◷ 15 minutes◎ Ages 5–9✦ Drawing
Quick start

Start with a large oval, add eyes and a smile, then give the character one unusual detail. The aim is to make choices, not copy a perfect picture.

Finished example for Draw a friendly monster from simple shapes
Inspiration image: one possible finished result. Your artwork should be your own.
Your creative mission

What you will learn

Use colours and simple shapes to build a character.

Skills: Shape recognition, expression and character design

Jump to picture steps ↓

What you’ll need

  • Paper
  • Pencil
  • Eraser
  • Colour pencils

Get ready: Use a pencil to sketch a big shape before adding details.

Six-frame visual journey for Draw a friendly monster from simple shapes, ending in a colourful creative variation
Visual journey: use the numbered guide below for complete instructions. The final inspiration image is one imaginative variation, not a required result.
Follow along

Make it, one picture at a time.

Look at the picture, try that step on your paper, then move to the next. Follow the numbered stages, then choose your own colours and details.

  1. Stage 1 of 5: Draw one large oval or rounded rectangle for the monster’s body. Leave room above for horns or hair.
    STEP 01

    Draw one large oval or rounded rectangle for the monster’s body. Leave room above for horns or hair.

  2. Stage 2 of 5: Place two circles inside the shape for the eyes. Try making one eye slightly larger for a playful look.
    STEP 02

    Place two circles inside the shape for the eyes. Try making one eye slightly larger for a playful look.

  3. Stage 3 of 5: Add a curved smile, small arms and two feet. Use simple lines so the character stays easy to recognise.
    STEP 03

    Add a curved smile, small arms and two feet. Use simple lines so the character stays easy to recognise.

  4. Stage 4 of 5: Choose one surprising detail: three freckles, striped horns or a pocket.
    STEP 04

    Choose one surprising detail: three freckles, striped horns or a pocket.

  5. Stage 5 of 5: Outline the shapes you want to keep and colour the body using two or three colours.
    STEP 05

    Outline the shapes you want to keep and colour the body using two or three colours.

Make it your own

Ask the child to name the monster and describe what makes it friendly. This turns a drawing into a small storytelling activity.

Talk about it: What might your monster say to a new friend?

Help a young artist learn

These practical notes are for parents, carers and teachers. Children can follow the picture steps above.

For parents and carers — teach together

Start together

Use a pencil to sketch a big shape before adding details.

During the activity

Invite the child to tell you what makes the monster friendly.

Afterwards

Ask: What might your monster say to a new friend?

For teachers — classroom adaptation

Learning focus

Shape recognition, expression and character design

Demonstrate and guide

Show the oval, pause, and invite each child to add a different detail.

Observe, do not grade the artwork

Ask learners to describe one choice they made and one thing they would try differently.

Make it easier or take it further

Make it easier

Try one eye and a simple smile.

Extra challenge

Draw two versions of the monster showing different feelings.

Keep creating

Make animals using circles, triangles and squares

An easy drawing challenge that shows how complex pictures begin with simple shapes.

Create a funny three-panel comic

Practice visual storytelling with a beginning, a surprise and an ending.

Activities are suggestions, not assessments. Adapt materials and supervise as needed.