How to Draw a Fish - Digital Drawing Ideas

Have you ever wanted to learn how to draw a fish but felt unsure where to start?
Good news: you’re in the right place! In this post, I’ll walk you through an easy and super cute fish drawing that’s perfect for beginners, kids, or anyone who just wants a relaxing creative break.

The best part? You don’t need fancy tools or advanced skills—just a pencil, some colors, and a bit of imagination.

how to draw a fish - fish drawing tutorial

As someone who adores drawing charming ocean animals (and who has a habit of doodling fish on everything from sticky notes to grocery lists 🙈), I can promise you this one is both fun and rewarding. Plus, this little fish will go perfectly with your underwater-themed doodles—like my cute jellyfish or adorable duck drawing. You’ll find all the links below for extra inspiration!

Let’s dive right in! 🌊

Step 1: Draw the Fish’s Body

Let’s start with the basic shape!

Draw a large circle near the center of your page. This will be the main body of the fish. Don’t worry about making it perfect—just a smooth, round shape will do. 🐠

Step 2: Add the Top Fin

Now let’s give our fish a fin on top!

Draw a small leaf-shaped curve coming out from the top of the circle.

Then, add a short curved line inside it to show some detail. This will be the fish’s dorsal fin.

Step 3: Draw the Bottom Fin

Time to add a little balance!

Draw a small curved fin sticking out from the bottom of the circle, just like you did for the top.

Add a short curved line inside for detail. Now your fish has a fin to help it swim smoothly!

Step 4: Add the Tail Fin

Let’s draw the fish’s big, flowing tail!

On the right side of the circle, draw a wide heart-like shape with a little dip in the middle. Then, add two short curved lines inside to show where the fin splits.

Now your fish is ready to swish through the water!

Step 5: Draw the Side Fin

Let’s give the fish a fin on its side!

Draw a small rounded triangle shape on the right side of the body. Then, add two short curved lines inside it to show the fin’s texture.

This helps your fish look more dynamic and ready to swim!

Step 6: Add the Face

Let’s bring your fish to life with a happy face!

Draw two small ovals near the front of the body for the eyes. Then, add a small curved line underneath for a cheerful smile.

Now your fish has a friendly expression that makes it even more adorable!

Step 7: Draw the Background Details

Let’s add some underwater fun!

Draw a few small circles around the fish to create bubbles. Then, sketch two star-shaped sea stars—one above and one below your fish.

These little extras make your drawing look like it’s swimming happily in the ocean!

Step 8: Add Colors and Finishing Touches

Time to bring your fish to life with color!

Use shades of blue for the fish’s body and fins, and add soft stripes to give it a fun pattern. Color the cheeks a light pink for a cute blush.

Then, make the sea stars orange and the bubbles light blue.

Your cheerful little fish is now complete and ready to swim off the page! 🎨🐟✨

What I Love About Drawing Fish

This little fish holds a special place in my sketchbook. It was one of the first ocean-themed doodles I turned into a full tutorial, and it always brings a smile to my face when I color it in.

What makes this type of drawing so satisfying is how approachable it is—you don’t need to be a pro artist to make something that looks super cute and polished. And when you’re done, you’ll have something totally share-worthy!

If you enjoyed this fish drawing, you might also like:

Let’s Stay Creative Together! ✨

Did you follow along with this tutorial? I’d absolutely love to see your version!

👉 Share your drawing on Pinterest and tag me: @digitaldrawingideas
Or mention me on Instagram so I can cheer you on!

Let me know in the comments if you’d like to see more fishy friends—or maybe something totally different, like sea turtles or whales. I’m always looking for new ideas to sketch with you.

Keep creating,
Andi 💕