How To Draw a Shark?

Here’s a simple drawing tutorial on how to draw a shark.

Step-By-Step Process on How To Draw a Shark

Step 1: Draw the Basic Shapes

Start by sketching a long horizontal oval for the shark’s body. This will be the main foundation of your drawing, so keep your lines light and easy to erase.

On the right end of the oval, draw a small triangle that connects to the body for the tail base. Then, lightly sketch a larger triangle shape at the top of the oval for the dorsal fin. At this stage, focus only on simple geometric shapes to establish the shark’s overall size, position, and proportions.

Step 2: Add the Fins & Tail

Refine the tail by turning the small triangle into a forked shape, creating two pointed ends for a more realistic shark tail. Next, add the side fins (pectoral fins) by drawing two angled triangular shapes—one on each side of the body. Place them slightly behind the midpoint of the oval. You can also add small rear fins near the tail. Keep your strokes confident but light, adjusting the shapes so they flow naturally with the curve of the body.

Step 3: Outline the Shark

Now, begin connecting and smoothing out your shapes. Round out the shark’s nose at the front of the oval and define the body by tracing a clean outline around your sketch. Add a small circular eye near the front of the head. Draw a curved line for the mouth and add a few short curved lines behind the mouth to represent gills. Erase any unnecessary guidelines from the earlier steps so the shark’s form looks clean and clear.

Step 4: Add Details & Coloring

Enhance your drawing by refining the fins and sharpening the tail edges. Add small triangular teeth inside the mouth for a classic shark look. Lightly color the top half of the shark’s body to create depth, leaving the underside lighter to mimic natural coloring. You can add subtle texture lines along the body and darker shading under the fins to give your shark a more three-dimensional, realistic appearance.