70 Easy Drawings You Can Do in 5 Minutes or Less

Do you want to draw but don’t have much time? Or maybe you already enjoy drawing and just want something simple to sketch when you have a few minutes to spare.

Either way, you’ll find plenty of easy drawing ideas here.

We’ve put together quick easy drawings, ranging from simple doodles like a lollipop and diamond to cute animals, characters, food, holiday drawings, and easy pencil sketches.

You don’t need to be an experienced artist, either. Many of these drawings begin with familiar shapes such as circles, ovals, triangles, rectangles, and curved lines.

The basic version of most of these ideas can be kept very simple. If you decide to add shading, color, backgrounds, or extra details, you can spend as much time on them as you like.

Grab a pencil and some paper, choose an idea that looks fun, and start drawing.

What You Need to Start Drawing

You really don’t need much equipment for these drawings.

A regular No. 2 or HB pencil and some drawing paper will work just fine. A notebook or printer paper is also perfectly suitable when you’re practicing.

Keep an eraser nearby, especially if you’re a beginner. Try making your first lines lightly so you can change the shape without leaving heavy marks behind.

If you’re new to drawing, starting with a simple black-and-white sketch can make things easier. It lets you concentrate on shapes and proportions before worrying about color.

Once you’re happy with your drawing, you can bring out colored pencils, markers, crayons, or paint to give it more personality.

And remember: your drawing does not have to look exactly like the example. Change the colors, expressions, patterns, or little details whenever you want.

Easiest Drawings for Beginners: Start Here

If you’re staring at a blank page wondering what on earth to draw, start here.

I chose these 11 drawings because they’re simple enough for beginners, but they’re not so basic that drawing them feels like homework. Most of them start with shapes you already know how to make—a circle, square, rectangle, or a few curved lines.

And honestly, that’s my favorite kind of drawing: the kind that looks cute when you’re finished without making you question all your life choices halfway through.

I also picked everyday things that feel familiar. There’s something much less intimidating about drawing a donut or a pair of glasses than deciding today is the day you’re going to master a realistic human hand.

So grab a pencil and let’s start with the easy wins.

1. Lollipop

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I’m starting with a lollipop because it’s basically a circle on a stick, which is exactly the level of commitment I want from a first drawing. It’s simple, cheerful, and almost impossible to overcomplicate unless you suddenly decide your lollipop needs photorealistic cellophane wrapping. Please don’t do that to yourself.

Start with a circle or slightly oval shape for the candy, then add a straight line underneath for the stick. You can add a spiral, stripes, little highlights, or even a tiny face.

Why I chose it: It’s an easy confidence booster. You can finish it quickly and immediately feel like, “Okay, I can actually do this.”

2. Diamond

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I picked a diamond next because after all those curves, it’s nice to give the ruler-loving part of your brain something to enjoy. A diamond is really just a collection of straight lines pretending to be expensive.

Start by drawing the outer diamond shape with a wider top and pointed bottom. Then add a few diagonal lines inside to create the facets. The slightly annoying part is getting both sides reasonably even, but don’t obsess over it. Mine doesn’t need to be ready for an engagement ring. It just needs to look like a diamond.

Why I chose it: It’s a simple way to practice straight lines and symmetry without drawing anything complicated.

3. Dice

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A dice reminds me that very ordinary objects can actually be fun to draw. At first, it’s just a square with dots. Easy.

Then you try making it look three-dimensional and suddenly you’re getting a tiny introduction to perspective without signing up for an art-school lecture. For the easiest version, draw a square and add the dots. If you want a little challenge, draw another slightly offset square behind it and connect the corners.

Why I chose it: You can make this as easy or as challenging as you want. Start flat, then try the 3D version when you’re feeling brave.

4. Sleeping Moon

I love cute sleepy drawings, probably because I can relate to anything that looks like it would rather be taking a nap. A sleeping moon is also one of those drawings that looks adorable with very little effort.

Start with two curved lines to make a crescent moon. Then add a closed eye, a few eyelashes, and a tiny smile. You can surround it with stars, clouds, little dots, or leave it simple.

Why I chose it: It feels calm and cozy, and you only need a few lines to give the moon a surprising amount of personality.

