1Step 1 of 7
Draw the shell
Draw a big tall dome for the shell, flat on the bottom. Press lightly so you can fix it later.
▶ Watch this stepHow to Draw a Cartoon Tortoise
This cartoon tortoise is a tall dome shell, a shell rim, a short neck, a round head, stumpy legs and shell plates. 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 tortoise, step by step
2Step 2 of 7
Add the shell rim
Under the dome, draw a thin rounded strip for the edge of the shell.
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3Step 3 of 7
Draw the head and neck
On the right, draw a short neck and a round head.
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4Step 4 of 7
Draw the face
Draw a round eye with a white shine, a happy smile and a pink cheek.
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5Step 5 of 7
Add the legs and tail
Draw two short thick legs with little toenails, and a tiny pointy tail on the left.
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6Step 6 of 7
Draw the shell pattern
Inside the dome, draw shapes with six sides, like a honeycomb.
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7Step 7 of 7
Color your tortoise
Brown for the shell, light brown for the shell pattern, dark brown for the rim and olive green for the head and legs.
▶ Watch this stepTips for a better cartoon tortoise
1
Draw light first
Keep your first lines soft, then press harder once you like the shape.
2
Tall dome
Make the shell tall and round like an upside down bowl.
3
Honeycomb
Draw shapes with six sides on the shell. They do not need to be perfect.
4
Stumpy legs
Tortoise legs are short and thick, like little tree trunks.
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 tortoise, add a background, a friend or a funny hat.
Done? Now make it colourful
Colour your cartoon tortoise in, or keep practising with more ideas to copy.
Questions people ask
Is this cartoon tortoise easy enough for young kids?
Yes. Most children from about age 5 can follow it.
What is the difference between a tortoise and a turtle?
A tortoise lives on land and has a tall shell and stumpy legs. A turtle lives in water and has flippers or webbed feet.
How long do tortoises live?
Some tortoises live for more than 100 years.
What colors do I need for a cartoon tortoise?
Brown, light brown, dark brown and olive green.
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.
