
Cartoon sharks! In a previous lesson here on the site – we tackled drawing a shark in a very ‘normal-looking’ pose, much the same as one would appear, swimming through the depths of the ocean.
Here though – and similar to the one you see up top in the header… I’d like to show you how to ‘cartoonify’ the animal even further, giving it an entirely new look – as well as some character, in the process.
Let’s draw!
How to Draw Cartoon Sharks, Step by Step
A look I came up with a long time ago… whenever I draw fish, sharks, whales, dolphins, etc. — it’s fun to have them almost ‘sitting’ instead of the usual run-of-the-mill ‘swimming through the ocean’ look.
It’s in these situations where we can really get creative – making something look ‘other than’ *and in a cool way* it’s supposed to.
Starting with a simple ‘arced’ framework…

And then – the lines… beginning with the right eye (and eyebrow!?)… 🙂

Next – come around the the snout and the back of its head…

Now give your shark a big smile. Notice how the framework really just outlines the basic shape of the overall structure. Unlike in other cases, here it’s about simplicity — of course — get more advanced if you need to.
Whatever works!

A tail for your shark… following along that arc…

And next – give your shark a flipper, as well as some definition with respect to just how ‘big’ (or full!) it is!…

Some details… a few key components (other eyelid + mouth area + flipper) — to really make it look 3D!…

And color… of course!

And in the end, we’ve got something that truly passes for not only a cartoon shark – but one with a unique character and look of its own.
What would be really neat – I think — is to extend the bone/structure on either side of its head, to make it into a Hammerhead. Give it a go! See how it turns out. Just remember that the left bone/eye extension (its left) will seem smaller and shorter – as it of course would appear further away.
Hey – nice job!