5. Smiling Sun

If the moon gets to sleep, the sun apparently has to show up for work.

For this one, start with a circle and add short lines or little triangles around the outside for the rays. Then add two eyes and a smile. That’s really all you need.

You can make your sun look ridiculously happy, half-asleep, confused, wearing sunglasses, whatever mood you’re in.

Why I chose it: A sun is one of the first things many of us learn to doodle, so it feels familiar. Giving it a face makes it much more fun.

6. Band-Aid

I know a Band-Aid is a slightly random thing to draw. That’s exactly why I like it.

Not every drawing needs to be a beautiful flower, dramatic landscape, or meaningful work of art. Sometimes you just want to draw a tiny Band-Aid with a smiling face.

Draw one long rounded rectangle, add a smaller rectangle in the middle for the pad, then place a few tiny dots at each end. And because apparently I can’t leave ordinary objects alone, I like adding a little face, heart, or star.

Why I chose it: It shows that almost any everyday object can become a cute doodle once you simplify it into basic shapes.

7. Eyeglasses

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Glasses look simple until you draw the first lens and realize the second one is expected to match it. Rude. Still, that’s exactly what makes them good practice.

Draw two circles, ovals, or rounded rectangles for the lenses. Connect them with a small bridge in the middle, then add the arms on either side.

And if one lens ends up slightly larger than the other? Congratulations. You have designed very fashionable asymmetric glasses.

Why I chose it: They’re great for practicing symmetry, but still simple enough that a beginner can draw them without getting overwhelmed.

8. Tea Cup

A little cup of tea feels like the drawing equivalent of getting comfortable. I like this one because a teacup looks much more complicated than it actually is. Once you break it down, it’s mostly an oval, a couple of curves, and a C-shaped handle.

Start with an oval for the opening of the cup. Bring two curved lines downward, connect them at the bottom, and add the handle. Then draw a few loose wavy lines above it for steam.

Personally, I think the steam is important. Without it, it’s just a cup sitting there. With steam, suddenly we’re having a cozy moment.

Why I chose it: It introduces a few different shapes while still being easy and relaxing to draw.

9. Apple Watch

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I wanted at least one modern everyday object in the list, and a smartwatch is surprisingly beginner-friendly.

When you really look at it, it’s mostly rounded rectangles.

Draw the watch face first, then extend the strap from the top and bottom. Add a small button on the side and whatever you want on the screen. A clock. A heart. Activity rings. A ridiculously low battery warning. Very realistic.

Why I chose it: It’s a good reminder to look at objects around you and reduce them to their simplest shapes instead of worrying about every tiny detail.

10. Cute Basketball

Begin with one large circle.

I picked a basketball because drawing a perfect circle is one of those things that sounds easy until a pencil is actually in your hand. Thankfully, your circle does not need to be perfect.

Start with the round shape, then add the curved seam lines that make it recognizable as a basketball. And because this list clearly has a theme of giving inanimate objects emotional lives, add two eyes and a smile if you want the cute version.

Why I chose it: It gives you practice drawing circles and curved lines, but there aren’t many details to worry about.

11. Donut

Obviously, I had to end with food. A donut might be my favorite drawing in this group because there’s almost no way to make it boring.

Start with a large circle or oval and add a smaller hole in the center. Then draw an uneven line around the top for the frosting. And this is one situation where wonky lines actually help, the frosting looks better when it drips unevenly.

Then comes the important artistic decision: sprinkles, chocolate drizzle, icing, cute face… or all of them because nobody is stopping you.

Why I chose it: It’s easy to draw, very forgiving, and gives you lots of room to add your own personality.

Which One Should You Draw First?

If you’re completely new to drawing, I’d start with the lollipop, smiling sun, or donut. They use very basic shapes and you can finish them without spending forever fixing tiny details.

If you want a little more practice, try the diamond, eyeglasses, or dice. They’ll make you pay more attention to symmetry, straight lines, and perspective.

But honestly, don’t overthink your choice.

Pick whichever one makes you think, “Yep, I want to draw that.”

That’s usually a much better reason to start than trying to find the perfect beginner drawing.

Draw All 11 With Me

If you’d rather draw along instead of working from the finished examples, I made a video showing all 11 drawings from start to finish.

