Clown Drawing: Step-by-Step Tutorial & Easy Ideas
Clown drawings are one of the most-loved sketching subjects, and for good reason — the basic version comes together from the character’s two or three signature shapes in just a few minutes. Follow the nine steps below to get the foundations right, then browse the ideas list for your next clown sketch.
- Difficulty Medium
- Time ~20 min
- Tools Pencil, eraser, paper
- Starts with the character’s two or three signature shapes
How to Draw a Clown Step by Step
Step 1 of 9
Head guide circle
Draw one light circle in the upper middle of the page for the head.
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Head guide circle
Draw one light circle in the upper middle of the page for the head.
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Face outline
Trace the face outline directly on the head circle.
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Round eyes
Add two round eyes with pupils on the middle of the face.
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Eyebrows and nose
Add a short raised eyebrow arc above each eye, then one large round nose below them.
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Smile, cheeks, collar
Add a wide curved smile below the nose, a round rosy circle on each cheek, and a ruffled collar below the chin.
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Collar dots and hair
Add a few small polka dots across the collar, then curly hair tufts poking out from each side of the head.
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Pointed hat
Draw a tall pointed cone hat on top of the head with a small pompom at its tip.
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Ink the lines
Go over every kept line with dark ink, then erase the light head guide circle.
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Color the clown
Fill the skin peach, the nose and cheeks red, the hair orange, and the hat and collar with bright polka-dot stripes.
Clown Drawing Ideas to Try Next
Once the basic clown clicks, run it through these variations — each one practices a different skill while staying on a subject you already know.
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Chibi Clown
Two-heads-tall version: giant head, tiny body, maximum cute — the most forgiving fan-art style.
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Clown doing something mundane
Grocery shopping, waiting for the bus, doing taxes — the comedy of icons in ordinary life.
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Clown as a simple icon
Reduce the character to 3–4 shapes that still read instantly — a real design challenge.
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Clown in a different art style
Redraw the character as if another show's artist drew them — a style-study exercise fans love to see.
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An expression sheet
The same face six times: happy, angry, shocked, smug, sleepy, crying — how professionals actually practice a character.
Tips for Better Clown Drawings
- Likeness lives in the silhouette: if you fill your character drawing with solid black and it’s still recognizable, you’ve nailed it. If not, no amount of interior detail will save it.
- Count heads: character proportions are deliberate design choices, and using the wrong head-count is why fan art looks "off" even when every feature is right.
Not feeling the clown today?
Let the generator pick your next subject — filtered by mood and difficulty.
🎲 Random Drawing GeneratorClown Drawing FAQ
What is the easiest way to draw a clown?
Start with the character’s two or three signature shapes, keeping your lines light. Refine the outline, add the defining details, then erase the construction shapes. The nine-step method above breaks this down — most people get a recognizable clown on their very first try with it.
How long does a clown drawing take?
A simple clown drawing takes about 20 minutes following this tutorial. A quick doodle version can be done in two or three minutes, while a detailed, fully-shaded study might take an hour. Speed comes with repetition — the second attempt is always faster than the first.
What do I need to draw a clown?
Just a pencil, an eraser, and any paper. An HB pencil for construction lines and a 2B for final outlines is a nice upgrade, and colored pencils or markers finish it off — but nothing on this page requires special supplies.
Can kids draw a clown?
Yes — the clown is very manageable once you use construction shapes, and this method was written for first-timers. Kids can follow the same steps; just expect wobblier lines and more charm.
