Learning how to draw an octopus is so much fun! With its big round head and long, curly tentacles, this sea creature gives you lots of room to be creative. Follow these simple 8 steps, and you’ll have your very own octopus drawing in no time.

Step 1 : Draw the Octopus’s Mantle

Start by marking the picture’s width and height to guide your placement. Then draw a rounded shape for the octopus’s mantle (its head). Add a light center line to help keep everything balanced.

Short tip: Keep your first lines very light.
Light guidelines are easier to erase later and help you adjust the shape if needed.

Step 2 : Mark the Tentacle Placement

Sketch long, flowing lines around the mantle to show where the tentacles will go. Let them curve and swirl in different directions to create movement.

Short tip: Think wavy and loose.
Octopus tentacles are flexible, so avoid stiff or straight lines.

Step 3 : Refine the Tentacle Shapes

Draw light guidelines over the tentacles to define their thickness and curves. Make each arm slightly different so they look natural.

Short tip: Vary the curves.
Different sizes and bends make the octopus look more lively and realistic.

Step 4 : Add the Eye and Tentacle Forms

Now draw the basic shapes for the tentacles by outlining around your guidelines. Add a large circular eye on the side of the mantle.

Short tip: Keep the eye bold and clear.
A strong eye shape helps give your octopus personality.

Step 5 : Plan the Suction Cups

Draw lines along the underside of the tentacles to show where the suction cups will be. Add more detail to the eye, including the inner circle.

Short tip: Follow the curve.
Make sure the suction cup lines follow the natural bend of each tentacle.

Step 6 : Draw the Suction Cups and Pupils

Add small rounded shapes along the tentacles for suction cups. Draw the pupil inside the eye and darken it slightly.

Short tip: Keep cups evenly spaced.
Even spacing makes the tentacles look neat and well-structured.

Step 7 : Complete the Remaining Tentacles

Add suction cups to the rest of the arms and refine the curves. Smooth out any uneven lines and adjust the overall shape.

Short tip: Step back and check balance.
Make sure the tentacles spread nicely around the body.

Step 8 : Outline and Add Final Details

Outline the octopus with thicker and thinner lines to give it depth. Add small details like light texture marks and tiny bubbles around it. Finally, erase all guidelines.

Short tip: Mix thick and thin lines.
Thicker outlines make the drawing pop, while thinner lines add soft detail.

You did it! 🐙 Now you have a detailed octopus drawing ready to color or decorate however you like.