How to Draw Sad Frog

Using just six simple steps, we will show you how to draw a sad frog, also known as Pepe the Frog – a legendary meme character.

This character originally appeared in comic books and was never intended to become a globally known meme. However, the internet decided otherwise and turned him into one of the most recognizable images of the 2010s.

In this step-by-step lesson, we chose to show you how to draw the most canonical version of Pepe, so that later you can modify it and give it any look you want.

How to draw Sad Frog step by step

Step 1: Sketch Pepe’s head shape

First of all, sketch a large overall shape that closely resembles the cap of a mushroom. This shape will serve as the base for the head of the Sad Frog. Directly beneath the head, lightly outline the simplified shapes of the shoulders. At this stage, it’s important to work only with very light, loose lines.

Step 2: Draw the eyes of Sad Frog

Using oval shapes, draw the cartoon eyes of Sad Frog. Pay attention to the fact that the eyes are not perfectly identical and have slightly different shapes, which helps make the expression feel more authentic. Above the eyes, use curved lines to sketch the eyebrows. Next, draw the elongated shape of the mouth, keeping it simple and then move on to the next step.

Step 3: Sketch eyelids and pupils of Pepe

At this stage, the main goal is to convey the feeling of sadness and emotional heaviness that defines the expression of the original Sad Frog illustration. Start by drawing the eyelids with smooth, curved lines, lowering them slightly to convey the tired look. Then use semicircular shapes to draw the pupils, positioning them slightly lower than the center of the eyes so the gaze appears directed downward. This placement is crucial for achieving the characteristic sorrowful expression.

Step 3: Draw the sad mouth of the frog

Now move to the lower part of Pepe’s face and draw the characteristic mouth. First, sketch a smooth, gently curved central line that defines the main shape of the mouth. Then, using smooth, flowing lines, draw the lips by following and repeating the curve of that initial line. In the original image, the facial expression is sad, but you can change it to a happy one or any other expression by altering the curve and tension of the mouth.

Step 5: Refine the eyes and paint the pupils

Now start giving your Pepe drawing a final look. Beginning from the upper part of the head, carefully trace the eyes, eyelids, and inner pupils with smooth, clean lines. Then fill the pupils with solid black, leaving two small highlights inside each one. As you add the final lines, gradually erase the construction guidelines.

Step 6: Clean up and finalize the lower face

Now do the same with the lower part of the face. Using smooth, confident lines and continuing the contours from the previous step, carefully define the head and lips. Give the shoulders a clearer, more distinct shape. Erase all remaining construction lines from your Peppa drawing, then check the proportions and overall accuracy of the drawing.

The line drawing of Pepe, or the sad frog, is now complete, and you can continue refining the image further. For example, you can color the drawing using the canonical green tones.

You can also add classic hatching, which we commonly use in our lessons. Another option is to leave the drawing as it is and repeat the entire process in a new sketch, giving Pepe a different facial expression.

All of these approaches will help you better understand how to draw stylized characters from memes, cartoons, and comics.

To learn how to draw other characters of this type, you can visit our Cartoons category, where you will find many cartoon characters from different universes.

You can also visit our Comics category if you want to become familiar with a more complex graphic format.