Ever doodled a funny face with too many eyes or a big toothy grin? Congratulations, you’ve already drawn your first monster! Monster art is one of the most freeing and imaginative drawing themes out there because anything goes.
There’s no “right” way to draw a monster, just your way. Whether you like them spooky, silly, or secretly adorable, monster drawings invite you to play with shapes, textures, and personalities in a way that feels pure fun.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through 17 easy monster drawing ideas you can try today. You don’t need fancy supplies, just a pencil, paper, and your wildest imagination. So get cozy, grab your sketchbook, and let’s bring some friendly (or fearsome) creatures to life!
Key Takeaways
- Monsters are all about imagination, there are no rules or mistakes.
- Start with simple shapes and build from there.
- Add personality through eyes, teeth, and body language.
- Experiment with color, texture, and size to make each monster unique.
- The goal is to have fun, not perfection!
#1: The Fuzzy Ball Monster
Start with a big circle, then cover it in messy, fluffy lines for fur. Add one large eye in the center or two tiny ones peeking out from the fuzz. A crooked smile or a surprised “O” mouth gives it charm.
Pro tip: Try blending different pencil pressures or marker strokes for texture, fluffier monsters look softer and more playful!
#2: The One-Eyed Cyclops
Draw a round or oval head and place one big eye right in the center. You can make it friendly or fierce depending on the eyebrow shape. Add little horns, spots, or antennae for extra detail.
I love this one because it’s quick, bold, and always expressive.
#3: The Tentacle Monster
Start with a blob-like body, then add wavy, curvy tentacles around it. Each tentacle can have its own shape or motion, curled, straight, or looping around something.
Pro tip: Draw light guidelines first, so you can overlap tentacles naturally.
#4: The Shadow Crawler
Make this monster mostly silhouette, dark, mysterious, and simple. Try a jagged outline, long arms, and glowing eyes. It’s a great way to practice shading!
Variation: Use charcoal or a soft pencil for that smoky, eerie effect.
#5: The Goofy Grin Monster
Draw a simple round or square head and fill it with a wide, uneven grin. Add oversized teeth, tiny eyes, and silly ears. This one’s perfect for cartoon lovers.
Pro tip: Make each tooth a little different, it adds character!
#6: The Monster Under the Bed
Sketch a bed first, then have a pair of glowing eyes or clawed hands peeking from underneath. It’s playful and full of storytelling possibilities.
Optional: Add a brave kid or pet looking under the bed to tell a tiny story!
#7: The Blob Monster
No shape is too weird here, start with a puddle-like outline, then add eyes and a mouth anywhere. You can even make parts of it transparent or melting.
Pro tip: Watercolor or pastel works beautifully to blend the edges.
#8: The Winged Creature
Give your monster bat wings, butterfly wings, or even paper-thin insect ones. Start with a small body, then let the wings fill the page.
Try this: Make the wings patterned like stained glass for a magical twist.
#9: The Tiny Monster
Who says monsters have to be big? Draw one as small as a bug, with a big personality, tiny horns, minuscule fangs, or a cape that’s too long.
I love this one because it’s unexpected and adorable!
#10: The Shape-Shifter
Pick a basic shape, triangle, square, or heart and turn it into a monster. Add arms, legs, eyes, and texture to match its shape.
Pro tip: Try a series, draw a “circle monster,” “square monster,” and “star monster” on one page!
#11: The Robot Monster
Combine mechanical parts with monster traits: bolts, metal jaws, glowing buttons, or steam vents. It’s a cool blend of sci-fi and fantasy.
Pro tip: Use a ruler for clean lines and shading for metallic shine.
#12: The Plant Monster
Draw vines, leaves, and flowers that come to life with teeth or eyes. Think of a jungle creature that looks both beautiful and dangerous.
Variation: Add insects or birds interacting with it, it brings the drawing alive!
#13: The Ice Monster
Give it jagged shapes like icicles, frost-covered fur, and a frosty breath cloud. Play with light blues, whites, and grays for an icy palette.
Pro tip: Use short, sharp strokes to make it look cold and crystalline.
#14: The Fire Monster
Start with flowing, flame-like shapes and let your lines dance upward. Add glowing eyes or a molten grin. Blend orange, red, and yellow for warmth.
Fun combo: Draw your Fire Monster next to your Ice Monster, they’re great opposites!
#15: The Multi-Eyed Beast
Scatter eyes across the face or the whole body! Big, small, and even sideways eyes make it look wild and fun.
Pro tip: Give each eye a different emotion for extra personality.
#16: The Sleepy Monster
Sometimes monsters just want a nap. Draw one curled up in a blanket or snoring softly. Big droopy eyelids and gentle lines make it feel cozy.
I love this one for bedtime sketching, it’s cute and relaxing.
#17: The Monster Family
Draw a group with different shapes and sizes, baby monsters, parent monsters, maybe even a pet monster! This one’s great for storytelling and practice with variety.
Pro tip: Use lighter pencil lines for the smaller ones so they look delicate next to the larger figures.
Final Thoughts
Monsters are one of the most creative subjects you can draw because they can look like anything you dream up. Whether you made yours spooky, silly, or sweet, every line you draw adds personality and playfulness. Remember, your monster doesn’t need to be perfect, it just needs to exist.
If you enjoyed these ideas, try mixing them up: a robot-fire monster, a sleepy blob, or a flying plant creature! Experiment with colors, add backgrounds, or invent their names and stories. And most of all, keep drawing. Every doodle builds your skill and your confidence.
Creativity isn’t about rules; it’s about imagination. So go ahead, grab your pencil and let your monsters come to life. They’re waiting in your sketchbook!
Jessie has a passion for bringing people together through creativity and socializing. She has organized many painting events that have left guests with lasting memories and new friendships. She’s also been to various sip events to unleash her own creativity and connect with like-minded individuals.