Do you need an axolotl logo, or any type of axolotl graphic? I've got you covered—in this tutorial I'll show you how to draw an axolotl step by step using a very simple process. You can follow it even if you're a total beginner!
What You'll Learn in This Axolotl Illustration Tutorial
- How to draw an axolotl step by step
- How to draw a cute axolotl illustration
- How to create a base for an axolotl logo or graphic
What You'll Need
Regardless of what medium you're using, you're going to need two tools: one for making light, subtle marks (hard pencil), and one for making more definitive, darker lines (softer pencil, pen, ink liner). Optionally, you can also use a wider, light tool for shading (marker, watercolors). But if you only have a pencil, that's fine, too—you'll just need to press harder to create those final lines.
1. How to Draw an Axolotl's Body
Step 1
Sketch the flat, oval head. Keep it on the upper left side of the paper, to leave plenty of space for the body. For now, use the lighter tool and keep the lines as subtle as possible.
Step 2
Sketch the torso with a nice, smooth curve. It should be slightly bigger than the head.
Step 3
Connect the torso with the head to create the neck (or the lack thereof!).
Step 4
Draw the curve of the tail, as an elongation of the torso. Make it about as long as the rest of the body.
Step 5
Draw the lower part of the tail now, starting from the bottom and then connecting it to the previous line to create a tapered end.
Step 6
To make the body look more three-dimensional, you can add curves marking the midline of the body, as well as curves crossing that midline. This will help you add the other features later.
2. How to Draw an Axolotl's Head
Step 1
To draw the cute, flat muzzle, first attach a small circle to the front of the head.
Step 2
To make the muzzle flatter and more upturned, add an even smaller circle to the previous one.
Step 3
Draw the curve of the mouth now. Start with a simple smile on the front.
Step 4
Curve that smile down for a moment...
Step 5
... then curve it up again to finish the smiling expression.
Step 6
To give the eyes a happy look, don't just draw them as circles—instead, draw a little bow...
Step 7
... and then close the outline of the eye with a little curve similar to the smile (in the up-down-up rhythm).
Step 8
To make sure you get the position of the gills right, sketch their base first: mark the 3D surface of the head with a curve, and then place three small ovals along it—one close to the top of the head, one close to the corner of the mouth, and one between them.
Step 9
Sketch the gills now—longer on the right, and shorter (covered by the head) on the left. Make them thick and rounded on the tips.
3. How to Draw an Axolotl's Legs and Fins
Step 1
To attach the limbs to the body, first mark their position and thickness with small circles: one behind the cheek, and one between the torso and the tail.
Step 2
Attach curves to these circles (and their imaginary counterparts on the left). Finish these curves with bottom-flattened ovals. This is the easiest way to create cute, stubby legs.
Step 3
Add small curves between these lines and the circles, to finish the shape of each leg.
Step 4
Add short, stubby toes. Three toes look the cutest, but if you want to be more realistic, add four toes to the front legs and five to the hind legs.
Step 5
Add long, flowing lines over and under the tail to create a big, wide fin. It should reach over the torso in the upper part.
Step 6
Add some frills to the gills. This is optional, and you can skip it if you're going for a simplified look.
4. How to Finish Your Axolotl Illustration
Step 1
Now, draw over all the lines that you want to keep, ignoring the ones that are only a part of the guide lines. For example, you can draw a short line between the muzzle and the head, without accentuating the two circles it was constructed from. The curves on the torso can also be used to create the folds on the belly.
Step 2
Take your darker tool now and accentuate the main lines some more. Adding a variety of thicknesses (e.g. making the lines thicker in places where two lines meet) will make the line art look prettier and more finished.
Step 3
You can do it a couple of times, making certain sections of the lines thicker and darker, until you achieve the style you're most happy with.
Step 4
Optionally, you can add a subtle shading under the body. You can carefully erase the guide lines before that, or leave them if you like how they look.
Good Job!
Now you know how to draw an axolotl step by step! I hope you enjoyed the process a lot, and make sure to check out our other drawing tutorials—you can find recommendations at the end of this article.
Recommended Axolotl Graphics for Design
If you need an axolotl logo or any type of axolotl graphic, you can check out these resources for Envato Elements!
Hand Drawn Cute Axolotl Illustration Design [AI, EPS, PDF, SVG, JPG, PNG]
If you need a vector axolotl, this set contains the whole six of them—all drawn by hand in a cute but not simplistic style. They're detailed enough to count as axolotl illustrations, but you can also use them as general-purpose graphics.
Cute Axolotl Waving Hand Illustration Cartoon [AI, EPS, JPG, PNG, SVG]
This axolotl design is simpler, so it would be perfect for an axolotl logo. It's customizable, so you can easily change the colors if you have a slightly different idea for your axolotl vector graphic.
Cute Axolotl Swimming Illustration Cartoon [AI, EPS, JPG, PNG, SVG]
This is another variation of the previous axolotl design, picturing a more dynamic pose and a slightly different shading. And it's just as cute!
Wildlife and Sealife Icons [SVG, PNG]
This set contains much more than an axolotl graphic, so if your project calls for more resources in the same style, you may really like this pack. These graphics are very minimalist, making them perfect for icons and logos.
Under the Sea Elements Collection [AI, EPS, PNG]
If you need something more detailed, this set contains 23 illustrations of marine life, including an axolotl illustration. You can create a beautiful pattern out of them, or use them for a more eye-catching type of logo.
Recommended Tutorials
Now you know how to create your own axolotl design, but what about other animals? If this is something you're into, you must check out our other animal drawing tutorials—we have so many of them, and here are just a few suggestions:
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