I’ll begin with the basic shapes, add the details one step at a time, and keep everything beginner-friendly.

Grab whatever pencil and paper you have nearby and draw along with me. And if yours looks a little different from mine, good, that means it’s yours. Onto the next set!

Cute and Small Easy Drawings

These little drawings work well in journals, school notes, cards, sketchbooks, and anywhere you have a small empty space to fill.

12. Head in the Clouds

This idea is perfect for a daydreaming theme.

Start with a simple head or face shape. Around it, draw soft cloud forms made from overlapping curves.

Fill the surrounding space with things your character might be imagining: stars, birds, hearts, moons, flowers, or even tiny planets.

13. Message in a Bottle

Draw the outline of a narrow bottle first and add a cork at the top.

Inside, sketch a small rolled piece of paper. A couple of curved lines are enough to make the paper look rolled.

For a more magical scene, add waves, stars, sand, a heart, or a tiny message.

14. Ice Cream

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An ice cream cone gives you plenty of room to be playful.

Make a triangle for the cone and add one or more rounded scoops on top. Cross a few diagonal lines over the cone for the waffle texture.

Sprinkles, syrup, a cherry, or a cute face can all be added afterward.

15. Cute Cake

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Start with the basic cake shape before thinking about decorations.

A rectangle, oval, or cylinder is enough for the base. Add frosting around the top and decorate it with candles, sprinkles, fruit, hearts, or whatever suits the occasion.

You can even add another layer if you want a taller cake.

16. Cute Lipstick

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A lipstick drawing works best when you keep the main shapes simple.

Draw a narrow rectangular tube, then add the lipstick shape coming out of the top. Make the lipstick tip slightly slanted rather than completely flat.

Add a heart, sparkle, face, or decorative pattern to the tube if you want a more playful version.

17. Cupcake

Draw the wrapper first using a short trapezoid shape.

Add a few vertical lines across it, then build the frosting on top with large curved or swirling lines.

Sprinkles are an easy finishing touch, or you can add a cherry, candle, strawberry, or tiny face.

18. Rainbow Cloud

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Begin with two fluffy clouds made from rounded bumps.

Connect them using several large curved lines to form the rainbow. Try to keep the spaces between each rainbow band fairly even.

Add raindrops, stars, hearts, or little faces to make the drawing more cheerful.

19. Cute Shooting Star

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Draw the star first, then give it a sense of movement.

Two or three curved lines extending behind it are enough to create the shooting trail. Add a few small stars or sparkles around the outside.

A simple smiling face can turn it into a cute character.

20. Cute Watermelon

For a watermelon slice, start with a semicircle rather than trying to draw a whole melon.

Add another curved line along the bottom for the rind and several small seed shapes inside.

Once you have the basic version, try giving it tiny eyes and a smile or adding bright pink, red, and green colors.

21. Yummy Pizza

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A single slice is easier and quicker to draw than a whole pizza.

Start with a triangle and add a slightly rounded crust along the wide end. Then choose your toppings.

Pepperoni can be made with circles, while mushrooms, olives, peppers, and melting cheese give you plenty of ways to customize your slice.

Easy Animal Drawings

Animals become much less intimidating when you stop trying to draw every detail. Look for simple body shapes first, then add the features that make each animal recognizable.

22. Cute Wolf

A wolf face can be easier than drawing the whole animal.

Begin with the general head shape and two pointed ears. Add the eyes, nose, and a few pointed tufts around the cheeks.

If you want more depth, lightly shade around the ears, eyes, and sides of the face rather than trying to draw every individual strand of fur.

23. Baby Shark

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Keep this shark friendly rather than realistic.

Use a long oval or curved shape for the body, then add a triangular tail and fin. A large eye and wide smile will give it a cartoon look.

You can keep it black and white or add bright colors for a more playful result.

24. Cute Cat

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Why not try a cat if you want an easy animal drawing?

Start with a round head and two triangular ears. Add a small body underneath, followed by a curved tail.

Whiskers, tiny paws, and a small nose are usually enough. Making the head a little larger than the body can give your cat an extra-cute look.

25. Tiny Penguin

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A penguin is a great choice because its body can be simplified into one oval.

Add a lighter belly shape inside it, two small flippers, and tiny feet.

