How to Draw a Unicorn in 7 Easy Steps!

MathiasAuthor Mathias• Father of three children
March 24, 2026

Level of difficulty:
EasyAdvanced

Unicorn drawing - Step by Step

A unicorn is not only the dream of little girls. The graceful mythical creatures enchant young and old and stand for magic and the courage to be different. With the right tricks it is not difficult to draw a wonderful unicorn. This tutorial shows you step by step how to do it. You can also use it as a template for drawing a horse.

For the drawing you need a pencil, an eraser, an eraser-proof drawing pen and suitable colors according to your preferences. You can use a dividers for the circles, but circles drawn freehand are usually sufficient for animal drawings. Otherwise they quickly look too artificial.

Welcome to our magical unicorn drawing tutorial! Whether you’re a child or a beginner artist, this tutorial is designed to guide you through the enchanting process of drawing a unicorn in just 7 easy steps. With two levels of difficulty, even the youngest artists can enjoy creating their own mystical creature. We’ll use basic shapes and lines to build the unicorn, making it easy and fun for everyone!

This tutorial is crafted for children aged 8 and up as well as beginners who want to explore their artistic talents. By the end, you’ll have a beautiful unicorn drawing ready to be colored. Grab your pencils, and let’s start bringing your unicorn to life!

What You Will Need

  • A4 drawing paper for smooth sketching
  • HB pencil for initial outlines
  • 2B pencil for adding details
  • Kneaded eraser to clean up guidelines
  • Colored pencils in pink, blue, green, and yellow for vibrant coloring
  • Fine-tip black marker for final outlines
Difficulty
Intermediate (advanced tutorial) & Easy (simple version for kids)
Time needed
Approximately 15 to 20 minutes

Unicorn drawing - Step by Step

Step 1: Head and muzzle

Begin by sketching two circles to represent the unicorn’s head. Use light pressure with your pencil, as these lines will be guidelines. The larger circle will form the main part of the head, while the smaller, slightly oval circle will become the muzzle.

Tip: Keep your strokes gentle so they are easy to erase later.

Unicorn drawing - template

Step 2: Hull

Draw two larger circles to establish the unicorn’s torso. These circles will help you mark out where the unicorn’s muscular structure is. Position them slightly overlapping to create a natural flow between the neck and body.

Tip: Using simple shapes helps maintain proportion and balance.

How to Draw a Unicorn - Step by Step Guide

Step 3: Neck, back and tail

Sketch a flowing line from the nose, along the neck, and down the back to outline the unicorn’s elegant posture. Extend this line to form the tail, aiming for a graceful curve.

Tip: A continuous line creates a smooth and natural appearance.

How to Draw a Unicorn - Step by Step

Step 4: Horn and chest

Mark the position for the unicorn’s horn on the head. Complete the torso by connecting the circles and adding an outline for the chest area. Ensure that your horn is centered on the forehead for a balanced look.

Tip: Use light strokes to adjust the horn’s length and angle.

Unicorn drawing - Step by Step

Step 5: Limbs and first permanent contours

Sketch the unicorn’s legs as if it’s in motion, using small circles to indicate joints and lines for the limbs. Draw the hooves and refine the outline of the head, body, and tail lines. Add preliminary details to the unicorn’s face to start bringing it to life.

Tip: Visualize the legs’ movement to achieve a dynamic pose.

Unicorn drawing - Step by Step

Step 6: Mane and other details

Flesh out the legs and face details with your drawing pencil. Add a flowing, magical mane and a tail that reflects the unicorn’s grace. Let your creativity guide the mane’s style.

Tip: Use varying line thickness to give the mane and tail a lively texture.

How to Draw a Unicorn - Step by Step

Step 7: Removing the guides

Carefully erase any remaining guidelines to clean up your drawing. This step will help highlight the unicorn’s final shape and ensure it stands out.

Tip: A kneaded eraser works best for precise erasing without damaging the paper.

Unicorn drawing - Step by Step

Step 8: Coloring

Now it’s time to add color! Use your colored pencils to bring your unicorn to life. Consider adding shading to give it a more three-dimensional look. Experiment with different colors for the mane and tail to make your unicorn unique.

