How to Draw a Cartoon Snake
Expanding our series on sketching cartoon animals, we present a tutorial on how to draw a cartoon snake for beginners.
We chose a very simple approach, using basic outlines and simple shapes. In addition, we selected the easiest point of view – a side view without any turns – to simplify the process as much as possible.
At the end of the lesson, we will explain how to deepen and reinforce your skills once you have learned to draw a cartoon snake in this simple side view, and how to apply this skill to depict well-known snakes from popular cartoons.
How to draw a cartoon snake step by step
Step 1: Sketch the cartoon snake head
Cartoon snakes can have very different body and head shapes, but the foundation remains consistent. Start by sketching the head as an oval or circle. Position the head so there is enough space below for the long body.
Step 2: Sketch the lower body line
Now, from roughly the lower central point of the head, draw a long, smooth line that represents the lower edge of the cartoon snake’s body. The upper edge will be drawn later, so leave some space above the head for its starting point.
Step 3: Sketch the upper body contour
Starting from the upper back point of the head, draw a second line that largely follows the previous one. The cartoon snake’s body should be slightly wider in the head and central areas and gradually taper toward the tail.
Step 4: Draw the face of the cartoon snake
Draw the outline of the cartoon snake’s mouth using a zigzag or smooth line. Then add a snake tongue extending from the mouth, split into two tips. Slightly above the mouth, draw an almond-shaped eye with a narrow pupil inside.
Step 5: Remove unnecessary lines from the snake
Carefully erase all the construction and unnecessary lines from your cartoon snake drawing, leaving only the parts that form the final image. At this stage, you can step back slightly and review the entire drawing to check for mistakes or areas that need adjustment.
Step 6: Draw the pattern on the cartoon snake
From the head to the tip of the tail, draw a line that separates the upper and lower parts of the animal’s coloration. This line should closely follow the contour of the body and run approximately along the center between the upper and lower edges. Then, on the lower part, draw crosswise lines following the contour of the body.
Step 7: Trace the snake with bold lines
To give the cartoon snake drawing a more expressive and interesting look, trace all the outlines with darker lines. Make the pattern lines slightly lighter than the main outlines and facial details. Keep the lower parts of the forms and the curves darker than the straight lines and the upper edge.
Practice drawing cartoon snakes
As we often mention in our cartoon category, this style is based on several fundamental principles that each artist interprets in their own way for a specific character and project.
A cartoon snake, for example, can look closer to what we showed in our example – similar to a real animal but with simplified features.
Or it can resemble the version from our Kaa drawing tutorial, with more anthropomorphic traits and a different stylistic approach.
The level of simplification and the proportions of the animal also depend on what you want to convey in your drawing.
To build more confidence in drawing cartoon animals, try sketching several different characters from various cartoons related to this type of animal, using references.
You can also rely on your memory or imagination. Experiment with more complex angles, viewpoints, and body turns, while keeping the basic structure the same. Start with general outlines of the head and body, then gradually refine the details.
It is also important to be able to draw not just one type of animal but a wider range within the cartoon style. For example, you can visit our cartoon chicken drawing tutorial, where the same methods are applied to a completely different animal.
