Drawing a monkey might seem like a tall order, especially if you’re just starting. But don’t worry! This guide is designed to make the process easy and fun. If you’re an experienced artist looking to broaden your drawing skills or a complete beginner excited to pick up a pencil, this step-by-step tutorial will walk you through the process of drawing an adorable monkey.
Plus, I’ve included 30 simple monkey drawing ideas to inspire you and make your monkey sketch both enjoyable and achievable. If you’re wondering how to draw a simple cute monkey, gather your drawing supplies, and let’s dive into this creative journey together!
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🎨 Materials You’ll Need For Below Drawing
Before we begin, make sure you have all the necessary materials:
- Paper: Any type will do, but a smooth surface is preferable for easy erasing.
- Pencil or Fine Black Marker: A pencil allows for easy corrections, while a fine black marker is perfect for adding definition.
- Eraser: Handy for making those little adjustments as you go.
Step 1: Outline the Head
We’re going to start by drawing the monkey’s head. Begin with a simple oval shape; it doesn’t need to be perfect. In fact, those slight imperfections can add charm and personality to your drawing. The oval will serve as the foundation of your monkey’s face, so take your time and adjust as needed. Keep your lines light at this stage so you can easily make corrections later.
Step 2: Add the Face
Now, let’s give our monkey a face! Inside the oval, draw a heart shape, but without the pointed tip at the bottom. This modified heart shape will form the area for the monkey’s face, where we’ll add more details in the next steps. This shape gives the monkey its cute, friendly look, so focus on keeping the curves smooth and rounded.
Step 3: Draw the Eyes, Nose, and Mouth
Here comes the fun part—bringing your monkey to life with some facial features!
- Eyes: Draw two large dots inside the face area. These will be your monkey’s eyes. Placing them evenly will help give your monkey a balanced, symmetrical look. If you want to add a bit of mischief, you can tilt the eyes slightly.
- Nose: For the nose, sketch a small upside-down triangle just below the eyes. This simple shape will give your monkey a distinctive and cute expression.
- Mouth: Below the nose, add a wide, curved line to form a smiling mouth. You can add a playful touch by drawing two small, curved lines above the eyes for eyebrows, giving your monkey an expressive and lively look.
Step 4: Draw the Ears
Next, we’re going to add some character to our monkey by drawing its ears.
- Positioning: On either side of the head, draw large, floppy ears. Imagine these ears as semi-circles or even soft ovals, slightly drooping down.
- Size: The size of the ears can vary depending on how cute or realistic you want your monkey to look. Larger ears tend to give the monkey a more playful, cartoonish feel, while smaller ears can make it look more natural.
Step 5: Add a Tuft of Hair
Now, let’s add a little tuft of hair on top of your monkey’s head.
- Shape: This can be as simple as a small, curved line or a sprout-like shape sticking up. It’s a small detail, but it adds a lot of personality to your drawing.
- Position: Center this tuft at the top of the head, just above where the face meets the top of the oval. This little touch makes your monkey look more playful and lively.
Step 6: Draw the Arms
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Let’s give our monkey some arms!
- Shape: Draw two long, curved lines starting from each side of the body. These will form the monkey’s arms. The arms should be slightly rounded to give the impression of flexibility and movement.
- Hands: At the ends of the arms, draw simple hands. You can keep these very basic—just a few lines for the fingers will do. Remember, this drawing is meant to be easy and fun, so don’t stress about the details too much.
Step 7: Add the Legs
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It’s time to add some legs to our monkey.
- Position: For a sitting position, draw two bent lines at the bottom of the body to represent the legs. The legs should look like they are folded in a relaxed sitting pose.
- Feet: Add half-round shapes at the bottom for the feet. These can be simple and rounded, giving the monkey a cute, cuddly appearance.
- Connection: Connect the body to the legs with a curved line at the bottom, which will form the lower part of the body.
Step 8: Draw the Tail
A monkey wouldn’t be complete without its tail!
- Shape: Draw a playful tail by sketching a curved line starting from the back of the body. Let it loop up and curl around, giving it a lively, dynamic look.
- Position: The tail should flow naturally from the body, adding a sense of movement to your drawing. Whether it’s looping or curling, this tail will add the final touch of character to your monkey.
Step 9: Fill the Head
Now, let’s give some depth to your drawing by filling in the head with black ink or a darker pencil shade.
