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How to Draw a Shark

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Categories How to Draw for Kids, Ocean

Looking for an easy and fun way to teach kids how to draw a shark?

Grab this free printable step by step shark drawing tutorial perfect for beginners. With just a few simple shapes, kids can draw their very own smiling shark.

Kids will draw the shark in only 6 easy steps.

It’s a great activity for Shark Week, an ocean unit study, or just a creative afternoon at home!

How to draw a shark for kids. Six easy step-by-step drawing instructions on one free printable page.

Supplies

You don’t need anything fancy! Just grab:

  • a pencil
  • an eraser
  • a blank sheet of paper
  • optional: crayons, markers, or colored pencils for coloring

How to Draw a Shark Step by Step Instructions

You’ll find each step broken down with an image and simple instructions that kids can easily follow. Let’s get started!

Step 1: Draw The Shark’s Body Shape

Start by drawing a large curved shape that looks like a stretched-out bean. This will be the main body of your shark.

The right side of the shape will be its mouth and snout.

Step 1 of how to draw a shark for kids – draw a large curved shape for the shark's body.

Add a small curve at the back to begin shaping the tail.

Step 2: Add The Tail Fin

Next we need to draw the tail or caudal fin.

Step 2 of how to draw a shark – add the tail fin to the back of the body.

At the end of the body, draw a long V-shaped tail. The fin should have two points, one at the top and one at the bottom, curving away from the body.

Step 3: Draw The Anal and Dorsal Fins

To draw the first dorsal fin, draw a large triangular shape on top of the shark’s body.

Step 3 of how to draw a shark – draw the dorsal fin and small side fins.

Next, add a smaller second dorsal fin closer to the tail, also on the top side of the body. It should be much smaller than the first, almost like a tiny triangle.

Then draw the anal fin on the bottom of the shark, just in front of the tail. It should be curved and slightly pointed, mirroring the second dorsal fin but on the underside.

Step 4: Add the Pectoral Fin and Belly Line

Draw the pectoral fin on the right side of the shark, curving forward.

Step 4 of how to draw a shark. Draw the pectoral fin and add a curved belly line.

Then, to define the shark’s belly, draw a smooth curved line along the bottom of the body. 

This line helps separate the upper part of the shark from its white underbelly. If you plan to color your shark later, you can use this line to show where the dark gray top meets the lighter underside.

Step 5: Draw the Gills and Teeth

Draw two short curved lines above the pectoral fin to show the gills.

Step 5 of how to draw a shark. Draw 2 gill lines and a 3 sharp teeth.

Next, draw 3 sharp and slightly rounded triangular teeth underneath the curved part of its mouth.

Step 6: Draw Its Nostrils and Right Eye

Drawing a small round eye above the edge of the shark’s mouth.

Step 6 of how to draw a shark. Draw the eye and nostrils to complete the face.

Finish your shark by drawing two small curved lines for the nostrils near the front of the face.

Download the Printable Drawing Guide

Want all 6 steps on one easy-to-follow page? Use any of the forms below to download the free printable PDF version of this shark drawing guide!

The PDF will be automatically sent to your email.

More Shark Activities for Kids

Here are some more fun printable shark week activities for kids:

Drawing Tips for Kids

  • remind kids their drawings don’t have to be perfect
  • let them trace the steps a few times before drawing freehand
  • add fun background details like bubbles, fish, or waves
  • Combine the art activity with a lesson on shark anatomy. Teach kids the names of the body parts they are drawing.