How to Draw a Cow - Digital Drawing Ideas

Ever looked at a cute cow drawing and thought, “I wish I could draw something that adorable”? You’re not alone! Learning how to draw a cow might seem tricky at first, especially if you’re just starting your drawing journey—but trust me, it’s a lot easier (and more fun) than you think.

In this post, I’ll walk you through a super easy, step-by-step tutorial to draw your very own kawaii-style cow. Whether you’re doodling in your sketchbook, creating printable wall art, or just relaxing with your favorite digital brush in Procreate, this tutorial is for you!

And here’s the best part—these illustrations are all hand-drawn by me! (on my Ipad) So yes, you’re in safe (and slightly ink-stained) hands.

Why I Started Drawing Cute Animals (and Why You’ll Love It Too)

I still remember the first time I tried drawing a cow—it looked more like a confused potato with horns. But I didn’t give up. I kept sketching, experimenting, and slowly my animals started to look less like vegetables and more like the playful little characters I had in mind.

There’s something incredibly calming and joyful about drawing cute animals. You don’t have to be perfect. You just need a few basic shapes, a sprinkle of creativity, and a bit of guidance (which I’m here to provide!).

So if you’ve ever struggled with:

Not knowing where to start a drawing
Getting lost halfway through
Feeling like your sketches just don’t turn out “cute enough”

Then this tutorial is for you. By the end, you’ll have your very own cute cow drawing—and more confidence to try others too.

How to Draw a Cow – Step-by-Step Tutorial

Here’s the step-by-step breakdown to help you create the happiest little cow you’ve ever seen. 🙂

Step 1: Draw the Head Shape

Let’s start by drawing the cow’s head! Sketch a big, rounded shape that’s slightly wider at the bottom—kind of like an upside-down egg.

Don’t worry if it’s not perfectly symmetrical, that just makes your cow extra charming!

Step 2: Add the Ears

Now it’s time to give your cow some cute ears! Draw one ear on each side of the head, shaped like a soft leaf or a stretched-out oval with rounded tips.

Make sure they’re slightly angled upward to give your cow a playful look!

Step 3: Draw the Horns

Let’s give your cow its tiny horns! Above the ears, draw two short curved shapes that look like upside-down U’s. Keep them rounded and cute—they’re not meant to be scary, just a fun little detail!

Step 4: Add the Snout Area

Let’s draw the snout! Add a big curved shape at the bottom of the face, like a wide letter “U” that stretches from one cheek to the other.

This will be the soft, chubby part of the cow’s face where the nose and smile will go later!

Step 5: Draw the Face Details

Time to add some personality! Draw two small oval eyes near the top center of the face.

Then, add two tiny dots for nostrils and a simple curved line for a sweet little smile.

Now your cow is starting to look super friendly!

Step 6: Add Some Spots and Inner Ears

Let’s give your cow some character with spots!

Draw a wavy patch shape starting near the top of the head and curving down the right side of the face.

Then, add soft inner curves inside both ears to complete their shape. Now your cow has even more charm!

Step 7: Draw the Front Leg and Chest

Let’s start building the body! From the left side of the head, draw a curved line down to form the chest, then curve it back inward to create the front leg.

Add a horizontal line near the bottom to mark off the hoof. Your cow is starting to stand!

Step 8: Add the Second Front Leg

Let’s balance things out! Draw the second front leg just to the right of the first one, using a similar shape—a long curve with a flat bottom.

Don’t forget the little line across the bottom for the hoof. Now your cow can stand steady and cute!

Step 9: Sketch the Cow’s Back and Belly

Let’s connect the body! Draw a long, gentle curve starting from behind the left leg, swooping up for the belly and around to form the cow’s back and bottom.

This gives your cow a nice, round, friendly shape!

Step 10: Draw the Back Leg

Add the cow’s back leg by drawing a curved line that goes down from the back and loops around to the bottom. Finish it off with a horizontal line near the hoof, just like the front legs.

Now your cow can stand tall on three sturdy legs!

Step 11: Add the Last Leg

Let’s complete the set! Draw the final back leg slightly behind the one you just made, using the same rounded shape and a little line for the hoof.

This gives your cow a full, balanced stance and makes it look extra sturdy and cute.

Step 12: Draw the Tail

Add a little tail to the back of your cow! Draw a curved line coming out from the right side of the body, ending in a teardrop shape.

This simple tail adds a playful and finished look to your cow’s silhouette!

Step 13: Add the Cow Spots

Let’s give your cow its signature pattern! Draw several irregular, rounded shapes across the body and one on the front leg.

Don’t worry about making them perfect—cow spots are all unique! These playful patches add tons of personality.

Step 14: Add Some Flowers Around Your Cow

Let’s make the scene even cuter! Draw a few simple flowers around your cow—just use small circles for centers and rounded petals.

You can place them wherever you like to create a happy, playful background.

Step 15: Add Color and Final Details

It’s time to bring your cow to life with color! Use soft browns for the spots, hooves, horns, and tail, a light pink for the snout and inside the ears, and gentle blush on the cheeks for extra cuteness.

Don’t forget to color in the flowers too!

Now step back and admire your adorable, finished cow!

Tips for Making Your Cow Extra Cute

Want to level up your drawing? Try these bonus tips:

Add rosy cheeks with a soft pink shade—instantly ups the cuteness!
Use soft, rounded lines instead of sharp angles for that friendly look.
Play with color combinations. Not all cows are black and white—try a pastel cow or even a rainbow one!
Make a whole farm! Once you’re done, add a barn, some grass, or other animals from my tutorials.

And if you’re using Procreate like me, you can even turn your cow into a sticker or a printable coloring page (hello, Etsy shop ideas!).

Final Thoughts: You Can Draw That Cow

If there’s one thing I want you to take away from this tutorial, it’s this: you absolutely can learn how to draw a cow, even if you’ve never drawn an animal before. It’s all about enjoying the process, experimenting, and allowing your own style to shine through.

And hey—if your first cow turns out a little wonky? That’s part of the charm! My sketchbook is full of cows with lopsided ears and oversized tails. But each one makes me smile, and that’s the magic of creating.

If you had fun with this, make sure to:

Check out my Pinterest board for more drawing inspo
Try my other animal tutorials
Share your finished cow on Instagram and tag me @digitaldrawingideas – I’d love to see what you create!

Pssst… already halfway through? Check out some of my other animal tutorials too!

Now It’s Your Turn!

Have you tried this tutorial? Drop a comment below or pin it for later!
And don’t forget—every cute drawing starts with a single line. Keep drawing, keep experimenting, and most importantly: keep having fun.

Happy doodling! 🐮✨
— Andi from Digital Drawing Ideas