Finish with dot eyes and a short triangular beak. You don’t need to draw individual feathers for it to look like a penguin.

26. Sea Turtle

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Start with a large oval for the shell.

Add a smaller head at one end and four rounded flippers around the body. Divide the shell into a few simple shapes instead of trying to copy a complicated real shell pattern.

Use markers or colored pencils afterward if you want to make each shell section different.

27. Baby Alligator

Begin with the alligator’s long head and snout.

Add the body behind it, followed by four short legs and a long tail. Place the eyes near the top of the head, then add a few bumps along the back.

A smiling mouth can keep your baby alligator friendly rather than fierce.

28. Cute Baby Elephant

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The trunk is the feature that makes an elephant instantly recognizable.

Start with the head, then extend a long curved trunk downward. Add two large ears on either side.

If you want the whole elephant, use a larger oval for the body and simple pillar-like shapes for the legs.

29. Unicorn

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A unicorn can be as simple or detailed as you want.

Start with the basic horse-like head shape. Add two ears and one horn coming from the forehead.

The mane is where you can be creative. Use wavy lines, curls, stars, or even a rainbow of colors.

30. Octopus

You can make an octopus with surprisingly few lines.

Draw a large rounded head and extend eight wavy tentacles from underneath. They don’t need to be the same length or shape.

Add two eyes and a simple mouth. If you have extra time, place small circles along some of the tentacles for suction cups.

31. Hedgehog

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Start with a small oval or rounded body.

Extend one side into a pointed face and place a tiny nose at the end. Fill the back with short pointed or zigzag lines for the spines.

Small feet and one dot eye are enough to finish your hedgehog.

32. Whale

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A cartoon whale works well with one large curved shape.

Add a tail at the back, two small fins, and a tiny eye. A curved mouth can make it look friendly.

For a fun extra detail, draw a few drops of water coming from the top of the whale’s head.

33. Owl

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Owls look detailed because of their feathers, but the basic drawing can be very simple.

Start with the head and body, then make two large circles for the eyes. Add a small triangular beak and simple wings along the sides.

A few V-shaped or scalloped lines can suggest feathers without drawing them individually.

34. Panda

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Begin with a large round head.

Add two dark circular ears and two oval patches around the eyes. A small nose and mouth complete most of the face.

If you draw the body too, keep the arms and legs simple and use dark shapes rather than worrying about fur texture.

35. Duck

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A duck is another good animal for beginners.

Draw an oval or circle for the head and a larger rounded shape for the body. Add a flat bill, wing, and small eye.

You can put two feet underneath or draw a few curved water lines to make your duck look like it’s swimming.

36. Dragonfly

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A dragonfly’s long body makes this drawing easier than it might seem.

Draw a small head and a thin, segmented body. Then add four wings, with two wings extending from each side of the upper body.

A real dragonfly has six legs, but for a quick doodle you can keep them very small and let the wings be the main feature.

37. Stegosaurus

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The plates along its back make a stegosaurus easy to recognize.

Sketch the large body first, then add a small head, four legs, and a long tail. Place a row of triangular plates along the back.

Finish with several spikes near the end of the tail.

38. Monkey

Start with the monkey’s face rather than the whole body.

Use a circle for the head, smaller rounded shapes for the ears, and a lighter curved area around the mouth.

Add the body with simple arms and legs, then give your monkey a long curling tail and a cheerful expression.

Easy Pencil Sketches of People and Fashion

Faces, hair, hands, and clothing can look difficult at first. The trick is to draw the general shape before worrying about smaller details.

39. Cute Dress

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If you like fashion drawings, a simple dress is an easy place to start.

Sketch the neckline and shoulders first, narrow the shape toward the waist, and let it widen again for the skirt.

Then have fun with the details. Pleats, ruffles, bows, pockets, hearts, and belts can completely change the style.

40. Cute Girl

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Keep the face simple rather than aiming for a realistic portrait.

Start with a rounded head shape and add the hairstyle around it. Draw the eyes, a small nose, and a simple mouth.

After that, use a few lines for the neck, shoulders, and clothing. You can change the hair and outfit to make the character your own.

41. Anime Eyes

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Anime-style eyes are a fun way to practice expression.

