How to Draw a Shark - Digital Drawing Ideas

Ever wanted to learn how to draw a shark that’s more cute than terrifying? You’re in the right place! In this post, I’ll walk you through how to draw a shark in 12 simple steps—no special skills required, just your love for doodling and a little curiosity.

Drawing has always been my creative escape. I remember doodling sea creatures in the margins of my school notebooks—some of them accidentally looked more like flying potatoes than fish, but hey, we all start somewhere, right?

This cute little shark drawing is something I created step by step, and I’m so excited to share it with you. Whether you’re filling your sketchbook, decorating your bullet journal, or just in need of a mindful creative break, this tutorial will walk you through everything.

So grab your favorite pencil (or open your drawing app), and let’s bring this adorable underwater friend to life!

Step 1: Draw the shark’s body outline

Let’s start by sketching a large, curved shape that looks like a sideways teardrop. This will form the main body of our cute little shark.

Make the left side nice and round for the head, and let the right side taper slightly to hint at where the tail will go.

Don’t worry about perfection—your shark is already looking adorable! 🦈

Step 2: Add the shark’s pectoral fin

Next, let’s give our shark a little arm to swim with! Draw a small curved shape near the bottom of the body—it should look a bit like a rounded triangle or a floppy “U” shape. This is the pectoral fin, and it helps our shark glide gracefully through the water.

Keep it soft and cute to match the chubby shark style!

Step 3: Draw the shark’s tail fin

Time to add that classic shark tail! At the narrow end of the body, draw a wide “V” shape that curves slightly outward. This is the caudal fin (fancy word for tail!), and it helps your shark swish through the water with style.

Keep the edges soft and rounded for an extra cute look.

Step 4: Add the belly line

Let’s give our shark a cute little tummy! Draw a gentle curved line starting from the bottom of the pectoral fin and extending toward the base of the tail.

This belly line will help define the lighter underside of the shark later on. Keep the curve smooth and natural—like the flow of water!

Step 5: Draw the other pectoral fin

Now let’s add a second little fin to balance things out! On the opposite side of the body, draw a small curved triangle peeking out from below.

This fin should look slightly smaller since it’s farther away—like it’s waving hello from the other side.

Step 6: Add the dorsal fin

What’s a shark without its iconic dorsal fin? Draw a curved triangle on top of the body, closer to the head than the tail.

This fin gives your shark its classic sharky look—though ours is more cute than scary!

Keep the shape soft and slightly rounded to match the friendly style.

Step 7: Draw the shark’s eye

Let’s bring your shark to life with a tiny, adorable eye! Draw a small circle near the front of the body, about halfway between the top and bottom.

Keep it simple and round—it’s the perfect touch to make your shark look friendly and full of personality.

Step 8: Draw a big happy smile

It’s time to make your shark extra cute! Draw a wide, curved line for the mouth near the front of the face. Then add a small curved line underneath to create an open mouth shape.

Now your shark looks like it’s grinning with joy—maybe it’s excited to make some ocean friends! 🦈😊

Step 9: Add tiny shark teeth

Let’s give your shark some teeny-tiny teeth—but keep them cute, not scary! Inside the mouth, draw a few small triangle shapes pointing down.

These little teeth make your shark look even more charming, like it’s smiling with excitement.

Step 10: Draw the shark’s gills

To help your shark breathe underwater, add two short curved lines behind its cheek area. These are the gills! Place them close together and keep them small so they match the adorable cartoon style.

Now your little shark looks even more complete and ready to swim!

Step 11: Add ocean details

Let’s make your shark feel right at home! Draw a few bubbles of different sizes around the shark, and add some cute starfish to complete the underwater scene.

These little extras bring your drawing to life and make it look like your shark is happily swimming in its ocean playground.

Step 12: Add colors to bring your shark to life

It’s coloring time! Fill in your shark with a soft blue for the top and a lighter gray or white for the belly. Make the starfish pop with orange and the bubbles shine in shades of blue.

Don’t forget a little pink for the mouth to keep things extra cute.

Now your adorable shark is ready to swim proudly in its colorful ocean world! 🌊🎨

Want to keep drawing? Here are more tutorials you’ll love:

If you enjoyed this shark drawing, you’re going to love these other step-by-step cuties too:

Pin and save them all for later inspiration—or better yet, follow me on Pinterest so you never miss a new idea:
📌 DigitalDrawingIdeas

Final Thoughts: You Can Totally Do This!

I hope you had as much fun drawing this chubby little shark as I had creating it. It’s always rewarding to watch a few simple lines turn into something that feels so full of personality.

Just remember:

You don’t need to be “good” at drawing to start.
You just need to start.
And have fun with it along the way!

I truly believe creative moments—like this one—are for everyone. And if this tutorial helped you, I’d love to see your version! Tag me on Instagram @digitaldrawingideas or leave a comment on Pinterest to share your fin-tastic shark.

Now go on and fill your sketchbook with ocean cuteness! 🦈💙