How To Draw a Koi Fish

Here are the steps.

Step 1 – Draw the Basic Body Shape

• Begin by lightly sketching a tilted oval to represent the main body of the koi fish.
• Keep the oval slightly stretched horizontally to allow room for the head and tail.
• Angle the oval diagonally to give the fish a dynamic swimming pose, rather than a stiff, straight position.
• Use very light pencil pressure so the shape can be easily adjusted or erased later.
• This oval serves as the foundation, so focus on proportion rather than detail at this stage.

Step 2 – Add the Flowing Body Curve

• From the oval, extend a long, curved line upward and backward to form the koi’s tail direction.
• Draw a second curved line parallel to the first to create the thickness of the body as it bends.
• Sketch a pointed tail tip at the end of these curves, showing motion and elegance.
• Add small, rounded fin shapes near the bottom of the body to indicate the pectoral fins.
• At the front of the oval, lightly shape the head by tapering the oval slightly.

Step 3 – Define the Head and Fins

• Refine the head by drawing a rounded snout at the front of the body.
• Add a small circular eye slightly above the center line of the head.
• Sketch a subtle mouth line near the snout to give the fish a gentle expression.
• Improve the fins by smoothing their edges and making them slightly pointed at the ends.
• Draw the dorsal fin along the top curve of the body, following the natural bend of the fish.
• Clean up unnecessary guide lines while maintaining the smooth flow of the koi’s posture.

Step 4 – Add Details, Scales, and Final Touches

• Begin drawing overlapping scale patterns across the body, starting from behind the head and moving toward the tail.
• Keep the scales consistent in size but allow them to follow the curve of the body for realism.
• Add fine lines inside the fins to show texture and direction.
• Enhance the tail by adding layered lines to suggest flexibility and movement.
• Darken the outline of the koi fish carefully, making the final shape more confident and clear.
• Erase any remaining sketch marks and refine the details around the eye and mouth.
• Optionally, add light shading under the belly and near the fins to give the koi a three-dimensional appearance.