Begin with the curved upper eyelid, then add the lower edge of the eye. Make the iris fairly large and leave one or two small white highlights inside.

Darken the upper lash line and add eyelashes as needed.

Try changing the eyebrow and eyelid shapes to create happy, surprised, angry, or sleepy expressions.

42. Nose

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You don’t need a dark outline around an entire nose.

Draw a very light guideline, then add small curves for the nostrils and the bottom of the nose.

Use gentle shading along one side and underneath to create form. Starting lightly is especially helpful here because strong lines can make a nose look flatter.

43. Braid

A braid becomes easier once you understand the repeating pattern.

Draw a light guideline showing the direction you want the braid to follow. Add overlapping curved sections on alternating sides, gradually making them smaller toward the end.

Finish with a hair tie, bow, beads, or a few loose strands.

44. Hands

Hands have a reputation for being difficult, so don’t expect perfection on your first attempt.

Begin with a basic shape for the palm and use light lines to plan where each finger will go. Build the finger shapes around those guidelines afterward.

Keeping your own hand nearby as a reference can be surprisingly helpful.

45. Mouth

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Start by lightly marking the center line between the lips.

Create the upper lip with a small dip in the middle, followed by a softer curve underneath for the lower lip.

Instead of outlining everything heavily, use a little shading around the corners and underneath the lower lip to suggest form.

46. Ballerina Shoes

Ballet shoes are a nice fashion drawing because they use long, graceful shapes.

Sketch two slipper-like shapes, then add the opening at the top of each shoe.

Draw long ribbons extending upward. You can cross them around the ankles or finish them with small bows.

47. Woman’s Face

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Start with an oval and use very light guidelines before adding the features.

A vertical line can help you find the middle of the face, while a horizontal line helps position the eyes.

Add the nose, mouth, eyebrows, ears, and hair only after the basic proportions look right. Light shading can add dimension without making the drawing overly complicated.

Cool Easy Drawings: Space, Nature and Scenes

Want something that looks a little more impressive? These easy sketches combine several simple shapes into a complete subject or miniature scene.

48. Spaceship

Less than five minutes for a spaceship? Keep the design simple and it’s definitely possible.

Start with the main shape of the ship or rocket. Once you have that, add windows, wings, and engine exhaust.

The background is where you can have fun. Add stars, asteroids, a nearby planet, or even a tiny alien flying alongside it.

49. UFO

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A UFO is one of those drawings where you can invent the design as you go.

Draw a wide oval for the lower part and place a smaller dome on top. Add several lights underneath.

Stars, planets, an alien, or a beam of light can turn your simple UFO into a complete space scene.

50. Camping Area

Here’s an easy drawing when you want to create a little scene instead of one object.

Start with a simple triangular tent. Add pine trees nearby, then place mountains, stars, or a moon in the background.

If you have extra room, include a campfire or tiny figures outside the tent.

51. Rose

A rose can look complicated, but you don’t have to draw every petal realistically.

Begin with a small spiral or curled shape near the center. Build loose, overlapping petals around it, making them larger as you move outward.

Add a stem and a couple of leaves. Slightly uneven petals often make a rose look more natural.

52. Eiffel Tower

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The Eiffel Tower is a fun choice when you want to practice straight lines and symmetry.

Start with two long diagonal lines that become narrower toward the top. Connect them with horizontal sections and add the recognizable pointed peak.

For a quick version, concentrate on the silhouette rather than trying to reproduce every beam in the real structure.

53. Planets

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There are no rules saying your planets have to look like the real solar system.

Draw circles of different sizes, add a ring around one, and give the others stripes, craters, spots, or unusual patterns.

Fill the gaps with stars and tiny dots, then use whatever colors you like to create your own imaginary space.

54. Astronaut

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Begin with the helmet because it gives you a simple shape around which to build the rest of the drawing.

Add the spacesuit underneath using basic shapes for the body, arms, and legs.

A large visor, backpack, gloves, and boots will make the character recognizable. Finish with a few stars or planets in the background.

55. Nature in a Triangle

First draw one large triangle.

Inside it, sketch a few mountains with zigzag or angled lines. Add small trees toward the bottom and place a sun or moon in the sky.

Keeping everything contained inside the triangle gives this simple landscape a clean, finished look.

