Happy Shark: Drawing tutorial — Helpful Hen Studio

Cartoon shark drawing under the sea surrounded by coral.

Happy Shark

Dive into fun with our Happy Shark drawing tutorial! Today, we're sketching the ocean's friendliest predator. This grinning gill-friend is all smiles, proving not every shark is scary. We'll guide you through creating those cheerful eyes, playful fins, and a toothy grin that's more giggly than gruesome. Whether you're a seasoned artist or just testing the waters, get ready to make waves with your new aquatic pal. Grab your pencils and let's turn those intimidating teeth into a beam that'll have everyone saying, "Jawsome!"

Free coloring page included! Scroll to the end for the link

Materials Needed:
- Paper
- Pencil
- Eraser
- Colored pencils, crayons, paint, or any other way you would like to add color, be creative!
If using Procreate:
- I have only used default brushes in these tutorials. If you have Procreate and would like to use the same brushes: for the outline use Monoline, and Hand Draw. For the coloring use: Hard Blend Airbrush, Hand Draw, and Soft Airbrush.

FREE Drawing Grids Available for Download

Need a drawing grid to follow along? I have included two FREE drawing grids available for download, just click on your preferred size:

Large Drawing Guide

Small Drawing Guide

Simply download, print, and start drawing with enhanced precision and accuracy today!

Step 1

First, let’s add a line of motion. This line will guide us on which position our shark will be in. Creative Idea: What other poses could you have? Is it jumping out of the water? Diving deep into the ocean? You decide!

Drawing guide for line of motion for cartoon shark.

Step 2

Now, let’s add a circle for the shark’s eye.

Step 3

Let’s show where the eye is looking at by adding a circle inside. Then, drawing a hint of an iris can really enhance the shark’s cuteness.

Sketching in details for great white shark eye.

Step 4

Color in the eye. Add a curved line for the top of the shark’s body.

Drawing shark’s body for underwater scene.

Step 5

Add another curved line for the bottom of the shark. Creative tip: feel free to play around with Step 4 & 5. You can make your shark longer or shorter, thinner or wider by playing around with the curved lines. Have fun with your ideas!

Sketching shark underbelly for cartoon great white.

Step 6

Continue drawing a curved line from the top of your shark to where the tail fin will start.

Step 7

Add another curved line to the other side of the shark. This will be where the shark’s body turns.

Showing cartoon shark pose for ocean scene.

Step 8

Add another curved line. This line will end where the tail fin will begin.

Step 9

Now let’s erase the line of motion, and start drawing the shark’s mouth. Creative idea: what expression do you want your shark to have? Will it be angry baring its teeth? Will it have a more realistic looking mouth? You decide!

Step 10

You’re doing great! Draw the rest of the shark’s jaw.

finish drawing mouth of cartoon great white shark.

Step 11

Now let’s draw the rest of the shark’s mouth. Add the teeth and draw the inside of the mouth. Did you know shark’s do not have tongues?

Step 12

Draw a spot for the nostril

Step 13

Now, draw the top dorsal fin

Step 14

Let’s help our shark glide through the water by adding its pectoral fin. Creative idea: if you want to make your shark tougher looking then make this fin turn downward, and if you want it to look like this shark can swim really fast make the fin thinner and longer.

Draw right dorsal fin of shark tutorial.

Step 15

Draw the other pectoral fin.

Sketch out left dorsal fin of under the sea shark.

Step 16

You’re almost there! Draw the top of the shark’s tail fin.

Step 17

Draw the bottom of the tail fin. Make this part shorter than the top.

Draw bottom of tail fin for cute shark clipart.

Step 18

Finish drawing the bottom of the shark’s tail fin.

Step 19

Finish adding the top of the tail. Then, erase parts of the shark body near the fins. Creative idea: try different types of tails on your shark, see which one you like.

Finish sketching out dorsal tail fin of cartoon shark.

Step 20

Let’s help this shark breathe! Draw four gills.

Step 21

Time to add some details to your shark. Draw lines on the fin to separate the blue top of the shark from the white bottom. Do you know why many sharks are blue/grey on top and white on the bottom?

Sketch out detail for shark’s camouflage.

Step 22

If you guessed for camouflage, you are correct! Sharks are darker on top to hide in the dark blue depths of water. They are also white on the bottom to camouflage against the sky when seen from below. Let’s draw some more of its camouflage.

Continue drawing camouflage for cartoon shark.

Step 23

Finally, finish adding the sharks camouflage.

Amazing Job!

Fin-tastic job, ocean artist! You've just created the happiest shark in the seven seas! Now it's time to make your toothy friend really come alive. Will your shark rock classic blue or sport a rainbow of scales? Maybe it'll be throwing a underwater dance party or teaching fish to smile! The sea of possibilities is as wide as the ocean. So grab your most colorful crayons, markers, or paints and let's dive into a world of underwater adventures. Remember, in the realm of shark-tistic expression, there are no rules - just buckets of fun! Let's make those waves of creativity splash!

How to Draw: Happy Shark