You can draw a simple, cute elf using just basic shapes. These steps work well for kids or beginners using a pencil, eraser, and markers or crayons.
Head and hat
- Draw a medium-sized circle or a wide U-shape for the head so it feels cartoony and friendly.
- Add a curved band across the top of the head for the hat brim, then a triangle or floppy curve on top for the elf hat, finishing with a small circle or bell at the tip.
Face and ears
- On each side of the head, draw a pointy “leaf” shape for the ears, slightly higher than the middle of the head so they look elf-like.
- Add two big oval eyes, a tiny oval nose, and a simple smiling mouth; you can add small curved lines under the eyes for cute cheeks.
Body and collar
- Under the head, draw a small rectangle for the neck and then a wide triangle or rectangle for the body, narrower at the top and wider at the bottom so it looks like a tunic.
- Around the neck, draw a zigzag or “flower” shape for the elf collar to make it look like a festive costume.
Arms, legs, and shoes
- From the sides of the body, draw two simple tube shapes for arms; at the ends, add mitten shapes or simple circles with a bump for the thumb so hands are easy.
- Draw two narrow rectangles coming down for legs, then add pointy shoes that curve up at the toes, or small boots with cuffs at the top.
Details and coloring
- Add stripes on the legs or hat, buttons on the shirt, and maybe a belt or small patterns on the clothes to make the elf more interesting.
- Trace your best lines with a darker pen, erase the sketch lines, then color the hat and clothes in reds, greens, and golds for a classic Christmas elf look.
