How to Draw a Cartoon Lion

By following the steps in this simple lesson, you will learn how to draw a cartoon lion, depicting its mane and characteristic features.

Cartoon animals always have a number of traits that distinguish them from realistic versions. These are, first of all, exaggerated proportions, simplified details and forms, and anthropomorphism.

In other words, a cartoon animal has human-like features, such as eyes and a smile. In addition, in cartoon versions, you as the artist need to choose the most distinctive traits and depict them without drawing unnecessary details.

When it comes to a cartoon lion, these are, of course, its characteristic large mane, rounded ears, and the tuft on its tail.

Here we will show you how to depict all of these characteristic features, and we will also explain how the process of drawing in a cartoon style differs from drawing a realistic lion.

How to draw a cartoon lion step by step

Step 1: Outline the lion’s head

Sketch the head of the cartoon lion as a sphere placed closer to the upper part of the page. In cartoon drawings, the head is usually more exaggerated in size than in realistic versions, so keep this in mind while drawing.

Step 2: Sketch the facial construction lines

To correctly draw the lion’s head, sketch the symmetry guidelines that will help position the details later. Add a horizontal line and cross it with a vertical line in the center, where the bridge of the nose will be located.

Step 3: Draw the muzzle of the cartoon lion

Now, in the lower part of the head and just below the horizontal guideline, draw another smaller circle that will later become the muzzle of the cartoon lion. The top of this circle should touch the intersection of the guidelines from the previous step.

Step 4: Add the torso behind the head

Next, draw the torso of the cartoon lion using smooth lines, forming a shape similar to a bean or a curved oval. Since this is a cartoon animal, the proportions of the head compared to the torso will resemble those of a lion cub rather than an adult lion.

Step 5: Draw the front legs of the cartoon lion

On the front part of the torso, sketch the front legs of the cartoon lion, trying to keep them roughly equal in size and shape. Continue using very light, easily erasable lines.

Step 6: Sketch the lion’s hind leg and tail

At the back, draw the hind leg and foot of the cartoon lion. In this pose, the paw of the hind leg should appear noticeably larger than the front one. Then draw the tail with two smooth lines that gradually come closer together toward the tip.

Step 7: Draw the cartoon lion eyes and ears

Now begin adding larger details using faint lines that will later be refined. First draw the cartoon lion eyes positioned just above the horizontal symmetry line. Then add the rounded ears on both sides of the head.

Step 8: Outline the lion’s nose and mouth

On the muzzle you sketched earlier, draw the lion’s nose. From the lower point of the nose, draw two rounded lines to the sides to form the mouth. Then add the lower jaw with a pair of smooth lines.

Step 9: Add the mane around the head

To properly depict the mane, remember that in cartoon versions it is often either curly or parted in the center and flowing to the sides. Draw it with long, sweeping lines.

Step 10: Refine the lion’s facial features

From this stage onward, begin using clearer finishing lines. First outline the eyes and draw the pupils inside them, filling them with black. Above the eyes, add the eyebrows, and then outline the muzzle.

Step 11: Draw the cartoon lion’s mane in detail

Next, use clean lines to outline the mane and add a bit of texture to the upper part. Then outline the ears and erase all construction lines from the head of the cartoon lion.

Step 12: Detail the front legs and chest

Outline the front legs and draw each toe of the cartoon lion separately. Keep in mind that in cartoon animals and characters there are often fewer fingers or toes than in realistic versions. Also remember that the limbs should remain proportionally smaller than those of realistic animals.

Step 13: Trace the hind leg and tail

In the same way, outline the visible hind leg and draw the toes on it. Outline the tail and add a small fluffy tuft at the end while erasing any remaining construction lines.

Step 14: Finish the cartoon lion with bold lines

To achieve an even stronger cartoon effect, outline the entire drawing with thicker lines. You can vary the line thickness as we explained in our basic drawing course to create a more lively and expressive result.

So now you understand how to draw a cartoon lion and what the main differences are between it and a realistic version. You can now use these same principles to create different variations of this animal in a simplified cartoon style.

For example, you could draw a yawning lion cub in this style by simplifying the forms and details to a minimum.

You could also go further and draw the Nemean Lion as a cartoon character. These exercises will help you greatly improve your skills in drawing this animal.

To further develop your ability to draw cartoon animals, you can also check out our cartoon cat drawing tutorial, where we demonstrate a slightly different approach and style for depicting a feline.