Garfield Drawing: Step-by-Step Tutorial & Easy Ideas
Want to draw Garfield that actually looks right? Start with the character’s two or three signature shapes and build from there. This page covers the full process — nine steps from first line to finished drawing — followed by Garfield drawing ideas in every style: easy, cute, realistic, and a few you probably haven't tried.
- Difficulty Medium
- Time ~20 min
- Tools Pencil, eraser, paper
- Starts with the character’s two or three signature shapes
How to Draw Garfield Step by Step
Step 1 of 9
Head and body guides
Draw a light circle for the head in the upper middle of the page, then a wide oval below it for the round body, overlapping the head slightly.
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Head and body guides
Draw a light circle for the head in the upper middle of the page, then a wide oval below it for the round body, overlapping the head slightly.
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Head and ears
Trace a wide rounded head shape on the circle, then add one small pointed ear on the top left and one on the top right.
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Eyes and eyebrows
Add two narrow half-lidded eyes across the middle of the head, then draw thick slanted eyebrows just above them.
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Nose and grin
Draw a small wide triangle nose below the eyes, then a long lazy curved grin stretching below it.
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Round body
Trace the wide round body outline on the oval, then add two short thick front legs below it.
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Stripes and tail
Add a few short curved stripe marks on the head and back, then draw a thick curling tail from the lower right of the body.
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Paws and belly
Add two rounded paws at the bottom of the front legs, then trace a lighter curved patch down the center of the belly.
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Ink the lines
Go over every kept line with dark ink, then erase the light head circle and body oval guides.
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Color garfield
Fill the fur orange, the stripes and belly patch cream, the eyes green, and the nose brown.
Garfield Drawing Ideas to Try Next
Once the basic Garfield clicks, run it through these variations — each one practices a different skill while staying on a subject you already know.
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Garfield doing something mundane
Grocery shopping, waiting for the bus, doing taxes — the comedy of icons in ordinary life.
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Chibi Garfield
Two-heads-tall version: giant head, tiny body, maximum cute — the most forgiving fan-art style.
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An expression sheet
The same face six times: happy, angry, shocked, smug, sleepy, crying — how professionals actually practice a character.
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Garfield as a simple icon
Reduce the character to 3–4 shapes that still read instantly — a real design challenge.
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Garfield in a different art style
Redraw the character as if another show's artist drew them — a style-study exercise fans love to see.
Tips for Better Garfield 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 Garfield today?
Let the generator pick your next subject — filtered by mood and difficulty.
🎲 Random Drawing GeneratorGarfield Drawing FAQ
What is the easiest way to draw Garfield?
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 Garfield on their very first try with it.
How long does Garfield drawing take?
A simple Garfield 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 supplies do I need for Garfield drawings?
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 Garfield?
Yes — Garfield 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.