- Contrast: By shading in the head, you’ll create a nice contrast that makes your monkey stand out on the page.
- Care: Be careful to keep the eyes, nose, and mouth clear so they remain the focal points of the face.
Step 10: Final Touches
You’re almost there! Now let’s make your monkey really pop.
- Outline: If you started with a pencil, now’s the time to go over your lines with a fine black marker. This will give your monkey a bold, finished look.
- Erase: Gently erase any unnecessary pencil marks, leaving behind a clean, polished drawing.
- Review: Step back and review your work. Add any last details or adjustments that you think will make your monkey even more adorable.
🐒 30 Simple Monkey Drawing Ideas That’ll Inspire You
Now that you’ve mastered the basics, let’s explore some more creative monkey drawing ideas. These ideas range from simple sketches to more playful and detailed illustrations, perfect for expanding your artistic repertoire.
1. Monkey Face
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Start with the basics—a simple, cute monkey face. Draw large ears, a small tuft of hair on top, and give the monkey a surprised expression with a small, open mouth. This design is perfect for capturing that innocent, wide-eyed look that makes monkeys so endearing.
2. Monkey with Flower
For a touch of charm, try drawing a monkey with a flower on its head. This monkey sits contently with a curled tail, giving off a relaxed and happy vibe. The flower adds a gentle, whimsical touch that makes this monkey drawing easy and delightful to replicate.
3. Monkey with Camera
Imagine a curious monkey holding a camera, ready to snap a picture. With large, round ears and a playful tail, this easy-to-draw monkey exudes charm and curiosity. This is a fun drawing idea that brings a sense of adventure to your sketch.
4. Monkey Riding Scooter
Take your monkey on a ride! Draw a monkey riding a scooter, its tail trailing behind as it zooms forward. With focused eyes and a sense of movement, this monkey drawing captures the fun and energy of a playful monkey on the go.
5. Monkey Playing Guitar
Here’s a fun twist—a monkey playing a guitar! Sketch your monkey strumming a tune, with musical notes floating in the air. The content expression on its face suggests it’s enjoying the melody, making this a delightful and engaging drawing idea.
6. Monkey Eating Banana
No monkey drawing collection would be complete without a monkey holding a banana. Draw a cute monkey with a big, contented smile as it enjoys its favorite snack. This classic pose is both simple and satisfying to draw.
7. Monkey Swinging From Vine
Capture a moment of playful joy by drawing a monkey hanging from a vine by its tail. The relaxed, content expression on the monkey’s face adds to the carefree feel of this easy, cute monkey drawing.
8. Monkey with Cupcake
How about a sweet treat? Draw a small monkey holding a cupcake topped with a cherry. The monkey’s delighted expression makes this a charming and joyful drawing, perfect for adding a touch of sweetness to your artwork.
9. Smiley Monkey
Draw a simple, smiley monkey face with a wide, happy grin. Add a small nose and round, gleeful eyes to complete the look. The ears are round and prominent, and a playful tuft of hair on top adds to the overall cuteness of this drawing.
10. Monkey Sleeping In Tree
Imagine a peaceful scene of a cartoon monkey sleeping on a tree branch. Add “zzz” floating above to show it’s fast asleep. The tail curls snugly, and the monkey’s content expression makes this a calming and serene drawing.
11. Monkey with Magic Wand
Create a magical scene by drawing a monkey holding a magic wand, surrounded by stars and sparkles. This idea captures the playful imagination of a monkey casting spells and adds a whimsical touch to your drawing.
12. Monkey Wearing Hat
Give your monkey a stylish accessory! Draw a monkey wearing a hat and a suit, giving off a dapper, sophisticated vibe. The gentle smile on its face adds to the charm of this simple monkey drawing.
13. Monkey with Jump Rope
Here’s a playful idea—draw a monkey with a jump rope, ready for some fun skipping action. The content and playful expression on the monkey’s face make this drawing lively and engaging.
14. Monkey Playing with Butterfly
Capture a tender moment by drawing a monkey sitting and reaching out curiously towards a butterfly. This scene is playful and gentle, making it a perfect drawing idea for kids or anyone who loves nature.
15. Monkey Peeking Out From Behind Tree
Add some mischief to your drawing by sketching a monkey peeking out from behind a tree with a cheerful expression. This cute monkey drawing is sure to brighten up any space with its playful vibe.
