In this quick tutorial you'll learn how to draw a Giraffe in 9 easy steps - great for kids and novice artists.
The images above represent how your finished drawing is going to look and the steps involved.
Below are the individual steps - you can click on each one for a High Resolution printable PDF version.
At the bottom you can read some interesting facts about the Giraffe.
Make sure you also check out any of the hundreds of drawing tutorials grouped by category.
How to Draw a Giraffe - Step-by-Step Tutorial
Step 1: First draw a long narrow snout. It looks like a very thin hook with the short end of the hook on the bottom.
Step 2: Continue the short hook line slightly upwards to create the lower jaw line. Add a small horn at the top of the head.
Step 3: Right under the horn add a small eye. Just behind the horn draw a pointy ear pointing back. At the very tip of the snout draw a tiny nose.
Step 4: Starting at the back of the pointy ears draw a long line down at a slight diagonal to make the neck line. This is a very thick line. The bottom of the line has a slight downward curve for the rump.
Step 5: Add another long line beneath the back of the snout to make the front of the neck. Continue this line into a long, thin front leg. Don't forget the black hoof at the bottom. Continue the back of the leg line up, gradually making the leg wider at the top. It will end just below the neck line.
Step 6: Continue the top neck line back with a short, curved line downward for the rump. Keep drawing the line down into the hind leg all the way to the black hoof. Draw the line back up into the body. The top of the hind leg is wider than the bottom.
Step 7: Add a short tail with a fluffy tip at the rump.
Step 8: Now add another front leg right in front of the first front leg. Make it the same length and width as the other front leg. Then, just in front of the hind leg draw another curved hind leg. Don't forget the black hooves at the bottom of all legs.
Step 9: Finally add the circle patterns on the neck.
Interesting Facts about Giraffe
Giraffe belong to the Giraffidae family, along with the okapi; the only two species of that family. Giraffes are most recognized by their extremely long necks and legs and patched coat.
Giraffe fossils first appeared in Europe, dating back about 8 million years. They now can be found roaming grasslands and woodlands of Africa.
Did you know?
- The neck of an adult Giraffe can be as long as 6 feet, 7 inches.
- The Giraffe’s main food source is Acacia leaves, which grow at heights that most other vegetation eating animals can not reach.
- Giraffes can hear very well, smell very well and see things in color.
- The Giraffe can only walk or gallop; sprinting at speeds of about 37 miles per hour.
- A new baby Giraffe is about 6 feet tall and can run around within a few hours of birth.
- Male giraffes will use their necks as weapons against one another in battle in order to establish dominance.
- The popular children’s toy store, Toys ‘R Us, uses the giraffe as its mascot.
The Giraffe is a spectacular animal that has sparked great interest and curiosity in both ancient and modern cultures, because of its unusual appearance. Giraffes been featured in children’s stories, art and cartoons.
How to Draw A Giraffe – Quick Step-by-Step Tutorial