How To Draw an Alien

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to draw an alien. 

Step 1 – Sketching the Basic Framework

• Begin by drawing two simple overlapping circles: one for the head (larger circle at the top) and one for the torso (slightly smaller and lower).
  
• Add a vertical guideline running through both circles to help keep the symmetry when adding facial and body features later.
  
• Lightly sketch lines indicating the general direction of the arms and legs to establish the pose.
  

Step 2 – Drawing the Limbs and Outlining the Pose

• Start forming the limbs by fleshing out the arms and legs with simple shapes. Think of them as tubes or cylinders to maintain volume and flow.
  
• Add definition to the hands and feet using basic shapes – slightly curved fingers and toes help create an organic look.
  
• Begin connecting the head and torso with a neck and outline the shoulders, maintaining balance and proportion.
  

Step 3 – Adding Facial Guidelines and Body Details

• Draw large oval shapes on the head to map out the eye placements – these will be the alien’s defining features.
  
• Begin refining the limbs and torso, adding curves and muscle details to make the figure look more dynamic.
  
• Adjust the arms and legs to have more realistic bends and proportions, giving the character a life-like alien stance.
  

Step 4 – Refining the Facial Features and Body Outline

• Sharpen the shape of the eyes, giving them that classic large alien appearance with upward tilts.
  
• Refine the outline of the alien’s head, arms, and torso. Smooth out any rough lines and enhance anatomical details like joints and fingers.
  
• Add small features like nostrils or a hint of a mouth, depending on the desired alien look.
  

Step 5 – Final Shading and Enhancements

• Add shadows and depth to the eyes, giving them a glossy, mysterious effect.
  
• Use shading around the limbs, torso, and neck to add dimension and make the figure pop off the page.
  
• Go over the entire drawing with a darker pencil or pen to emphasize the final lines and erase any remaining construction lines to clean up the piece.