Have you ever found yourself staring at a blank page, wondering how to draw a butterfly that’s actually cute and easy enough to enjoy without feeling overwhelmed?
I’ve been there—so many times.
Years ago, I started sketching butterflies as a way to relax after long workdays. They became one of my go-to drawing subjects—so simple, yet full of joy and movement. I remember doodling them during rainy afternoons with a cup of tea in hand, and somehow they always lifted my mood.
So in today’s tutorial, I’m sharing a step-by-step guide to create your own cute butterfly drawing, based entirely on my hand-drawn design. Whether you’re just starting out or looking for a new relaxing art project, I promise: this one’s for you.
And if you’re a fellow Pinterest addict like me, you’ll love turning this drawing into pin-worthy art! (Pssst… follow me here for more ideas: Pinterest – Digital Drawing Ideas)
What You’ll Need
Before we jump in, make sure to have:
- A comfy seat and your favorite beverage ☕
- Paper or a sketchbook
- A pencil and black pen or fine-liner
- Colored pencils or markers
Step 1: Draw the Head
Start by drawing a medium-sized circle right in the middle-upper part of your page. This will be the head of your butterfly.
Make sure it’s not too close to the edge—leave room for the body and wings we’ll add next!
Step 2: Add the Upper Body
Below the circle you drew for the head, add a long oval shape that touches the bottom of the head.
This oval will be the upper part of the butterfly’s body.
It should be vertical and slightly narrower at the top than the bottom—like a stretched-out jellybean!
Step 3: Draw the Top Wings
On both sides of the butterfly’s head and upper body, draw two large top wings. Each wing should look like a soft, bumpy “W” shape that curves outward and down.
Make sure both wings are about the same size and connect smoothly to the head.
These are the upper wings, and they help give your butterfly its signature look!
Step 4: Draw the Bottom Wings
Now, let’s add the bottom wings! Starting from the lower part of the body, draw a wing on each side that curves outward and ends with a cute scalloped edge—like soft little clouds.
These wings should be smaller than the top wings and connect naturally underneath them.
Step 5: Add a Happy Face
Time to give your butterfly some personality! Inside the head circle, draw two small dots for the eyes and a smiling mouth just below them.
Keep the features simple and friendly—it’s a happy little butterfly, after all!
Step 6: Draw the Antennae
On top of the head, draw two curved antennae. Start each line near the center top of the head and curl them outward into a gentle spiral.
These curly antennae add so much personality and make your butterfly extra adorable!
Step 7: Add Stripes to the Body
Inside the long oval body, draw three curved horizontal lines spaced out evenly from top to bottom.
These soft stripes follow the shape of the body and make your butterfly look extra playful and cartoon-like!
Step 8: Add Wing Patterns
Inside each wing, draw a few oval shapes to create fun wing patterns. Add two ovals on each of the top wings and one on each of the bottom wings.
These simple markings will bring your butterfly’s wings to life and make them stand out even more!
Step 9: Add Flowers and Leaves
Draw a few simple flowers and leaves around your butterfly to make the drawing extra cheerful.
You can place the flowers in different spots and tilt the leaves in various directions for a playful, natural look.
These little extras really bring the whole picture to life!
Step 10: Color Your Butterfly
Use your favorite bright and cheerful colors to fill in your butterfly and the background.
Try a yellow face and body, pink wings, blue wing patterns, and colorful flowers and green leaves around it.
Feel free to get creative—this is your butterfly’s big moment!
A Few More Ideas You’ll Love
If you enjoyed this butterfly, here are some more step-by-step tutorials from my site that are just as fun:
- 🌹 How to Draw a Rose – Easy Rose Drawing
- ☂️ How to Draw an Umbrella – Cute Umbrella Drawing
- 🍄 How to Draw a Mushroom – Cute Mushroom Drawing
Each one is simple, joyful, and perfect for creative downtime—whether you’re filling a sketchbook, decorating your journal, or just unwinding.
Let’s Wrap It Up – You’ve Got This!
Drawing doesn’t have to be complicated to be meaningful. This sweet little butterfly might look simple, but there’s something really magical about creating it from scratch. You followed each step, gave it your own style, and (hopefully!) had a relaxing time along the way.
If this is your first time drawing with me—welcome to the cozy creative club. 🦋
And if you’ve been here before, you already know how much I love sharing these moments with you.
Now it’s your turn!
📸 Share your butterfly drawings on Pinterest or Instagram and tag me: @digitaldrawingideas.
I love seeing what you come up with and featuring your work in future posts.
Tell me—what should we draw next?
Drop your ideas in the comments or send me a message. I read every single one. Let’s keep inspiring each other with color, joy, and a whole lot of creative energy.
Happy drawing,
Andi ✨
