What age group is this mermaid tutorial best for?

This tutorial is ideal for young artists ages five and up, as well as older beginners who love cute, kawaii illustration styles.

Can I color my mermaid with watercolor paints?

Yes, just make sure to outline your final lines with a waterproof pen or permanent marker so the ink does not smudge when wet.

How do I make the tail scales neat and even?

Start at the top near the waistline and draw small repeating U-shapes row by row, staggering each new row like brickwork.

Should beginners trace or draw freehand?

Freehand drawing is best for building muscle memory and confidence, but tracing the basic curves first can help younger children who are just starting out.

How to Draw

How to Draw a Mermaid

Beginner friendlyEasy · 9 steps

Nine-step drawing guide showing how to draw a cute cartoon mermaid.

Dive into the magical world under the sea with this easy step-by-step mermaid drawing guide! Mermaids are wonderful subjects to draw because you can combine a sweet cartoon face with flowing hair and a playful ocean tail. Grab your pencil and follow along with the nine simple panels. Take your time, draw at your own pace, and remember to have fun creating your very own ocean friend.

What you'll need

Drawing paper or sketchpad
Pencil and eraser
Black fine-tip pen or marker
Crayons, colored pencils, or markers

Pro tips

Sketch lightly with your pencil first so you can easily erase guidelines when you add ink.
Try curving the tail in different directions to give your mermaid a playful swimming pose.
Use pastel shades or glittery markers to make her tail and hair feel truly magical.

Follow the steps

Each step matches one panel in the sheet above — draw along at your own pace.

1
Draw the Face Outline
Start by drawing a wide, smooth U-shape in the center of your page to form the mermaid's chin and cheeks.
2
Add the Front Hair
Draw a curved hairline across the top of the face that peaks slightly in the middle to create sweet bangs.
3
Sketch the Mermaid Tail
Draw a curved body line swooping down beneath the head, then add two rounded lobes on the side for the tail fin.
4
Add the Cute Face
Inside the face, draw two dotted eyes, delicate little lashes, a tiny dot for the nose, and a cheerful smiling mouth.
5
Draw the Arms
Add two small, simple arms reaching outward on either side of her upper torso.
6
Create Flowing Hair
Outline big, wavy locks of hair framing both sides of her face and curving smoothly around the top of her head.
7
Add Seashells and Flower
Draw a pretty five-petal flower by her ear, and sketch a seashell top across her chest with a curved waistline below.
8
Draw the Scales
Fill the mermaid tail with repeating curved lines to create a neat pattern of shiny fish scales.
9
Detail the Tail Fin
Add gentle texture lines inside the tail fins, outline your drawing in dark pen, and color her in however you like!