Tip: Blend colors smoothly for a magical effect.

Drawing completed?
Take a picture and send it to show@colomio.com – we publish it on www.colomio.com!

All tutorials and images are copyrighted by happycolorz GmbH. Interested in using it? Please send a mail to info@colomio.com.

Simple unicorn painting

Unicorn drawing - Step by Step

With the help of this template, you’ll be able to draw a lively unicorn in cartoon style step by step. You’ll need a hard pencil for drawing fine outlines, an eraser, an eraser-proof drawing pencil in a dark color, and a pack of colored pencils. Let’s go!

Unicorn drawing - Step by Step

Step 1: Head and muzzle

Start by drawing two circles next to each other on the paper. The larger circle will be the main part of the unicorn’s head, while the smaller oval will form the nose area. These simple shapes make it easy to get started.

Tip: Keep your pencil strokes light for easy adjustments.

Unicorn drawing - lesson

Step 2: Hull

Below the head, draw a larger circle for the chest and a smaller one to the left for the back. These shapes will serve as the foundation for the unicorn’s body. Check the distances to ensure the proportions look right.

Tip: Use the circles as a guide to maintain symmetry.

Unicorn drawing - Step by Step Guide

Step 3: Legs and tail

Draw a gentle curve from the unicorn’s hindquarters to suggest where the tail will go. Use small strokes to outline the legs, paying attention to their position. Refer to the template to check the angles and positions of the limbs.

Tip: Keep practicing these strokes to improve your technique.

Unicorn drawing - Step by Step

Step 4: First permanent contours

Trace the contours of the body with a pencil to make them permanent. Outline the head and nostrils, then connect the head to the torso. Now the unicorn has a belly, back, and neck in place.

Tip: Take your time to ensure smooth and even lines.

Unicorn drawing - Step by Step

Step 5: Final silhouette and face

Add the ears to the unicorn with a few simple strokes. Draw its eyes, nose, and mouth for a full face. Use the guide line to shape the tail and make the legs thicker, ending in small hooves.

Tip: Use reference images to get the facial features just right.

How to Draw a Unicorn - Step by Step

Step 6: Horn, mane and tail

Continue shaping the unicorn by adding a mane with flowing lines, giving the tail more structure. Draw the horn, transforming the horse into a true unicorn. Let your imagination be inspired by the template!

Tip: Feel free to add extra details for a personal touch.

Unicorn drawing - Step by Step

Step 7: Removing the guides

Erase any guide lines gently, using an eraser to clean up your drawing. Your unicorn is nearly complete!

Tip: Be careful not to smudge your final outlines while erasing.

Unicorn drawing - Step by Step

Step 8: Coloring

It’s time to color your unicorn! Use your colored pencils to create a vibrant and magical creature. The template suggests a white horse with a colorful mane, but feel free to choose your colors and make it your own.

Tip: Experiment with different color combinations to discover new looks.

Drawing completed?
Take a picture and send it to show@colomio.com – we publish it on www.colomio.com!

All tutorials and images are copyrighted by happycolorz GmbH. Interested in using it? Please send a mail to info@colomio.com.

Your Unicorn Drawing Is Complete!

Congratulations on completing your unicorn drawing! We hope you enjoyed the process and are proud of your magical creation. Feel free to explore other tutorials on our site, such as how to draw a dragon or a fairy, to continue your artistic journey. Keep drawing and have fun!

Frequently Asked Questions About Drawing a Unicorn

What type of paper is best for drawing a unicorn?

A4 drawing paper is recommended as it provides a smooth surface ideal for both sketching and coloring.

How can I make my unicorn drawing more realistic?

To achieve a realistic look, focus on adding shading with your colored pencils and pay attention to the details, such as the mane and facial features.

Can I use markers instead of colored pencils?

Yes, you can use markers, but be mindful of their boldness. Colored pencils offer more control for shading and blending.

What is the best way to draw the unicorn’s mane?

Use flowing lines with varying thickness to give the mane a natural and lively appearance. Let your creativity guide the style of the mane.

How do I fix mistakes while drawing?

Use a kneaded eraser to gently remove errors without damaging the paper. Light pencil lines are easier to correct.

More ideas for drawing

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