56. Chimney

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A chimney works well as part of a small house or roof drawing.

Start with two diagonal lines for the roof and add a tall rectangle coming from one side. A few horizontal and vertical lines can create a brick pattern.

Finish with soft curved smoke lines coming from the top.

Easy Character Drawings

Familiar characters are fun to sketch because a few recognizable features can do most of the work. Keep your drawing simple instead of trying to reproduce every detail.

57. Zombie

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A cartoon zombie doesn’t need to be frightening or complicated.

Start with the head and body, then add uneven eyes, a crooked mouth, and messy hair.

Torn edges on the clothing can give it more of an undead look. You can also experiment with green, gray, or purple if you decide to add color.

58. Pikachu

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Pikachu is recognizable from just a few important shapes.

Begin with the rounded head and long pointed ears. Add the eyes, small nose, mouth, and round cheek shapes.

Draw a simple body underneath and finish with the familiar lightning-shaped tail.

59. Doraemon

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Start with Doraemon’s large round head.

Place two oval eyes near the top, then add the round nose, wide mouth, and whiskers.

Continue with the round body, belly area, collar, and bell. Keeping the shapes large and clean will make the character easier for beginners to draw.

60. Mickey Mouse

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Three circles give you the foundation for a very simple Mickey Mouse drawing.

Use one large circle for the head and two smaller circles for the ears. Then lightly plan the facial area before adding the eyes, nose, and smile.

The recognizable ears do much of the work, so the rest of your drawing can stay simple.

61. Little Mermaid

Begin with the head and upper body, then add long flowing hair around the face.

Instead of drawing legs, extend the lower body into a curved mermaid tail and finish it with two fins.

Bubbles, shells, waves, or tiny fish can help create an underwater scene if you have a little more time.

62. Hello Kitty

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Hello Kitty is another character built from simple shapes.

Draw a wide rounded head with two pointed ears. Add two oval eyes, a small nose, and three whiskers on each side.

Finish with the bow near one ear. You can stop with the face or add a small body underneath.

Easy Holiday and Seasonal Drawings

Keep these ideas for Christmas, Easter, Halloween, fall, or any time you’re filling a seasonal sketchbook page.

63. Laughing Santa

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Begin with Santa’s face and build the fluffy details around it.

Add the hat, round nose, bushy eyebrows, and curved closed eyes to give him a laughing expression.

A large mustache and beard can be made from overlapping curved lines rather than drawing individual hairs.

64. Christmas Tree

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What better way to get into the holiday spirit than with a quick Christmas tree?

Build the tree from a few triangle-like sections that become wider toward the bottom. Add a small trunk underneath.

Now decorate it however you like—with ornaments, candy canes, lights, presents, or a star on top.

65. Gingerbread Man

Start with the familiar gingerbread person outline using rounded shapes for the head, arms, and legs.

Add two eyes, a smile, and several buttons.

Icing lines along the arms and legs, a bow tie, candy, or sprinkles can give your gingerbread character a little more personality.

66. Christmas Penguin

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Use the same simple oval body you would use for an ordinary penguin.

Add the lighter belly, flippers, eyes, and small beak. Then give your penguin something festive.

A Santa hat, scarf, gift, candy cane, or a few snowflakes can quickly turn it into a Christmas drawing.

67. Candy Cane

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The classic candy cane shape is easy to draw with two parallel curved lines.

Once the outline is finished, add diagonal stripes from top to bottom.

Traditional red and white works, of course, but there’s nothing stopping you from inventing your own colors and patterns.

68. Easter Bunny

Start with the bunny’s head and two long ears.

Add simple eyes, a small nose, whiskers, and a rounded body. Tiny paws and a fluffy tail finish the basic drawing.

For an Easter version, place an egg, basket, flower, or carrot beside the bunny.

69. Pumpkin

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Draw a large oval, then use several curved vertical lines to divide it into rounded sections.

Add a short stem at the top and a leaf or vine if you want more detail.

You can keep it as a fall pumpkin or turn it into a jack-o’-lantern by adding eyes, a nose, and a funny or spooky mouth.

70. Spooky Ghost

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A ghost is one of the easiest Halloween drawings you can try.

