We don’t know much about squids because they are being caught by scientists only to do research. Their nervous system is the perfect model to learn about different mental diseases such as Alzheimer’s. But, how to breed them? This is the mystery.
A lot of people are scared of this marine animal because it is as large as the size of a school bus. Its eyes are the shape of a basketball, giving them the vibes of a monster.
In the literature, they are depicted as a giant marine monster who can pull ships under the water. Due to this unique aspect of this animal, a lot of you may want to learn how to draw a giant squid.
To help you, I have assembled this easy 8-step guide. It includes simple shapes and lines that any novice artist can easily draw. You just have to follow these steps, and you will get a complete squid drawing in front of you.
Fun Facts about Squids
- They are found in every ocean, ranging from shallow coastal waters to the deep sea.
- Some species can produce their own light to communicate or confuse their prey.
- A lot of the species can diffuse ink from the body to confuse predators and make their escape.
- Some giant squids can grow up to 14 meters (46 feet).
- Squids are surprisingly smart and capable of showing complex behavior and problem-solving skills.
- They have a very short lifespan- ranging from one to two years.
- They have the largest eyes in the animal kingdom, measuring up to 30 cm in diameter.
They are carnivores, eating fish and other squids.
They can weigh up to 275 kilograms.
8-Step Guide of How to Draw a Squid
Our drawing will focus on a cartoon version of a squid. This approach will give you an illustrative style that helps create a fun, cartoon-like appearance.
Materials:
- a piece of paper
- a pencil for the guiding lines and sketching
- an eraser
- a black sharpie or a pen for the outlines
- markers or colored pencils for coloring
- our printable drawing guide (Join my Email List below to get this Tutorial)
Here are my RECOMMENDED Art Supplies!
- Crayola Coloring Set (140 Pieces – Mega Value!)
- 24 Colored Crayon Set
- A4 Printer Paper
- Crayola Coloring Pencils
- HP Home Printer with Instant Ink!
Time needed:
15 minutes.
How to Draw a Squid — Let’s get started!
Step 1 – Draw a Squid’s Body
In this step, we are going to draw the Squid’s main body. Make sure it is large in size to give a realistic look to it.
To draw it, you need to sketch a “U” shape at the center of the page. The top line of the shape should have a slightly upward curve while the bottom line should be in a straight line, facing the upward direction.
The opening of the “U” shape should be at the bottom as we have to attach a fin here.
Step 2 – Sketch the Squid’s First Fin
Now, we need to add the first fin of the squid. To sketch it, you have to put your pencil on the opening of the U.
Draw a slightly curved diagonal line extending downward. Bring this line back upward to connect it with the head, closing the opening of U. This shape should resemble a pointed triangle.
Step 3 – Add the Squid’s Second Fin
In this step, we have to sketch the second fin of the squid as it will give a balance to the body. To draw this, you should add a triangle shape on the other side of the squid, mirroring the first one. It should be parallel to the first one.
Step 4 – Draw the Squid’s Tail Extension
Squid have a tail extension at the bottom of the body. This extension has tentacles at the end that help squid move in the water and grab its prey.
To draw it, you should extend a wavy line backward. This wavy line should resemble a loose-flowing ribbon shape.
Step 5 – Sketch the Second Wave of the Squid’s Tail
Now, we need to add multiple extensions to give depth to the tail. To do it, you should add a simple triangular shape with the first one. It should also be flowing as a ribbon.
Step 6 – Complete the Flowing Squid’s Tail
We are going to complete the squid tail in this step. For this, you should draw one more curved flowing triangular shape. Attach this flowing triangle with the body to complete the tail extension.
Finally, draw a small dark circle inside the tail extension, near the body’s line, to represent the eye. Add a small white dot in the center to indicate the pupil.
Step 7 – Sketch the Hand of the Squid
In these last two steps, we have to draw the hands of the squid. These are the thicker tentacles of this beast.
To draw it, you should sketch two thick curved lines, coming out from the tail extension. They should face toward the fin of the squid, stopping an inch away from it.
At the end of it, sketch an arrow-like tip. This will indicate the squid is going to attack.
Step 8 – Sketch the Second Hand of the Squid
You have to repeat step 7 here. The second tentacle should be on the other side of the head to complete the drawing.
Now, your sketch is complete. But, the art is still incomplete without colors. So, let’s add a few colors to our squid sketch.
Step 9 – Add Colors to our Squid Sketch!
Squids are rare animals that can change their body colors in a blink. They can adapt the colors of their background to conceal themselves. They can convert their colors from boring sandy brown to vibrant rainbow colors if they desire. So, you can add any color of the world in your squid drawing to turn it into a masterpiece.
However, you can find this marine animal mostly in the red color. So, you can add a vibrant red color to the squid drawing if you desire.
Pin it now, Draw later!
Add the Background of Squid
The most realistic background of the squid is the deep water. It is found in the water so you can add the blue color in the background to represent the sea.
Alternatively, you can depict the squid injecting ink or catching its prey with one of its tentacles. Besides these, there aren’t many other background ideas for this giant creature.
But, if you want to give some fancy illustrative background to your squid, no one can stop you. Tap into your creative mind to draw a squid’s unique background.
Conclusion
At last, your squid drawing is complete. It is one of the intriguing marine animals, so sketching it is a big deal. Add a vibrant background to it and share your achievement with your friends and the social media world.
If you feel your squid drawing is not up to mark, seek feedback from the people around you. This will help you in becoming an expert artist.
If you want to keep learning animal sketches, check out our other drawing tutorials.
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