16. Monkey Wearing Sunglasses
For a cool and laid-back look, draw a monkey wearing sunglasses. With its round ears sticking out on either side of the head, this monkey exudes confidence and relaxation, perfect for a fun and trendy drawing.
17. Monkey Wearing Superhero Cape
Imagine your monkey as a superhero! Draw it wearing a cape and a diamond emblem on its chest, posing heroically. This simple, easy monkey drawing captures the playful imagination of a monkey as a little superhero.
18. Monkey Wearing Bow Tie
Add a touch of elegance to your drawing by sketching a monkey with a bow tie. The heart-shaped face and pleasant smile make this monkey sketch both sweet and charming.
19. Monkey Dressed As Pirate
Get adventurous with a kawaii monkey dressed as a pirate. Add an eye patch, a pirate hat adorned with a skull and crossbones, and have the monkey holding a treasure map. This drawing idea is full of fun and excitement, perfect for those who love pirate adventures.
20. Monkey with Crown
Make your monkey look regal by drawing it with a crown on its head. The large, friendly eyes and simple, pleasant smile give this monkey a royal yet adorable appearance, ideal for those who want to draw a monkey that’s both cute and majestic.
21. Monkey with Birthday Cake
Celebrate with a monkey! Draw an animated monkey wearing a party hat, excitedly reaching for a large birthday cake with lit candles. This drawing is perfect for capturing the joy and excitement of a birthday celebration.
22. Monkey Playing with Ball
Draw a cheerful monkey holding a ball, ready to play. With a wide smile and eyes full of excitement, this drawing captures a playful and active moment, perfect for conveying a sense of fun.
23. Monkey Making Funny Face
Add some humor to your drawing with a monkey making a funny face. Sketch a playful tongue sticking out and a cheerful expression. This funny monkey drawing is sure to bring a smile to anyone who sees it.
24. Monkey Sitting on Branch
Create a serene scene by drawing a monkey sitting on a branch with a gentle and happy expression. Focus on the monkey’s outline, with its distinctive tail, ears, and pleasant face, for a simple yet elegant drawing.
25. Monkey Grooming Another Monkey
Show some affection by drawing one monkey grooming another smaller monkey. Both monkeys have closed eyes and contented smiles, making this a heartwarming and tender drawing.
26. Monkey with Kite
Draw a monkey holding onto a kite with a large grin on its face. The playful pose and cheerful expression make this a lively and dynamic drawing full of life and movement.
27. Sitting Monkey
For a simple and inviting look, draw a sitting monkey with a sweet face and a tail curled up behind it. This drawing is a perfect example of a straightforward, cute monkey that’s easy to draw.
28. Monkey Riding Skateboard
Sketch a monkey on a skateboard, seemingly in motion and having fun. This playful and adventurous spirit makes it one of those cute monkey drawings that capture the imagination.
29. Monkey Swinging from Tire
Draw a monkey sitting on a tire swing, holding onto the rope with one hand while its tail hangs down casually. This fun and playful monkey drawing brings a sense of carefree joy to your sketch.
30. Monkey with Fishing Rod
Finally, draw a serene scene of a monkey sitting and holding a fishing rod with a content smile on its face. This peaceful image is perfect for those who want to draw a monkey enjoying a quiet, relaxing moment.
📝 Tips for Success
- Light Lines: Keep your initial lines light so you can easily erase and adjust as needed.
- Practice: Don’t worry if your first attempt isn’t perfect. Drawing is a skill that improves with practice.
- Experiment: Feel free to tweak the shapes and proportions to suit your style. The more you personalize your drawing, the more unique it will be.
This simple guide is designed to help you create a delightful monkey drawing, perfect for children’s illustrations or just for some light-hearted fun. Enjoy the process, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different expressions and poses!
🎉 Congratulations on Your Monkey Drawing Masterpiece!
By following this step-by-step guide and exploring these 30 creative monkey drawing ideas, you’ve unlocked the secrets to creating an adorable and easy monkey drawing. Remember, drawing isn’t just about achieving a perfect image—it’s about enjoying the process and letting your creativity flow. Whether you’re sketching for relaxation, honing your artistic skills, or simply having fun, keep exploring, experimenting, and embracing your unique style. Happy drawing!