Make a large upside-down U shape for the head and body, then use several wavy curves along the bottom instead of a straight line.

Add dark eyes and a mouth. Change the expression to make your ghost cute, surprised, angry, or spooky.

Tips for Making Any Drawing Easier

Even a complicated subject becomes easier once you learn to break it into smaller shapes.

1. Look for basic shapes first. Before you start drawing details, ask yourself whether you can see circles, ovals, rectangles, triangles, or simple curves in the subject.

2. Draw lightly at the beginning. Light guidelines are easier to erase and adjust. Once you’re happy with the overall shape, go back over the lines you want to keep.

3. Work from large to small. Get the main outline right before adding tiny features, textures, patterns, or shading.

4. Use references. There’s nothing wrong with looking at an image while you practice. A reference can help you understand proportions, shapes, and details you might otherwise miss.

5. Don’t add every detail. Sometimes the simplest version of an object is also the most recognizable.

6. Try the drawing again. Your second attempt will often feel easier because you already know which part gave you trouble the first time.

7. Change something. Once you’ve followed an example, draw it again with a different expression, pose, color, pattern, or background. That’s a simple way to move from copying a practice reference toward developing your own ideas.

And if something looks a little uneven, that doesn’t mean the drawing has failed. Small differences are part of hand-drawn art.

Easy Drawing FAQs

1. What is the easiest thing to draw for a beginner?

Objects made from a few basic shapes are usually the easiest place to start. Try a sun, moon, lollipop, donut, diamond, cloud, simple flower, or cartoon face.

Once you’re comfortable with those, move on to animals and other subjects that combine several shapes.

2. What can I draw in five minutes?

For a very quick drawing, try a smiling sun, sleeping moon, lollipop, donut, shooting star, bandage, watermelon slice, diamond, cupcake, or pair of glasses.

Keeping the drawing small and limiting the amount of shading and detail will help you finish faster.

3. What are some easy pencil drawings for beginners?

Flowers, simple faces, eyes, braids, animals, cups, landscapes, and geometric objects all make good beginner pencil drawings.

Use light lines for your first sketch and darken them only when you’re happy with the shape.

4. What are some easy line drawings to try?

Simple line drawings include eyeglasses, stars, moons, flowers, cups, houses, leaves, hearts, and basic animal outlines.

Try making the drawing with as few lines as possible. It’s a useful exercise for learning which parts of a subject are most important.

5. What should I draw when I don’t know what to draw?

Instead of searching for one perfect idea, choose a category.

Draw an animal, food, character, object in your room, something outside your window, or one of the ideas on this page.

You can even close your eyes, scroll through this list, and draw whichever idea you land on.

6. Do I need special drawing pencils?

No. A regular No. 2 or HB pencil is enough for these beginner drawings.

If you become more interested in pencil shading later, you can experiment with softer and harder graphite pencils. But special supplies aren’t necessary when you’re learning.

7. Should beginners draw in pencil or color?

Starting in pencil is often easier because you can erase and adjust your lines.

Once you’re comfortable with the basic drawing, add colored pencils, markers, crayons, or paint if you want.

8. How can I make a simple drawing look better?

Pay attention to the overall shape first.

Once that looks right, choose just a few extra details—perhaps some shading, highlights, texture, a pattern, or a little color.

You don’t have to fill every empty area. A clean, simple drawing can look just as finished as a detailed one.

9. Is it okay to use another drawing as a reference while practicing?

References can be very helpful when you’re learning. They allow you to study proportions, shapes, line direction, and details that you might not notice from memory.

As you improve, try combining references or changing details rather than making every drawing exactly the same as the example.

What to Draw Next

Finished a few of these? Keep going with the subjects you enjoyed most.

If you liked the cute nature ideas, explore our mushroom drawing ideas for more whimsical sketches.

For something especially simple and perfect for doodling, browse our easy heart drawing ideas.

And if your biggest challenge is deciding what to sketch in the first place, check out our collection of easy things to draw when you’re bored.

You don’t have to finish dozens of drawings in one sitting. Pick one or two ideas, practice them a couple of times, and come back whenever you feel like drawing again.

The more often you sketch, the easier it becomes to recognize simple shapes inside more complicated subjects.

Grab your pencil and choose your next one.