of 7
Draw the body
Draw a long oval body that tilts up to the right, like the fish is jumping. Press lightly so you can fix it later.
▶ Watch this stepHow to Draw a Cartoon Salmon
This cartoon salmon is a long tilted body, a forked tail, an eye, a mouth, fins, a pink stripe, spots and splashing water. Watch each step being drawn in pencil, then copy it on your own paper. It works for kids from about age 5 and for adult beginners too.
7 easy steps 15 minutes Easy level Ages 5 and up
Copy the dark lines in each step. The grey lines are the parts you already drew.
How to draw a cartoon salmon, step by step
2Step 2 of 7
Add the tail
At the bottom left end of the body, draw a tail with two points.
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3Step 3 of 7
Draw the face
Near the top right end, draw a round eye with a white shine, a curved mouth and a gill line.
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4Step 4 of 7
Add the fins
Draw a fin on the back, a small fin on the belly and one near the tail.
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5Step 5 of 7
Draw the stripe and spots
Draw a soft stripe along the side of the body and small dark spots on the back.
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6Step 6 of 7
Add the splashing water
Under the salmon, draw wavy water with some drops splashing up.
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7Step 7 of 7
Color your salmon
Silver blue for the back, pink for the stripe, dark grey for the spots and blue for the water.
▶ Watch this stepTips for a better cartoon salmon
1
Draw light first
Keep your first lines soft, then press harder once you like the shape.
2
Tilt the body
Draw the body on a slant so it looks like the fish is jumping.
3
Pink stripe
A pink stripe along the side makes it look like a salmon.
4
Splash
Drops of water around the fish show the splash.
5
Go over the final lines
Trace your drawing with a darker pencil or a black pen so it stands out after coloring.
6
Make it your own
Once you finish your salmon, add a background, a friend or a funny hat.
Done? Now make it colourful
Colour your cartoon salmon in, or keep practising with more ideas to copy.
Questions people ask
Is this cartoon salmon easy enough for young kids?
Yes. Most children from about age 5 can follow it.
Why do salmon jump?
Salmon jump up waterfalls when they swim up rivers to lay their eggs.
Where do salmon live?
Salmon live in the ocean and swim back to rivers to lay eggs.
What colors do I need for a cartoon salmon?
Silver blue, pink, dark grey and blue.
Can I print the steps?
Yes. Right click or long press any step picture to save it, then print it and keep it next to you while you draw.
